Most Liked Content

Ideal IBSgroup members:

• Ask questions to help learn about IBS
• Welcome new members to the community
• Share their opinion with others in a considerate way
• Respect confidential information and don't transmit other members' information outside the IBSgroup community without their permission
• Enjoy healthy debate on the forum but stick to the argument rather than making comments directed at an individual
• Check in on other members, make sure they're okay
• Share personal experiences without trying to provide too much medical advice
• Give feedback to IBSgroup about improvements, questions, or comments about the community

 

Linda - This is for those who keep asking about the calcium, I have brought up your original post - if there is anything you want to update or change, then just post this entry and cut and paste it into the reply, and I will remove this section - I am going give this topic link to those who inquire. If you want to make a new thread yourself - please feel free and I can delete this one - I am wondering, since we have so many inquiries about the calcium - would you or the folks here like me to make this a featured thread at the top? Just let me know! ~ Marilyn ===========================================This is what has helped me for more than 7 years (since 1998) with almost daily attacks of urgent DIARRHEA. Calcium is known to be constipating so if you are that IBS type do not take it. Here is the what and how to take the calcium information if you suffer from DIARRHEACalcium is an OTC supplement we all do not usually get enough of. No Rx needed to purchase this.When you take calcium about 40% of the dose gets to the bones the rest is eliminated in our waste. The calcium goes to the intestines and soaks up excess fluids and binds them together and they are gotten rid of in our waste.This is a process that can be continued by taking the calcium carbonate on a regular basis thus giving a more formed BM.There is calcium carbonate which helps us with DIARRHEA and there is calcium citrate which is more easily absorbed by the body and gets to the bones.A lot of the calcium supplements contain a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium. Magnesium is not helpful for us with DIARRHEA only causing more in most cases. So do not purchase this combination. It will only make things worse.The dose to take is different for everyone. I must take 3 a day one at each meal and it does not make a difference if I take it before during or after just take it regularly.The most success has come for using any formula of calcium supplement that is like Caltrate 600 Plus with Vitamin D and Minerals in the purple and white box. I hope this will help anyone wishing to try it and I am always here to answer any questions for you. I have a lot of feed back form many users.There are other things to consider. If you take any other meds check the side effects and also check with the pharmacist to see it taking calcium will interfere with you other medications and how you might take them.The only side effect is at the beginning of taking the calcium you may have some gas or indigestion but this usually goes away soon after taking a regular dose for a few days as your body adjusts to the added calcium.Starting with 1/2 tablet doses with each meal will lessen this problem and it may be enough to control the DIARRHEA attacks without making you constipated. Constipation can be a problem so be careful not to take too much.I had my gall bladder removed in 1976 and from that time on I had suffered urgent attacks of DIARRHEA. Went through a lot of test but nothing else could be found.I took many of the meds for bowel spasms and cramps over the years but nothing ever seemed to help. I started to take a calcium supplement to help prevent bone loss in later years and from the first day I felt relief. I was pretty much a prisoner to the bathroom or had to go without eating to be able to leave the house.I must take 1 tablet with each meal and the DIARRHEA does not come back if I miss taking it I get DIARRHEA.The way it works is the calcium carbonate it a binder and when you take it only about 40% of the calcium gets to the bones and the rest is gotten rid of in our waste. During the process it gets to the intestines and soaks up excess bile and water and helps give a more solid BM. Now that you have no gall bladder the bile fluid goes directly into the intestines and causes irritation and DIARRHEA. The calcium carbonate soaks this up and no more DIARRHEA. It works great for a lot of us and you just have to take the calcium regularly and do not miss. I started with Caltrate 600 Plus with vitamin d and minerals and it does seem to make a difference in the ingredients of calcium... This one seems to do the best job for most. You can buy other store brands of calcium with the same ingredients that work just as well but they need to have the same ingredients. I get Member's Mark Brand from Sam's Club you get 300 tablets for 8.99.Let me know if you need more help.You won't be sorry if you try it. I suggest starting with 1/2 tablet with each meal at first this may be enough to control the diarrhea if not in a few days up the dose to 1 tablet with each meal. The side effect is constipation so if you feel it coming on just cut the dose.It is important to use a calcium that is as much alike as the Caltrate brand. Let me list the ingredients:Vitamin D 200 IUCalcium 500 or 600 MG ( This should be calcium carbonate form)Magnesium 40 MG (No more than this amount because magnesium will cause you to have DIARRHEA but because calcium is constipating the magnesium helps to counter act that effect)Zinc 7.5 MGCopper 1 MGManganese 1.8 MGBoron 250 MCG.There are other brands with the same ingredients so get something as close as you can. Then start with 1/2 tablet with each meal and in a few days if this is not enough to control your DIARRHEA then up the dose to 1 tablet with each meal. If you feel you are becoming constipated the cut back on the dose. It has been working since the first day I started taking it July 1998 and as long as I take 3 a day (this is the amount I must take it may be different for you) I remain DIARRHEA free. No cramps, bloating or DIARRHEA.The dose you take with each meal is not the dose that is helping you at that meal it is the prior ones that have time to works their way through you system to soak up excess bile and water in the intestines.It also works for those of you who still have the gall bladder.It is worth a try.Take Care,Linda edited to change years of success!!===============================

