[18179]

I'm new to the boards here, but have been living with IBS for many years, this past year it has gotten worse.I now have constant IBSD about 3 - 4 times a week, sometimes more. I'm so fed up with it!! I swear I can't do anything. I would love to take my kids to the park but the thought of walking there and back is frightening as I just know what will happen.Anyway, yesterday we needed groceries, so I went with my 3 year old in the cart. Half way through I felt the stomach go and knew my time was limited. So we left, child screaming and I'm wondering if I am going to make it back home. It's so frustrating. This is ridiculous that we are all suffering like this.I've had many instances where the IBS has effected my life, work, my business. It's truly disheartening to know there isn't much to be done. My doctor is horrible and has dismissed me many times. Last time his response was "Oh well" until I broke down and cried in his office. He wouldn't give me anything for it except anxiety pills. Which I ran out of and it is next to impossible to get in to see him. There's no other doctors here to see who are accepting patients so I don't even know what to do at this point. I've given up chocolate, tea, any kind of greasy food. I try to eat well but it doesn't seem to make a difference.AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

 

[Cherrie]

Hi, Snap -- I'm so sorry you're going through this

. It's so frustrating to have to leave the grocery store and a cart full of stuff or to have to stay at home when friends are partying somewhere exciting... Maybe it's time to find a new doctor who won't dismiss ibs patients? ... I'm still trying to find one who listens better, but maybe my old dr's not bad at all... I really feel that you need to see another doc who will discuss your symptoms with you and provide the meds that you need. Good luck! And hope you feel better soon.

 

[kitkat17 Lady of the Loo]

HI and welcome. I KNOW just how you feel. Sounds like my life. I HATE IT!!! Don;t go anywhere. I have kids and I feel I have jipped them out of ALLOT in their lives due to this darn IBS>Sorry you had to go through that too.Take careKat

 

[18179]

Thanks Cherie and KitKat (I liked "Lady of the Loo")

Well there is some comfort knowing I'm not the only one who suffers like this. It's sad when we take the kids to Marine Land or somewhere like that and I feel sick from the heat and walking around and only want to stay near the washroom which I use ever 20 mins or so. Thanks for the advice, I agree, a new doctor is in order!!

 

[Prudy]

think we all know how you feel.. near misses.. rushing home.. bolting to the bathroom hoping to make it without messing... sometimes it happens.. Have you read all the information on the calcium?? It is the stickied post at the top of this page.. Linda is wonderful and helps in every way.. Give it a read it may be something you could try and see if it helps you.. For me is saved my life so to speak...

 

[Cherrie]

Snap ~ You're very welcome! Prudy's got a great suggestion! Calcuim works very well for many people. Fiber, too. And many people find probiotics (like align and stuff) very helpful. The Danon yogurt (Activia, which as probiotics in it) helped me to get to where i am now (though it plateaued for me and for some people when reaching a certain point). There's bunch of stuff you can try. Everyone's different and will have to find things that work for them by trial and error, but there are ways to improve and feel better

btw, Prudy, cool signature!

 

[20004]

Hi Snap, This sounds just like my life. I have arrived at the supermarket before with young children and never even made it through the door. I also agree with kitkat about my kids missing out on lots of things. Feeling guilty about it has only made my anxiety worse.These boards are great for comfort and reassurance but seriously read all the information on drugs and treatments. There is more here than most doctors know. Until five weeks ago I had never heard of calcium as a cure or thought of using hypnotherapy because I was too embarassed to go to a hypnotherapist. Go back to your doctor and tell him which treatments you want to try and if he dosent respond change your doctor. My tip for visiting the doctor when you feel upset is to write a list of what you want to discuss - once I even wrote a letter, walked in burst into tears and said 'read this'. By the time he had read it I had calmed down and he was really nice because he could understand what was wrong. As far as going out for essentials like grocery I go very early in the morning before I eat breakfast or late at night and only use shops with public toilets.Don't give up there are lots of encouraging stories here. Make the most of the good moments.Good luck!

 

[18179]

Thanks guys.

I noticed the calcium, I'm going to go back an read it again. I guess I figured I was hopeless. Do many of you find fibre helps, like Metamucil or something like that? It says laxative on it, but the pharmacist says it would help if I took it every day.I'll try the calcium - thanks!! I feel better already.

