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[katiebabe]

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Hi all,I suposse I would really like to hear from people who have/are suffereing from pinfectious ibs. I think general ibs and postinfect ibs are very different in nature and pattern.I just wondered if ppl with pinfectious ibs have ever tried homopathic medicine?I feel I've exhausted my gastro- he hasn't tried anything with me for months now and so I've turned to a homopathic lady for help. I am desperate for some relief.I was wondering if anyone has tried it? And found it beneficial?She tells me I have a bacterial infection that's been the corse of all my symptoms and still hasn't left the body after a year- which is why I haven't had any relief.I suposse this would make sense given symptoms.Has anyone else been told they have a bacterial infection that's caused all of their symptoms?I've been having back pain for the last 6months and she explained how these things can eventually effect your bones from the toxins etc. Thanks for readingKate

[katiebabe]

?? :-( xx

[Kathleen M.]

Usually Post infectious IBS no one says that the bacteria is still there and hasn't cleared, at least in the science/medical world.Usually post-infectious means your body responded to the infection with the full force of the immune system and there was damage done to the body in the course of clearing it out and the damage hasn't healed.GI infection and the damage from it is a common reason people have IBS, this is not a surprising thing, but not something that a everyone gets spelled out. It is just how most IBS starts. There is an environmental trigger and GI infections are one of them.Not sure how well homeopathy works for IBS but I know some people here say it helped them.No idea about the toxin getting into the bone theory, don't see much of that in the medical lit, but maybe that is the homeopathic theory of how disease occurs and it wouldn't be what scientists and doctors look for.

[Cheryl1967]

I have post infectious IBS, started just after Christmas last year and has progressively gotten worse. I mentioned to you b4 about acetylcholine causing the back pain. A couple of years ago I took Benedryl for approximately 3 months for allergies (Benedryl is an anticholinergic as well as an antihistamine) I started having anticholinergic side effects which scared me to death so I stopped taking it and suffered what is known as "cholinergic rebound". When this IBS thing started I noticed the familiar painful cramping in my back muscles near my shoulder blades and my skin,particularly on my face, became really oily. This happened as well when I suffered the cholinergic rebound. After being diagnosed w/ IBS I did a lot of research about it and found that acetylcholine levels are very high in individuals with IBS and it is also what causes the spasms in the bowel. I also have lower back and tailbone pain which is common with IBS. That "fecal body odor" that is mentioned in this forum is NOT fecal. When I suffered the cholinergic rebound I has the same strange body odor as I do now w/ the IBS. It's the oil glands which are effected by acetylcholine. As far as omeopathic medicine is concerned, I tried taking peppermint oil capsules only to end up being allergic to them. I am trying Klaire Labs Interfase Plus, it's a digestive enzyme that is supposed to break down the biofilm in the small intestine created by the bacterial overgrowth and I have ordered Kifir grains which are a powerful probiotic. I read on here that someone used these two products and it cured their IBS. I also started taking 2 cloves of raw garlic everyday because garlic is a natural antibiotic.

[katiebabe]

CherylHi and thankyou for ur explanation.That is so true about inflammation as one quite a few blood tests at the start of my symptoms ther was inflamation markers but not high enuff for inflamatory bowel disease. I wondered why everything would get inflamed, but then all the pain ur in and put two and two together.I would very much like you to keep me posted on how you get on with klaire labs inferface plus- kifir grains and the garlic clover. I will try anything! You do when ur desperate for some relief. I've been told my digestive enzymes arnt working properly and that's why I can't gain weight.Are you from the uk? Kathleen- hi, Thankyou for explaining pi ibs a little bit more. I was aware that it was to do with an infection that has somewhat damaged the functioning of the bowel. The thing I can't believe is that it cannot heal overtime- because my symptoms are extreme and I'm a young girl- its ruining my life and has done for the past year.I can't hold a job down nor socialize with friends 'persides sit in around their house' I can't do sports or activites anymore as I get in too much pain and discomfort. Simple things like being on my feet are often difficult tasks- its so rediculas. I am sore and in pain every evening sat on the couch. My tummy feels constantly inflamed and I get sharp dull, aching pains all the time. As for the bloating its just terrible feel like someone is blowing a balloon up inside my tummy and its pushing against the walls of my stomach along with 15bottles of coke! I just want to sit down most of the day. Then there's the intense burning from my mid to upper back, and the two just seem to play off one another! After tea I often can't get comfort becoz my stomach totally swollen and sore and my backs burning its like pain from the front to the back- the only thing that helps is to lie down.