I was diagnosed with IBS-D three years ago after a sudden onset diarrhea. The last year, I have been having pain under my right ribs just at the lower edge of the right rib cage, along the edge of ribs on the rights side. My pain is sometimes dull and sometimes stabbing. When making a sudden move like twisting towards back or if I bend sideways to the right, I sometimes get a stabbing pain unexpectedly. At times, it feels as if there is something under my ribs. Often my entire upper right quadrant is sore as if I had a bruise from something that hit me. Sometimes I can localize the pain at a specific spot, right at the edge of my right ribs sometimes it is more diffuse but still in the general area. It almost feels as if there is a tumor growing in the area. These sypmtoms have been so relentless and so specific that I was convinced that there was something wrong, perhaps with the liver, biliary ducts or gallbladder or even the head of the pancreas. However, my recent MRI came up normal. The reason I am posting this is to let others who have similar symptoms know that despite the unmistakable, persistent, very specific and localizable pain in that area there may be nothing serially wrong with you. I know that I am not imagining my symptoms. This pain may be due to subclinical low grade inflammation of the large bowel at the hepatic flexure extending towards the right side of the traverse column or a low grade inflamation due to a lingering infection of the large bowel or the Sphincter of Oddi (check out Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction).   Subclinical inflammation does not show up in MRI or even colonoscopies and pill endoscopy. If you are having similar systems don't assume the worse automatically but go get yourself checked. As a side note coffee aggravated my symptoms. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask me any questions about my symptoms. Wishing you all the best.

Hi,

 

This topic isn't about my suffering w/ IBS-D, but rather what I have done to become totally IBS-Free. Best of all without any drugs.

 

A short background, I was a sufferer of IBS-D since birth due to Hirshsprung disease and had part of my large intestines removed. I lived for decades suffering from IBS. Everything on the planet caused IBS then. Vegetables, fruits, milk, fats and oils, raw foods, over-eating, etc. Even not sleeping enough or sleeping on a bad bed or sleeping the wrong way caused D. I felt very held back, fearing to go on any long trips bc of IBS. Even short commutes to school or work can sometimes get intolerable. On a good day, I had gas, maybe even lots of it. On a bad day, it’ll be IBS-D, and it’ll go on for days or even weeks. Twice in my life in my twenties, I had it so bad, I literally had clear soups only for 3 months straight, each time. Everything I ate then triggered a BM. Embarrassed to talk about it, I kept it mostly to myself and close friends and family. It affected my life, my health, my confidence in myself, my sleep, my emotions… literally everything. I felt totally bound by my problems. As I got older, things only got worse, which is to be expected from a normal person’s perspective.

 

Over the years, I have tried all kinds of medicines (western, eastern, acupuncture, meditation, etc.) but they only address the symptoms and couldn’t prevent another bout of IBS. Also, they didn’t always work.

 

It wasn’t until a few years ago someone mentioned to me that my digestive troubles was probably due to lack of enzymes. I didn’t even realize that my condition was called IBS. It was then that things started to change. I discovered enzymes (that I take w/ every meal) and probiotics, and things got better. Then I discovered that taking calcium pills could improve my condition as well. Over the course of the years, I found out that making my overall diet more alkaline would be better for my digestion. Things improved tremendously, but I was not IBS-D free yet. If I ate something slightly greasy, or too acidic, then back to the loo I go.

 

It wasn’t until one day, by a stroke of great luck while shopping in Amazon, the site recommended alkaline drops to me. Curious and seeing the alkaline connection w/ the rest of my diet, I decided to buy a bottle of the alkaline drops to try, since it wasn’t expensive. I also bought a copy of the book “Reverse Aging” by Sang Whang. My life was never the same again. I have found the root cause of my IBS-D suffering all these years – alkaline deficiency.

 

Through this book by Sang Whang and other research I’ve done, I’ve realized that the human blood is generally alkaline at 7.4 ph. However, most of our modern diet consists of acidic foods (such as proteins and fats). Any proteins that go undigested becomes uric acid. What do you need in your body to neutralize the acids? You need alkaline minerals. How does this relate to IBS-D? The enzymes are produced in the small intestines, which are used for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Enzymes are also alkaline, which means the body needs a supply of alkaline minerals to produce the enzymes. If the intestines lack enzymes, indigestion (such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea) occurs. Another function of the enzymes is to neutralize the stomach acids. If the foods from the stomach, combined w/ stomach acids aren’t neutralized, indigestion will also occur... and IBS-D.

 

To further complicate this system, if your body is using all of its alkaline minerals to neutralize acids in the bloods such lactic acids (from working out) and other acidic wastes, acids from food and drinks (sodas [ph 3.5]), where will it get any more alkaline minerals from to produce any enzymes? The body has already depleted its supply of alkaline minerals and has become a candidate for IBS-D.

 

To solve the alkaline mineral deficient body, you will need to maintain an alkaline diet consisting of lot of vegetables (green ones are best) and supplements (such as probiotics, enzymes, and alkaline water supplements). The other thing to do is to decrease your intake of acidic foods (not including citrus [vitamin C is alkaline after digestion]). Eliminate softdrinks from the diet. Sodas w/ a ph of 4 will require equal amounts of food/drink w/ ph of 10 to bring the overall ph back to a 7. So you see, everything in the universe equalizes. Hope you can understand the crash course in the body’s ph and it’s effect in IBS-D. There are plenty of books and articles out there that discusses alkaline diets.

 

Since discovering all of this in the last 3 years, I have been totally IBS-D free. I’ve only introduced alkaline water into my diet for 1 year now, but that to me made the biggest difference. In the past 6 months, I’ve had diarrhea maybe only 3-4 times for short durations and it’s mainly due to exhaustion and bad foods. That is something any normal person experiences. Also, my BM in the past year since using alkaline water is the best that I’ve ever had in my life, and I also don’t get gassy just because. I never knew what it was like to feel normal in more than 40 years until now. These days, I eat very healthy, but I also broadened my diet eating foods I would never eat before. I eat fried foods regularly now in moderation (just cravings), but I would not have dared to eat it in the past. I eat fruits and vegetables all the time now, but I could never have done that even 5 years ago before I discovered the truth. There is hope. It worked for me and I know it will work for others like me.