 

[overitnow]

I used to be like that, as well. In my case, I was also trying to run a espresso/deli at the same time. It was impossible for me to do anything without having to drop it all and head for a toilet.Calcium (without Magnesium) works for a lot of people. So does Questran (a prescribed anti-cholesterol that binds what is going through your intestine). Soluble fiber works as well, but I am under the impression you have to take a lot of it as a primary form of treatment. You could also look at Mike's Self-hypnosis CD's. I use a particular brand of supplement that has allowed me to live a normal life for almost 10 years, now.Don't give up. There IS lots to try and you never know what will work on you until you have worked through the list.Mark

 

[Sandeera]

I liked the post about writing a letter, but I did one more better than that. I printed off pages from this web site, and took it to the doctor and said SEE I'm not the only one that feels this way. You have to get back in to see a doctor. I know when (not IF but WHEN) I have acidents in the grocery store, work, and even at home it gets me depressed. Without my med's I'd never leave my house. Good luck, and remember you are not alone. you are not crazy, and there will be good days and bad days.

 

[Prudy]

Thanks Cherrie..I like yours too..There are many things to try.. don't give up.. We know where you are coming from.. truly..

 

[18179]

Thanks everyone for your support.I am a photographer/videographer and often do live events such as weddings which has gotten me into some trouble last year. Thankfully last year I had a helper that could do the work when I had to run, but this year I don't have that for a few of my weddings. I have started training someone but it is hard to find someone with the same standards/style as me.Not to worry, I am sure whatever is thrown my way I will handle it. I am not going to let this ruin my life and make me scared of doing anything.Thanks so much for the tips everyone, I am going to try everything I can. I have made a list of the meds I noted on the boards here and will talk to the doctor about it.My sister has this too, although not as bad. We have a code for when we need to find a washroom asap. We just say "BP" which stands for 'bad poo' - yeah, I know, you would think 40 year olds could come up with something better. Anyway, it's a good code between us as we will both drop whatever we are doing to find the washroom.

 

[20004]

I love the BP code you use with your sister. You are lucky to have someone close who understands.I think a lot of my problems began because I was brought up to think talking about toilet stuff was dirty. I make a point of letting my kids use toilet humour so that they dont develop hang ups. When they need to pass wind they jump up and say 'just going to read a book' walk out of the door for a few seconds then come back in laughing. Hopefully being open about what is completely natural will protect them from the embarassment lots of people feel.Glad to hear you sounding more positive and good luck with the doctor.

 

[23410]

i had a lot of problems with ibs d until i went to my doctor and asked for help. Now i have been prescribed Nortriptyline and i also take one capsule of Imodium daily. No longer do i have urgency problems nor do i have diarrhea. It's still not perfect but an awful lot better than before. I can enjoy a normal life - that's the important message.

 

[21857]

Sorry to hear that you are having a rough time!I know the feeling of being palmed off by doctors, it is easy for them to try and dismiss something they dont really understand! Have you been to a specialist? Have you had any tests done? What over the counter meds have you tried? immodium is fantastic and has given me back my confidence if you havent tried that!I hope you can find a doctor that can help you, and get things sorted, life doesnt have to be this hard.... chin up mate!

 

[18179]

Thanks Zoe. I have been to a few doctors over the years. Mostly they say "eat more fruit" or "take metamucil". No one is serious about it, I guess because they've never experienced it?Immodium doesn't work for me. I can take 6 immodium and still be running to the loo. I just bought some calcium and camomile tea to try. There's certain foods I know will set me off. Fried anything will, sometimes milk products, beef - hamburgers are a killer, and chocolate. I was always a chocoholic so this is like a crime against humanity that I can not eat it. At times if I know I am not going anywhere I will have some, sure enough later I regret it. My husband always jokes "How's that chocolate working out for you" as I am hurrying past him to the washroom.

He's been supportive which helps.I've tried reiki and a little bit of hypnosis for it as well. Not much success, usually I just pray to the toilet God to wait until I am home. Most often that works, so I figure there must be a toilet God somewhere in the universe.Maybe that should go on a forum sticky so others can try?

 

[15976]

Snap, do try to find another dr. or ask for a GI referral. Sometimes if you call a dr. not taking new patients and explain the situation, they will make an exception and take you.You can also experiment. Mine was very bad last fall and is still bad now but I can go out some now. I can't really put my finger on any rhyme or reason to it. I do find the hypnosis helpful. I had a great day yesterday and a not so great morning today. Who knows?