[Kathleen M.]

PI-IBS often does heal over time, but it is a 2-5 year healing period, not just a week or a month to get back to normal.Nerves don't heal quickly. Sometimes using the mind to help the nerves work around the damage helps, would you consider doing hypnotherapy for IBS? I had great sucess with a different mind-body therapy, but the clinical hypnotherapy is more accessible as there are more practioners and there are versions you can do at home.

[cookies4marilyn]

We have had folks with PI-IBS who have been helped via the hypnotherapy - not a cure, but it did help some with the brain-gut aspects and helped to balance out the pain and motility issues. Take a peek at the links below for info. The IBS Audio Program is one method that you can use at home and this has been helpful - and you can do it as often as you need to and no side effects, so you can do it alongside any other treatments (diet,supplements, etc.) If you have any questions, let me know - happy to help!

[Cheryl1967]

No I don't live in the UK I am in the States. I recently ordered the IBS audio program (just started yesterday) and I know it recommends NOT to do any research about IBS during the hypnotherapy but here I am, my bad? =/ The Klair Labs Interfase Plus is supposed to destroy the bio films that the "bad bacteria" create in the intestines, I also take a probiotic and have recently ordered Kifir grains (ironically someone just posted yesterday about them) I hope all of this helps A Marilyn..thank you so much for all of your information about IBS and the IBS audio program. I am so happy it worked for you

[refuse to live this way]

After 2 GI specialist and 3 hospital stays (actually 4-this happened to me in 2007 as well), I actually have not received a diagnosis from an actual doctor. After investigating everything, I'm going to self diagnose myself with PI-IBS. The first time it happened in 2007, I had been treated for a dental infection with the anti-biotic clindamycin. Although I told the oral surgeon it was making me sick, he said I needed to continue to take it anyway. Since he was doing a biobsy on my gums and gave me the indication it could be cancer, I continued to take the antibiotic, although it was making me deathly sick. Needless to say, I ended up in the hospital with typical IBS symptoms, as well as vomiting. The primary doctor I saw at that time did tell me he felt it was a secondary infection caused by the antibiotic.This last spring, 2011, I was being treated for a sinus infection that would not go away. After several attempts with antibiotics I had previously taken with no problem, I was put on one called Levaquin. This one made me really sick again. I was in the hospital for 5 days in May, 2011 and was released after I was able to digest solid food. I continued to be sick with nausea, diarrhea, headache, severe gas, and backache. This went on for several months. During this time I had a colonoscopy done (not sure if this actually caused any problems) but shortly after having it done I ended up back in the hospital with the same symptoms as back in 2007 and May, 2011. This also included 3 ER visits in which they gave me Flagyl to take as an antibiotic. Once again, after being able to hold down solid food, I was released after 5 days. The Flagyl also was making me sick, and within 3 weeks and a couple more ER visits, I was once again admitted to the hospital. This time my white blood count was sky high and I was put in isolation in the hospital. 6 days later after being able to hold down solid food again, I was released again. No actual diagnosis ever given to me.After seeing the GI doctor who had treated me in the hospital and I can't remember how many tests later, I finally decided to get a second opinion. The second GI doctor I drove to Chicago to see, gave me the impression she would have a diagnosis for me in no time. After several more expensive tests, she finally told me she had no further suggestions for me. During this time, not one of the doctors or hospital workers ever suggested probiotics. They just filled me with prescription anti-nausea, and anti-spasmodics. Nothing for the diarrhea or anything else. My primary doctor's nurse finally said, try this probiotic, Floristor, it sounds to me like the antibiotics have killed off all your good bacteria, as well as the bad (if they are actually all gone). Since trying this probiotic last week, and a anti-nausea medication, most (and some days all) of my symptoms have gone. I've had just 2 bouts of diarrhea (one on one day and another on a different day) but have had regular bowel movements on the rest of the days, when I was having 5-6 bouts of diarrhea per day about every other or 3rd day. One a difference, and my nausea has disappeared (which what was making me the sickest). I really hoping that this continues. I went out fishing this weekend, which was the first time I have been out of the house, other then work, when I could make it to work, in the last year. This Nurse is my new hero. My question is, why haven't any of the other medical people suggested probiotics to me? What a waste of money I spent on all the hospital stays and costly test and procedures. I'm wondering if I could sue anyone and get back some of the money I've spent, but I wouldn't know where to start. Anyone who hasn't tried probiotics for PI-IBS, please do, it may change your life back to semi-normal. Hope this might help someone.