 

Plan of action:

1. One 10 oz cup of water first thing in the morning w/ 3 drops of alkaline drops. Take w/ 1 probiotics pill. Do not eat any foods.

2. If you don’t eat right away, have a second cup of water or tea w/ another 3 drops of alkaline drops. Again, do not eat foods w/ alkaline water. This is probably all you will need – total 6 alkaline drops in a day. This is how much I use these days.

3. Have your alkaline meals w/ an enzyme pill.

4. No sodas. Drink non-carbonated or non-acidic drinks.

 

I do not recommend drinking alkaline water w/ foods only bc the stomach should be acidic when you eat for normal digestion. My personal experience when using alkaline water w/ foods was that food in the stomach digested so slowly (probably due to lack of stomach acids), I developed nausea and heachache. When the alkaline water is consumed on an empty stomach, it will get absorbed quickly and buffer the alkalines in the body for later use, w/o side effects. That is most ideal from my experience. You can drink alkaline water whenever the stomach is empty, but for me these day, 6 alkaline drops in 2 glasses of liquids would be enough for a day’s use.

 

If you work out, taking electrolyte capsules will help reduce the lactic acid buildup. Adding a few alkaline drops into your water (again, use on an empty stomach) would help. This goes into the big picture to prevent IBS-D during your intense workouts. It used to happen to me all the time after a workout, but rarely these days. I did look into blogs and found that getting D during races is quite common, so again, there is some connection there. Avoid acidic electrolyte drinks. The don’t prevent cramping and the acid is terrible for someone w/ IBS-D.

 

Whether to use alkaline drops or ionizing machines is personal choice. I own both, but personally, I prefer the drops due to its low cost and 6 drops per day can last for months on a bottle. Ionizing machines are expensive to own and maintain.  I can also travel w/ the bottle, and keep separate bottles at different locations, such as at work.

 

I realize that every person is different - what works for me might not necessarily work entirely for others. This is where it’s important to listen to your body. If your body reacts w/ certain foods, it is either bc the there is a problem w/ the food, or something is missing from the equation, such as the lack of enzymes. For example, while citrus fruits and apples are alkalizing once digested, getting them digested can be a challenge w/o enzymes in your system. Also, each person’s body might produce more of one type of enzyme and less of others. Lacking lactose enzymes means that it can be difficult to digest dairy. Know what enzymes you need would help you w/ the different foods you eat.

 

As w/ any problem in life, one must first identify the problem to be able to solve the problem. Once you find out the root of the problem, you will likely your solution. Luckily for me, I was able to discover that in this lifetime. I went through so many year of desperation, wondering why I had to suffer like I did. I had fantasies that somehow one day, I would be normal like other. I kept hoping for the best for some breakthrough medicine or supplement, until finally I just accepted my situation and made the best it. Problem is that as I got older, my digestion only got worse, even though I was more careful w/ my diet. Fortunately, through part diligence, part persistence, and part dumb luck, I was finally able to discover the truth about my own body, mainly by listening to it. Now, I can say that I have been IBS-D free for a year, and hopefully I will never have to look back to my past.  From the period when I first actually identified myself as "IBS-D" in mid-2009 (and started using enzymes) to the period I started alkaline water in beginning of 2012, I'd say it took a rather short time for me to go completely IBS-D free.  Hopefully, those of you reading this will also find the root cause of your digestive problems, and then find your permanent solution too.

 

Feeling liberated at last, I wanted to share my experience.  I used to dream about having normal digestion, now I'm living it.  I feel like I owe it to the community to those who are suffering and desperate like I once was.  At one time, my day was consumed figuring out how to plan my day such as where the nearest toilet was in any emergency, or what to eat to not get sick, and what to actions/medicines to take if I got sick.  Now my days are just focused on my tasks and not on my digestive problems bc I don't have to worry about it. I feel like I can travel anywhere and eat just about anything. I can eat, I can digest, I can absorb, feeling healthier and more energetic. I put on a bit more weight since the change and look better. I feel much more confident. I can openly socialize and have normal relationships, and not have to discuss my problems since I don’t have it anymore. I can go out to eat w/ friends and even be a foodie. I am no longer bound like I was before. I can do more and I feel great. Even if my discovery can prevent sufferings for 1 other person, I would be very happy.  If this works for you, please share your experiences.

 

Good luck and wish everyone all the best.

- Updated on 8/22/2018 -

 

Observations and suggestions to my fellow chronically constipated friends:

 

Hello everyone! I have been an active member here for a few years now and just wanted to pass along some pertinent information that I've learned about IBC-C, aka chronic constipation (or CC for short). I will be going over everything from the “just eat more fiber” theory to surgical procedures, and covering everything in-between that comes to mind. Keep in mind I'm gonna be honest here and not sugarcoat stuff.

 

For those who are new here:

 

Fiber: Most doctors will suggest to eat more fiber to help with your constipation. I grudgingly agree that this should be tried first and foremost, and if it works consider yourselves off the hook. Honestly? You people are REALLY lucky..... But if that doesn't work? This is very common with the CC crowd. I'd say about 80 to 90% of us here find more fiber, both soluble and insoluble, just makes us more constipated. Extra fiber is out of the question for me. I took a doctor-recommended fiber supplement for awhile and it was like trying to pass tree branches, in slow motion. Screw that. So if after a few days extra fiber doesn't work, try no extra fiber at all. Zilch. (Easy enough.)

