[storyofmylife]

Were you ever checked for intestinal parasites?

If that has been ruled out, consider the suggestions on my post under the IBS-C heading entitled "self-help for constipation (and diarrhea)."

Good luck.

John Clark

Please tell us how intestinal parasites can be responsible for IBS ?

 

[storyofmylife]

Wow ! I am a lot like you in many ways - rectal itching, must eat almost no non-veg, can't handle alcohol, slim. But, my GI problems are only 20% as severe as yours as of now. They were much worse before.

I suggest that you try reducing the dependence on laxatives. Try some psyllium husk fiber also. It helps me a lot. But, you have to do it regularly for a long time - 1-2 years. My addiction to laxatives prompted me

to search for this alternative/supplement.

good luck and take care.

 

[storyofmylife]

hi storyofmylife, thanks for the reply. i'm pretty dependent on the laxatives thats definitely true but I'm following my doctors advice. the last time i saw him he even advised that i needed to increase my dose to 4 movicol a day. I'm assuming that he has a plan to wean me off them though. I have an appointment in april so will ask then.

i purchased some psyllium husks yesterday - and did some research. i've read that you can only take it for short periods as it can cause damage? is this not correct? do you not take any laxatives and just rely on the pysillium?

have you ever found anything to reduce the rectal itching? its driving me crazy!!

I take the husk only once a day, at night. It helped me a lot. But it did not make my BM perfect at all times. I never heard that it can cause damage. Whats your source ?

Sorry, but my rectal itching is an annoyance at best. By the time I get in the mood to do something about it, it either subsides or goes away.

 

[storyofmylife]

It's all over the Internet, one example is
http://www.fitsugar.com/You-Asked-Safe-Take-Psyllium-Husk-Every-Day-2748460
So do our take it consistently for prolonged periods?

I took it intermittently for a period of about 1.5 years, each period about a month or so. 1-2 tsp at night with about 20 oz of water. I never take it just before I sleep because it often makes me thirsty (the fiber absorbs water, right ?) So, I stay awake and keep drinking water whenever i feel thirsty. Then, I go to sleep.

The link you gave makes a point but does not provide any proof for it. So, the best thing to do would be to consult your doctor.

Here are some more links with precautions about husk -

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/psyllium-000321.htm

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-56088-Psyllium+Husk+Fibre+Oral.aspx?drugid=56088&drugname=Psyllium+Husk+Fibre+Oral

I prefer links from sources like the above (edu website, webmd).

Here is another which makes a plausible argument about the potential problems that can be caused by husk -

http://www.livestrong.com/article/526439-what-are-the-dangers-of-taking-too-much-psyllium-husk/

Good luck.