[cookies4marilyn]

No problem Cheryl - glad to help. Since I didn't know better back in 2000, I 'lived' on these support boards - every day practically - and it really slowed me down in getting better, but at the time, didn't think about that. As research and time went on, Mike realized that this was happening to some patients, and once we figured that out, and made the suggestion to try to refrain, folks seemed to improve more quickly and long term - of course, then most never came back to the boards to encourage others as they were living their life no longer needing the support boards!!! But I totally understand needing to come here for some TLC and answers - It is normal and part of human nature!

[katiebabe]

Well Ive seen my consultant today and he is at a loss!! 'Gastroenterlogist' so hes sending me for a 3rd opinion!!!!!! To someone else who specializes in this field... gezz it seems noone knows much. Kathleen - Thanks for the info - Ive heard it can take years.. I dont mind it taking a few years (you become very patient!) just so long as it does settle down eventually. My consultant scared me a while ago by saying some people never recover. Yes i would consider hypnotherapy, I will try anything. I have tried cognitive behavioral therapy but had no success. cookies :-) - Thanks for the useful links I will certainly give them a go i will try anything!! Refuse to live this way - I am sorry to hear about your situation... It seems gi docs dont have a clue whats wrong with our guts! I am so glad this probiotic, Floristor worked for you! Thats amazing. I did try them a while back and had no change but i will give them another go.

[Dontgoonholiday]

HI Katie, u may not remember but we spoke some months ago about PI IBS as we have very similar problems.Ironically we seem to be at similar stages (18 months with this) - I'm now 4/5 months into a Homeopath's treatment, one who has said its bacteria/parasites like you've been told, and that treatment could take a long time (1 year has been mentionned), but she is adamant that she can help me - quoting 98% success rates. Unfotunately the first month or 2 i was normal (normal being ill/pain/gas etc etc every hour of every day), felt a little better for a few weeks at about 3 months in then started feeling bad again. This seems to be how mine works, weeks of horror then a few days not so bad, then back to normal - so i have to say so far it hasn't made any difference.Thats not to say I havent read people say it really works for them, so its worth a try. Have you tried any meds to remove the bio film from your gut, as suggested above the klair labs interfase plus thing??? Think its what ill try next, like u Ive tried the CBT and it really didnt help - perhaps a little of how to deal with anxiety attacks but thats it. I've also been given some pills and drink from the homeopath to alkaline up my body, as bacteria grow in acidic environments...Hope u have some luck, we have to be patient so im committed to it for a year then i'll move on.

[screeb]

I'm going to be blunt with you, so sorry in advance. You said that you don't have the time to learn about biological science. That is something a dumb blonde would say. You seem to think the world owes you something since you're a "hot girl." I disagree. Beauty may be truth (Keats) but it is not power. Knowlegde is power. And knowing your enemy (this disease), is the best way to defeat it, (The Art of War--A famous book). You (Katie) don't need to know the nitty-gritty of medicine, but have to know where to throw you're money for maximum benefit. I suggest you find a Digestive Disease Center that does research on "delayed gastric emptying" and ask to be a test subject for a gastroparesis trial. You won't feel comfortable without an expert giving you the diagnosis of gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) or not. If yes, you should try my delayed gastric emptying procedure/treatment, (just follow the YouTube video in my blog). Don't throw your money away on Homeopathic medicine.