 

Water: You can also try drinking more water, but for me? Drinking more water did nothing for my constipation and just made me pee more. Not good when you're at work all day. In theory lots of water should probably help, but for a lot of us it doesn't do squat.

 

Colonoscopy: If you have been chronically constipated for some time now I think it's important to get a colonoscopy, to check for things like blockage, diverticulitis, certain types of cancer(s), whatnot. If you get put to sleep for the procedure your colonoscopy should be a breeze, and I'm not exaggerating. Always ask BEFORE making an appointment if they put you to sleep or just put you on twilight drugs. If they use just twilight drugs? Call someone else, as it's much better to be out for the procedure. 

 

Now to the actual bowel moving process:

 

I suggest waiting until the very last minute (if not second!) to go. Sitting on the toilet and trying to go is not a good idea at all. Good way to get hemorrhoids, or to make them even worse. I also think waiting until you can't wait any longer to go is a good idea because one gets better evacuation that way.

 

Very important:

 

Supplements: If you're currently not taking a supplement every day to help you go to the bathroom, you really, really should. Sad to say but chronic constipation rarely goes away on its own. Don't be stupid, find something that works and take it every day. I tried to tough it out for a long time – probably a year or two - and got horrible hemorrhoids (grade 4, the worst you can get) from trying to go, as nothing much would move inside me. (Note: You can also get rectal prolapse from CC.) I've had two hemorrhoidectomies because of this and recovery afterwards is quite painful. I've tried just about everything and normally take & recommend Dr. Schulze's Intestinal Formula # 1 (I take 2 or 3 regular strength pills daily).

 

http://www.ibsgroup....-can-recommend/

 

Note: The ^above^ link has just about everything I've ever tried to stop my CC.

 

BTW, I'm not paid to plug I.F. # 1. I'm coming up on three years of using it now. It's all herbal and the formula is made by a real doctor. Also, I can eat just about anything I want, as long as I take I.F. # 1 daily.

 

Now you might be thinking, “'Fluffy,' don't you worry that by taking laxatives every day your intestines won't work right after awhile, or you'll get addicted to the laxatives?” ...Something of that nature? Honestly? NO.

 

'Is chronic use of stimulant laxatives harmful to the colon?'

 

My intestines already don't work right and barring a miracle, probably never will again. It's the ugly truth. I don't mean to be a bummer but I've read very few success stories about CC. Usually? With the “I'm cured!” stories? They are still taking a supplement, something to help them go. If you still are taking a supplement and say that you're cured, you're really not cured. What you are is successfully treating your condition. Big difference. Cured in my book means you eat & drink what you want. You're not constipated anymore. You have at least one regular BM per day. You don't take ANY supplements, pharmaceuticals, special drinks/whatnot at all to help you go. You poop like a normal person. You had IBS-C for a long time and now, for whatever reason, it's gone. That's cured.

 

I think the best hope of an actual cure for most of us is either a series of fecal transplants and/or fasting for at least a week on nothing but water. Or both.

 

What else?

 

Chronic fatigue: Don't be surprised if you get really tired after your BM's, and thirsty as all hell. And cold. I always do. “Turn up the heat!” Chronic fatigue is a very common side-effect of CC (as is depression). I usually chew nicotine gum, take super B complex vitamins and half a Sudafed a day for energy. I'd take ephedrine if I could, but it's banned here in the U.S. Go figure. Ban something that is natural and push pharmaceuticals on us. It's all big business. There isn't exactly any ephedrine lobbyists out there now, is there? 

 

Using the bathroom at work: I have read many stories here of people who do not want to use the restroom at work for their bowel movements. I used to be like this too, so much so I was giving myself enemas every morning before work to try to get as much ick out as possible. I almost always have incomplete evacuation (which is normal for those of us who have CC) and would have to go again sometimes at work. You know what? You gotta try to get over it. GO AT WORK. Bring in something to read every time you go like a cell phone or magazine to get your mind off of it. Listen to music if it helps you relax while you're going at work. Giving yourself enemas before work and/or trying to force yourself to go at home before work so you don't have to go while you're at work can get crazy - it's not good. It would also probably be a good idea to sit down and have a brief but serious discussion with your employer and tell them you have IBS and will need to use the bathroom more often than most. I've brought a note in from my doctor at every place I've worked at since I've had CC.

 

Gut flora imbalance: I probably should have added this earlier, but I have never been formerly diagnosed with IBS-C. Regardless, I believe the root cause of my problem (and many others of us here) is an imbalance in our gut flora. Either an overgrowth or undergrowth of one of the many bacterium inside us. You'd think our brains would just say, “Hey... Wait a minute.... somethings not working right in there” and adjust itself/send signals down to our intestines so they'd fix themselves and run smoothly again, but sadly, no - this is just not the case. CC sometimes seems like a generational curse to me. But in reality for me it is simply a case of bad genetics/hereditary and the result of eating (or drinking) so-called health food: I got my CC from changing my diet from regular American food to about two or three months of raw fruit and vegetable smoothies, made in a blender. Yes, health food ruined my intestines... It's rare, but it happens. 

 

Overeating: I really hope if you have IBS that you are not overeating, as it just compounds your digestive problems. Think. Be smart. Eat to live, don't live to eat. 

 

Surgery: Lastly, I have read a few stories here of people who have had major problems with their intestines and/or rectal area. Supplements may work for the short-term, but after awhile? Nothing works. Some people get rectal prolapse, get surgery, then get rectal prolapse again. Some people are told they have twisted or narrow intestines.... Stuff like that. If it gets THAT bad, and for some it does, when nothing much wants to come out anymore no matter what, then one must consider surgical options. (Important note: Even having part of your colon removed doesn't always help.) I know most of us don't like to think about getting a stoma/colostomy, but when you've tried everything, nothing seems to work anymore, you can barely function and your doctor says that is your best option, then you gotta do what you gotta do. There are also other surgical options that I'm not too familiar with, so that's all I'll say about that.

