6 replies to this topic

[MrsFreckle]

Advertisement

I've had IBS for a few years. Although I haven't started treating it until recently. My gastro doc told me to take Immodium and gave me 2 prescriptions I never really use because they seem to make my bowel movements looser: Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine. In the past year it has gotten horrible! I am currently going through a long flair up. I can't seem to stop it! I take Immodium. I'm eating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers. But it's hard. What do y'all do to stop your flair ups? How long do they last? Does anyone else get super depressed like me when they are going through this? And does anyone else take those 2 medications listed above with success? Sorry, lots of questions. This is my first post and I'm just wanting to know I'm not alone out there. Because quite often, it feels that way.

[jmc09]

Ive found antispasmodics like the ones you've mentioned to be useless and actually made things worse in my case.Have you tried imodium or calcium?

[BQ]

Try upping your imodium maybe or changing when you take it and or supplementing it with Calcium Carbonate supplements. I used to take the imodium preventatively WITH meals also with an anti gas product to prevent the cramping that can sometimes happen with imodium. Do not undereat or skip meals as that can make the D worse.Talk to your Dr about the depression.. there is no reason to suffer with it. Anyone with a chronic illness can experience it. So get yourself some treatment.Also if you have been having severe D for awhile your gut bacterial balance may be off... So using a good probiotic may help restore that balance. If one type of probiotic doesn't help try a different one with different bacterial strains. (See the labels).

[LisaW]

I've had IBS for a few years. Although I haven't started treating it until recently. My gastro doc told me to take Immodium and gave me 2 prescriptions I never really use because they seem to make my bowel movements looser: Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine. In the past year it has gotten horrible! I am currently going through a long flair up. I can't seem to stop it! I take Immodium. I'm eating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers. But it's hard. What do y'all do to stop your flair ups? How long do they last? Does anyone else get super depressed like me when they are going through this? And does anyone else take those 2 medications listed above with success? Sorry, lots of questions. This is my first post and I'm just wanting to know I'm not alone out there. Because quite often, it feels that way.

[LisaW]

Look up Patsy Catsos website ibsfreeatlast.com She explains all about the Fodmaps diet which has helped thousands of IBS-D patients. I have followed that diet as well as have gone gluten free. My diet change really helped me along with Librex (you can only get the generic form here in the U.S)Good luck

[Kimann]

So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I have had IBS for over 20 years and I still have bad times too. I am going through a so-so time right now. I take Effexor, an antidepressant. It helps some. If I don't take it, then I can't seem to make it to the bathroom in time. It seems to calm my gut down. I also take Hyoscyamine. It seems to help some. It works better if you keep it in your system. I take the Immodium in the morning sometimes if I'm not feeling right. Sometimes I take 1/2 and it does ok. I also listen to relaxation CDs. One that I really like is Drifting Downstream Guided Relaxation For Stress Reduction by Dr. Kimeron Hardin, and Music for Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit by Steven Halpern. I got them from Amazon.com. Nothing seems to help all the time. That's the problem with IBS. It's so different for everyone. I noticed you eat bananas. I can't eat them. I also have quit drinking sodas and I drink lactose free milk. I think those two things have helped some. I hope you can find something to help you soon. Just remember that you are not alone.

[IT HAS 2 GET BETTER]

gluten free was the most helpful ! dairy free , & very little sugar also helps me and light exercise which is healing and helps the depression. i did what you were doing years ago, malnourished myself with no real good foods because i was scared of them or they made things worse like veg's and fruits. i lived on toast, crackers and applesauce mostly too when sick , when i went on elimination diet and started good probiotics (took out all gluten, etc.) a few weeks later i had the most formed bM since i could remember. so i advocate diet,probiotics & an outlet for stress i exercise and get acupuncture. good luck . FLARES WILL END even though they seem like they wont ...ever. hope you see relief soon!