[katiebabe]

Dontgoonholiday- hey, yes we have spoken I remember :-) its nice to know someones going through a very similar ordeal.I am thinking positive about the homopathic medicine as I've only just started it and she is also like ur homo doc very positive that she can streat the problem.isn't it strange how gatsro's don't seem to find any basterial infections- wether they are checking for them or not who knows.either way I haven't mentioned to him that I've taken this route as I imagine doctors don't think much of it.I'm the same I will have a few terrible weeks and then a few 'days'that are good. Its so strange.As of yet I haven't tried anything to remove the 'biofilm' I've only just really learned about this stuff through this post,can you get a hold of that stuff in the uk? I wish u the best of luck too :-) keep me posted.ScreebWho are you talking to when your calling someone a blonde bimboo and that they think the world owes them something becoz they are pretty? I do hope your not talking to me, I'm not the brightest button but since having this I've researched high and low into it and have educated myself a lot 'I didn't even know what ur bowels did before!)- plus that's not me on my photo its bridget jones!!I can't recall saying I don't have time to learn about biological science.Why do you think I've got delayed gatsro emptying? Well thanks for warning me not to throw my money away but I don't want to think so negatively just yet as it gets you nowhere.

[cookies4marilyn]

screeb - There is no need for rude comments or personal attacks.

[screeb]

I'm so sorry. I know that sounded horrible, (the blonde thing) but I was just trying to get your attention. I have the symptoms you have and that's why I think you have delayed gastro emptying, (because I have it)! I know, because I've been reading most of your posts, and you did say you didn't have time to do scientific reading and learning, (I don't recall you're exact words). I don't blame you but one shoudn't put nerds down either. I think you have to rely on the medical establishment, and I think that by straying into alternative medicine you're taking a chance of wasting your money. Please forgive me for that "dumb blonde" comment. It's really not true.

[katiebabe]

I am shocked. All what you said about me couldn't be further from the truth.this is the problem with talking to people over the internet things are taken and twisted.When I said something along the lines of not having time to do scienfic reading I was more than likely referring to the fact that I am artistic and I am not that way inclined- I do read and will continue to but I find it all very difficult to understand 'bio science that is'. I would never put nerds down? I envy them- plus I would never call people nerds.I don't have much faith in doctors because they have passed me around like a parcel- and have often looked at me like they think I'm making it all up!

[screeb]

I'm sorry about accusing you of putting down nerds, especially if you meant it in the context described above. I guess after having worked so hard on my cure for 20 years, I'm too sensitive, and perhaps a bit too annoyed by (other people's) harmless comments. What I said was horrible and if I could take it back, I would. In fact I'm going to stay off of the boards for a few weeks at least. Sorry.

[Dontgoonholiday]

Hi again Katie, Not sure if u can get the bio film meds in the uk, I'm exactly the same as u as I've only heard of them thru this post. I'll ask my GI specialist, and if I get anywhere I'll let u know. As for gastroparesis, from what I've read this is diagnosed by endoscopy which we've both had - plus I don't think we have some of the symptoms - vomitting for example. Would this suggest it's not this condition-perhaps screebs u cud answer that?

[screeb]

Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) is measured by a radio-isotope label put into one's food. The radioisotope that I used was Technetium-99, and a series of x-rays are made over a period of 4 hours. Gastro-paresis is and is not associated with vomiting, (cases vary). I get tired after I eat and my blood pressure goes up. An endoscopy is one of a series of tests done, ussually early on and in my case all it found was bile in my stomach, (probably from bile acid reflux, associated with gastroparesis). This the GI doc said, is what was causing my stomach pains. The radio-isotope test is the last test done in the series. If it comes back negative, one's condition is called functional dyspepsia, if positive then it's gastroparesis.