 

Thankfully, most of us with CC won't need to get surgery if we take a supplement every day to help us go.

 

If you have any questions/comments you can post 'em here, on someone else's thread - or - you can always start your own thread if you want to. Don't be shy.

 

“We are all searching for that magic pill.” - Nuffa

 

Good luck to all!

From your IBS-C cyber pal,

Flossy

Note: This post was updated on 2/18/2018. 

 

Hi everybody!

 

I have had chronic constipation for over five years now, give or take. I am also a frequent poster here. Those of you who know me from this board know I’ve tried just about everything to help remedy the situation (see my list on bottom of this post). I’ve been waiting a loooooooooooooooooong time to be able to recommend a product to everyone. Well, I found something I like now (and no, unfortunately I don’t get paid for this, nor any perks for the recommendation): Dr. Schultze’s Intestinal Formula # 1.

 

 

You can find it right here:

 

https://www.herbdoc....a-1-90caps.html

 

Also there is an Intestinal Formula # 1 maximum strength, which I use from time to time too:

 

https://www.herbdoc....mula-1-max.html

 

His website:

 

https://www.herbdoc.com/

 

I’ve been using I.F. # 1 almost 3 years now, every day, and I gotta say usually it's pretty easy to go now. I still cannot evacuate fully like I did in the good old days before IBS-C (that drives me crazy), but these 100% all herbal pills work well. Simply put, it softens up my BM's and I like that!

 

You say, “Can’t I just buy a stool softener and try that?”

 

Sure you can. I used them on & off for many months, but even though it was a bit easier to go it seemed like I couldn’t stop going….. and in SLOW MOTION. I don’t like that.

 

Are these pills I’m recommending miracle pills? No. But I would give them a very good rating, BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE I’VE TRIED, and I’ve tried just about everything.

 

Hmmmm…. What else do you need to know here?

 

I waited a long time to try these pills as I think Dr. Schultze’s products are a bit pricey, but worth it.

 

BTW, Dr. Schultze is a real doctor and he certainly seems to me that he knows what he is talking about, especially concerning constipation. He’s been in business for years & years.

 

If you wanna read more about his views on chronic constipation, you can read his book here, free of charge (RECOMMENDED):

 

http://issuu.com/ame..._single_for_web

 

A few random notes:

 

The Intestinal Formula # 1 took several days to kick in and my intestines felt really weird the first week or two, but after a while things started settling down inside.

 

You can always take Beano or simethicone/anti-gas pills to help with any gas you might have. This is all discussed in his book and to be expected.

 

Dr. Schultze recommends starting with one pill per day. Currently I’m taking two or three regular strength pills every day, during my main meal of the day (NOT afterwards).

 

Thank heavens, I finally found something that works well. (Hey-now!)

_____________________________________

 

Quick read:

 

"Is chronic use of stimulant laxatives harmful to the colon?" 

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/12702977

____________________________________

 

Anyone I've been in a relationship with, I was just really upfront about it. I figure, trying to hide it really made no sense. 

 

I've only ever lived with ONE person I was in a romantic relationship with and I told her right away that this would be the case with me. That every so often it just flares up and I need ot kind of live in the bathroom. She was very understanding (at least in that aspect I won't get into the details of how it ended) but see it was better to just be up front. 

 

Now I live with two male roommates. My best friend ever and his brother (who I despise). 

 

Anyway, I just have to share a bathroom with my friend (me and him both have bedrooms upstairs) and at first I was a little awkward about telling him until my first attack where I just had to flat out be like "You know what, I'm having an attack and I am just going to have to be in the bathroom for a while." 

 

Now me and him have been living together so long he's rather used to it. I am curteous enough to give him the same space. If he is having a problem (He doesn't have IBS) but needs the bathroom due to indigestion of some kind I just am understanding about it. 

 

The way I usually put it with my relationships/roommates is that everyone poops, everyone has their issues, and if we can be adults about it then it'll just be better. I haven't really run into anyone I was dating, or living with who teased me about it, or made rude comments. Then again, I might just be lucky that the people I've dated and lived with were very understanding. Or it was because I was so upfront about it and kind of "owned" it that there really was nothing to be mean about since I'm already aware of my own issues. 

 

Honesty would be my advice for anyone who is concerned about this. It's worked with several other issues I have as well. If you tell the truth right away then it doesn't look like you were trying to hide something. If the person has a problem with it to a severity of them not liking you over something as trivial as that, ask yourself if you really need to be with a person who can't understand basic human needs. 

I'm completely cured on Viberzi.  35 years of explosive watery diarrhea 10+ times a day.  I was on Robinul and Lomotil 6 times a day with modest relief so long as I avoided salad and coffee.  But the pain never went away, and I had accidents at least once a month.  

 

Now I can eat anything I want.  I usually poop a firm stool once a day at a predicted hour (after I wake up and long before I leave for work).  Even if I feel like I have to go, I can hold it for a long time!  

 

No urgency.  No accidents.  No pain.  No diaper bag.  No missed outings with friends.  No planning trips around bathroom stops.  The only side effect is that I feel slightly high for an hour after I take it.  My insurance covers it with a fax from my doctor to BCBS.

 

If you have not tried this drug, do it.  Now.  IBS-D is a thing of the past.  I am an EX sufferer of IBS-D.  At 60, I am finally just a normal person like everyone else.

Hello it's me again. Any chance of a new tab called "Overeating and IBS"? There's not much on overeating on this forum. It's possible that overeating could be the main cause of IBS for some people here, especially the Leaky Gassers. It was for me. Eating smaller portions resulted in a drastic improvement for me evacuation and gas-wise and it would be good if there was a permanent tab warning people about overeating. 

I have been on this medication for 1 week, 100mg x twice daily.

 

Short version:

It definitely firms up the stools.

I need to take it longer before I can say with any certainty how it affects pain, gas, urgency, bloating, etc.

I suspect it is less constipating than other drugs I have tried such as Immodium, Lotronex, and Methscopolamine Bromide, but not 100% sure yet.

 

Longer version:

My intent was to stay on a safe diet the first week and let the Viberzi build up in my system before experimenting with unsafe foods. However, my safe diet is high in protein and low on fiber and produces solid BMs. Therefore on about day 3 I was getting constipated and had to add fiber to my diet at a pace higher than recommended, to get things moving. I have experienced a lot of gas and slightly uncomfortable intestinal pressure off and on the last 4 days. I don't know if that is because I haven't adjusted to the increased fiber, or if it's due to the Viberzi. My BMs seems to be headed toward regularity and everything has been solid so far, no diarrhea. I think this next week will give me a much better idea about this drug's benefits and long term viability.

 

My soapbox:

Get to your GI and try this drug! I believe this is the very first drug in the US to be designed specifically for IBS-D and FDA approved for both men and women. I've been waiting 15 years for a drug! Why isn't everyone trying it and reporting results? I see TONs of posts about people feeling frustrated, hopeless, and desperate. I don't mean to belittle anyone's feelings, they're certainly legit and I've felt all those things many times. It just bugs me to see all those posts, and to have tracked this drug for 2 years, and now I see a whopping 2comments about it in a month. Who knows if Viberzi will work, but everyone needs to at least try it. Hopefully it will make enough money that companies will invest more money and research into additional drugs. Ok, that's the end of my soapbox:)

Quick answer:

 

An alternating mix of Magnesium CITRATE and Linzess / Linaclotide / Constella.

 

My story:

 

I am a 37 year old guy who has been suffering from IBS-C for 21 years. Symptoms have been constipation, excessive gas / flatuence, depression, bloating, social anxiety, back pain, dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, severe straining and incomplete emptying.

 

Needless to say, this crippling IBS-C has had a severely negative impact on some of the most precious years of my life.

 

I have literally tried it all:

 

• By taking 2 Magnesium Citrate capsules (150mg x 2) every night, I am having a BM every morning!
   
• Up to 450mg daily in capsule form is 100% safe and is not a traditional laxative. I have confirmed this with Audrey (the dietician) and my family doctor.
   
• You still need some fiber too, and straight from a dietician who specializes in IBS-C, the fiber you want is SOLUBLE (NOT INSOLUBLE). I get my fiber from Steel Cut Oats, white chia seeds and frozen blueberries every morning. YEAST-FREE sourdough bread is also a safe option.
   
• I have also been following the FODMAPs diet to a degree and have learned that the "Os" are the worst for IBS-C. Garlic, onion, wheat and yeast are our worst enemies! 
   
• High fructose corn syrup is also another trigger and can be found in pop and ketchup

I wanted to start a comprehensive list of food, herbal, medical, and physical remedies that have helped people in the past. Anything that has worked for IBS-C. I am in a really bad bout right now and that is what I am looking for. Many people come to this site looking for information that can help when everything else fails so I thought this might be a good idea. I will start the list. Things that have worked for me at some point: Herbal: Senna Leaf. Medical: Lactulose, polyglycol 3350, Ducolax, copious amounts of sea salt water. Food: Hemp Hearts, Spinach, Licorice, Prunes, strawberries, watermelon. Physical: Extended walks.Stuff that did not work: Chlorella. Colostrum.

Your online support group checklist When you're diagnosed with a health condition, you can't help but feel alone sometimes — but you don't have to. If you want the feedback of someone who knows what you're going through firsthand, an online support group could be your answer. Joining a support group is a good way to find comfort, encouragement and information from others who are going through or have gone through what you're experiencing. In some cases, that's the only way you can feel like you're being completely understood. If you would rather not attend meetings, feel too shy about speaking up in person, want to remain anonymous or simply can't find one in your area, then consider joining our online support group. It's convenient, free of charge and only takes up as much time as you want. You'll be able to review all of our discussion threads without being a member. Before you join, take time to review what members are talking about and how they interact with one another. Use this checklist to satisfy yourself that our support group is worth your time — and your trust.

• Our group is linked and are members of recognized national health organizations. We are linked to by some major health organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, WebMD, and we are members of the American Self-Help Clearinghouse and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society,.
• Our group is moderated in a professional manner by long-time members. Our moderators are actively patroling online group abusers (such as those who monopolize conversations, use profane language or insult or dismiss other members) yet still allow healthy conversations to flourish without interference.
• Group guidelines have been established. Guidelines, Terms of Service and Help menus include information about starting discussion threads, language and tone to be used and information on how to express concern over another member's lack of adherence to these guidelines. Our guidelines show that thought and consideration have been put into how the group operates.
• Our group is not funded for a specific commercial gain. Hosting an online support group isn't free. Someone must be paying for the hosting, functionality and technology behind the online group. Our group discloses who sponsors it. Members will never be faced with unwanted advertising for a particular product through postings or through email.
• Your anonymity is guaranteed. When you post or reply to a post, none of your personal information will be displayed. If anything, your user name or screen name will appear but nothing else. We always recommend to be careful that you don't give away personal information inadvertently when posting or replying.
• This group does not try to replace your doctor. An online support group should never replace your doctor. Members should never recommend that you go off treatment or change the treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if that member has had a positive experience with another method. If you do find interesting information posted on our website, do ask your doctor but don't assume that what worked for one person will work for you. That's for you and your doctor to decide.

What symptoms are common for IBS? http://www.ibsgroup.org/symptoms

 

What are the common medical tests? http://www.ibsgroup.org/tests

 

Can you help diagnose me? No. We strongly recommend you discuss your symptoms with your own healthcare professional.

 

What is the diagnostic criteria for IBS? http://www.ibsgroup.org/diagnosis

 

What clinical based treatments exist? http://www.ibsgroup.org/treatment

 

What medications are used? http://www.ibsgroup.org/medications

 

Are their research studies which I can become involved? http://www.ibsgroup....hp?showforum=53

 

What books do you recommend? http://www.ibsgroup.org/books

 

Do you have any brochures? http://www.ibsgroup.org/ibsbrochures

 

Do you have any web resources (links)? http://www.ibsgroup.org/links

 

Why do some people have iSupportIBS as their Member Title? Members which have made a donation to The iSupportIBS Fund which supports research, receive this designation.

 

Can you recommend a doctor in my area? No we cannot; however, we recommend this resource for you to do some of your own research, http://ibs.about.com...ating-sites.htm

 

Can we follow you on Facebook or Twitter? Yes. Our Facebook page is located at http://www.facebook.com/ibsgroup . You can follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ibsgroup .

 

Is there a glossary of terms? http://www.ibsgroup....showtopic=96182

 

Is there an IBS-A or IBS-PI forum? Although both IBS-A and IBS-PI are now medically designated as such, we have found that most information about these two diagnoses and treatment overlap with the well established IBS-D and IBS-C forums. Please visit either of these forums to look for answers or to ask questions.

 

Are there any support group or meetups in my area? http://www.ibsgroup....hp?showforum=11

 

Can I start or read someone's blog? http://www.ibsgroup....automodule=blog

 

I don't want to post my personal information is there another way I can contact someone? http://www.ibsgroup.org/ibspenpals

 

How do I search the forums? http://www.ibsgroup.....php?act=Search

 

Does this website have any awards? http://www.ibsgroup.org/awards

 

Who started this website? http://www.ibsgroup.org/about

 

Can I sponsor this website? http://www.ibsgroup.org/sponsor

 

What is the website's Terms of Service? http://www.ibsgroup.org/tos

 

What is the website privacy statement? http://www.ibsgroup.org/privacy

 

Does the website have a disclaimer? http://www.ibsgroup.org/disclaimer

 

How can I unsubscribe? Please use our contact form to request removal of your membership.

 

Can you help me with a technical problem accessing this site? http://www.ibsgroup....hp?showforum=68 or use our Contact page.

 

How can I join the moderator team for these forums? No experience is necessary in order to become a moderator other than you must have reached the "Prolific" ranking (100 posts) on our forums and have a passion for helping others, particularly in the forum for which you have an interest in becoming a moderator. Please use our Contact form to send us a short bio and explain why you would like to become a moderator.

https://globenewswir...nstipation.html

 

 

thanks so much to one of our members, wgbutler, for posting this information  yesterday on the  "drugs against C in the pipeline"  thread. i thought i would start a topic on it  here just to help make sure everybody sees it.

 

this is such good news!  finally--it's about time!   prucalopride has been available in other countries for several years now. 

 

what makes prucalopride special is that it's a high affinity selective serotonin type 4 (5-HT4)  receptor agonist--a  prokinetic med that stimulates colonic peristalsis, increasing bowel motility.  it's much different than amitiza, linzess and trulance.   for those of us who remember zelnorm,  it's similar to zelnom, but with a better safety profile. 

I have generalized anxiety and I can tell you it jacks my body around something fierce. For years I thought I had heart problems, chest pains, arm pain dizzy the whole 9. I was in my 20s and every day all day I obsessed about my heart as was convinced that I'd die that day. Don't discount how anxiety can affect you, your guts especially. Exercise and trying to mediate has helped me. My problem is I obsess and analyze and stress about everything. It is hard to let go.

Just to continue to update you.  njstomach3's experience is similar to what I am experiencing.   My dairrhea is completely under control on this drug.   I have a lot of gas which I still suspect might be the result of SIBO.    I have formed stools for the first time in over a year.    I am increasing the variety of food that I eat especially salad (raw vegetables used to be a problem) in an effort to get more fiber in my diet.   I highly recommend trying this drug if you have IBS-D.   

Hi everyone,

 

I've been lurking in these forums and now it's time to share my story, since things have gotten baaaaaaaaaad.  Life-altering, earth-shatteringly bad. Haven't been to work in months and don't know when I can ever be in a social situation again bad. Depressingly almost suicidally bad. Just hit the height of my career and life when it all came crashing down bad.

 

You feel me?  

 

I'm 34, female, never had children, been struggling with constipation my whole life but have been managing with diet, exercise and my go-to "laxatives": Benefiber and coffee. But these don't work for me anymore. Tried Linzess but that was a mess and just gave me watery diarrhea. 

 

A few months ago, people at work started commenting on a strange smell that persisted in our area of the office. Of course, I couldn't smell it at all, but when I entered conference rooms for meetings, immediately people would cover their mouths and noses with their hands or their sweaters or scarves. In conversations with people, they would rub their noses and sneeze.

 

I was horrified. I could not smell anything myself and ran to the bathroom smelling my armpits and my feet and my underwear and could never figure it out. The smells were definitely coming from me, based on other people's reactions, but I was BAFFLED. 

 

The symptoms started getting worse and worse, and then one day after a long day of work I peeled off my jeans and sniffed in the butt area of my underwear and jeans and there was a definite odor. I wouldn't say it smelled like fecal material but it definitely smelled like something off. 

 

I was devastated.

 

I took some time off of work and started reading these IBS forums and changed my diet (no meat, no gluten, cut back on dairy) and started Kegeling. Symptoms seemed to improve, but then in the last few weeks, symptoms worsened significantly.

 

ACTUAL SYMPTOMS (Last few weeks/months)

• Odor and discharge - THE. WORST. THING. ABOUT. THIS.
  • Bad odor - sometimes sour smell, sometimes fecal smell - usually smell it right before I need to have bowel movement, other times shows up randomly. 
  • Wetness/moisture in anal area - usually worse at night and when I wake up, some days are better than others
  • Gas incontinence - was just on the subway yesterday and smelled a very bad gas and realized it was me... I didn't even feel it all coming out!!  Feels like my anal sphincter is just gaping wide open and letting things out. 
  • Slight fecal incontinence - if I'm taking a stool softener laxative like Miralax and have diahhrea it's hard to tell if I'm passing gas or passing stool, and sometimes that makes for little accidents. I have stopped laxatives like Miralax and use Dulcolax instead. 
• Obstructed Defecation Sudden change in bowel movements got worse - and then better
  • First, the BMs became softer and softer (soft-serve cow pie), then pencil-thin, then squashed like they had to around a kink/curve, then they stopped completely
  • For over 30 days, the only bowel movement I passed was complete liquid water - it got so bad I ended up in the Emergency Room,
  • FINALLY after 30 days of being miserable, I used a few enemas, Dulcolax, cleared out the system and I seem to be back to "normal" - at least stool is going through, but it has to be soft and I have to contort myself into weird positions over the toilet and press on my anal area to get it out (of course it doesn't all come out, it's incomplete)
  • Difficult to pass soft/liquid stool - difficult to even pass gas!
  • Rectal presure/Always feels like something is in my rectum but there's not - countless doctors (and myself) have put their finger in my bum and could not feel any stool - stool is not coming down into the rectum - feels like there is a kink further up in the system
  • Open/gaping anus - feels like my anus is wide open sometimes, and other times it feels clamped shut
• Sudden onset of pelvic pain - never had this in my life and it's the most miserable thing ever:
  • Shooting pains in my rectum, vagina, and clitoris (all areas directly connected to the pudendal nerve) - relieved slightly with warm compress and prescription Valium - this was intense at first and happened frequently, but have lessened in intensity and frequency over time. Perhaps the constipation was irritating it.
  • Pelvic pressure/congestion/menstrual-like cramps - like my vagina and anus are spasming all the time - confirmed by urogynocologist who said I have tight pelvic floor and should seek physical therapy
  • Suspected pelvic organ prolapse - it feels like my uterus (which is retroverted) and bladder and urethra and basically all my organs are squishing each other, but at least 3 urogynocologists claim that nothing is prolapsed
  • Pudendal nerve irritation/damage:  Decreased sensitivity in vagina, anus, and clitoris - probably due to pudendal nerve damage Tingly feelings and sweating in my arms, hands, legs, feet - also related to pudendal nerve
  • Heaviness/dragging in pelvic area, makes it hard to stand and walk for long periods of time
  • Bladder/urethral weirdness- tingling sensation in bladder area, I'm able to pee normally, but seems to gush out sometimes, and the urge to pee feels more "muffled" and not as strong
  • Lower back pain 
  • Very tender and sore in butt pads/levator ani - even hips

 

WHAT I SUSPECT IS GOING ON [Self-Diagnosis, Nothing Confirmed]:

• Rectal prolapse - probably mucosal at this point since I don't detect anything coming out of me yet, or it's hard to tell because of my large internal hemorrhoids 
• Rectocele
• Enterocele
• Pouch of Douglas hernia  - which can mimic rectocele/enterocele
• Intussusception 

These are all just fancy medical terms for what is happening. These things are hard to diagnose and harder to treat. No matter what they call it, the everyday pain is the same. It's a more complex case for women because we have all sorts of pelvic organs that can move around dynamically and shift based on time of day, time of month, etc. Here's a great article tries to explain some of it: http://www.pelvicorg...tocele-or-both/

 

TESTS I'VE DONE

• Dynamic Pelvic MRI (they put gel in your vagina and rectum and you expel it - while flat on your back in an MRI tube - results coming in this week)
• Anascopy (colorectal surgeon put a flashlight in my rectum and said I have larger than average hemorrhoids)
• Abdominal CT Scan with contrast - revealed no abnormalities or obstruction, did detect air in vagina

DOCTORS I'VE SEEN (None of them have answers for me)

• 1 gynecologist
• 2 urogynecologists
• 2 colorectal surgeons 
• 2 gastroenterologists

I'm only 34 for crying out loud!  Seem to have the bowels and pelvis of an 80 year old. It's miserable and frustrating and painful but the SMELL/ODOR on top of everything else is what kills me. I can't even spend time with friends because of the odor. Thank god I have a loving and supportive partner who claims not to smell anything.

 

I am DETERMINED to find a solution to this issue through a combination of diet, constipation management, enemas, laxatives, natural foods and herbs, pelvic exercise, pelvic phyisotherapy and massage, breathing exercises, posture - and MAYBE surgery if needed. Want to be very conservative first because these are complex surgeries with high rates of failure.

 

If you have read this far and have similar symptoms please add to the thread and let's keep sharing insights as we continue this journey. I believe that life does NOT have to be miserable, it is unfortunate we have this condition to manage, but I have faith in our body's ability to heal itself if we listen to its signals and respond accordingly.

 

Take care everyone- one day at a time-

*SerenityNow*