[Michele]

I've never been a coffee drinker, and I cut out caffeinated soft drinks a few years ago but I still have problems.

 

[Karl2001]

Caffeine doesn't effect me at all (IBS-D). I think I should own stock in Coca Cola with as much as I drink.

 

[Karl2001]

Caffeine doesn't effect me at all (IBS-D). I think I should own stock in Coca Cola with as much as I drink.

 

[atp]

Karl, I do know all too well what it's like to want a drug and not be able to get it, as I said earlier. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of possible legal consequnces of what you are asking, and understand why some people would be very reluctant to send you medicine.You haven't said why you want us to send you this drug... is it because of financial reasons, and that is all? I don't make much money myself, and I understand how hard it is to afford medications, especially if you don't have insurance. I used to think there was no way I could afford Lotronex if I was uninsured, but now I would pay a lot of money to have a small amount for some special occassions only! I really hope it's back on the market by my wedding day in May!!! On Lotronex, my digestive system was practically normal. Without it, I have lots and lots of D. It's making it very hard to work sometimes, and this is when the way our insurance works stinks...I have to work full time to have medical insurance, but if I worked fewer hours, my health might be a little better...I'm not familiar with Asacol, but I'm assuming it is still available by prescription, and after what has happened with Lotronex and Zelnorm, be grateful if the drug that helps you is available!

 

[atp]

Karl, I do know all too well what it's like to want a drug and not be able to get it, as I said earlier. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of possible legal consequnces of what you are asking, and understand why some people would be very reluctant to send you medicine.You haven't said why you want us to send you this drug... is it because of financial reasons, and that is all? I don't make much money myself, and I understand how hard it is to afford medications, especially if you don't have insurance. I used to think there was no way I could afford Lotronex if I was uninsured, but now I would pay a lot of money to have a small amount for some special occassions only! I really hope it's back on the market by my wedding day in May!!! On Lotronex, my digestive system was practically normal. Without it, I have lots and lots of D. It's making it very hard to work sometimes, and this is when the way our insurance works stinks...I have to work full time to have medical insurance, but if I worked fewer hours, my health might be a little better...I'm not familiar with Asacol, but I'm assuming it is still available by prescription, and after what has happened with Lotronex and Zelnorm, be grateful if the drug that helps you is available!

 

[HipJan]

Sorry, saying that you will feel better in one week after stopping caffeine - perhaps implying your IBS will be totally gone - is not necessarily a true statement at all. I can vouch for that. I cut out caffeine altogether (except for an occasional bite of chocolate) three+ years ago, and I have been doing worse since (though I imagine for other reasons!).However, I will say that I do agree with you that every member of this BB who has any significant IBS, or who has other neuro. problems, absolutely should cut way back on caffeine, if not cut it out altogether. To me, that's a given. Caffeine can have some pretty negative effects on people, esp. some of us. Get rid of the caffeine and, in time, I bet the headaches will go away (mine did, but there also were some other factors contributing to my headaches; now I just get minor ones). Something to consider, though..... Some people say do not stop cold turkey on the caffeine. That's what I did - cold turkey - 'cause that's just my personality. I immediately started having bowel problems (but that also could be due to other factors, sort of a coicidence). The author of a book called caffeine Blues says don't go cold turkey, because our bodies may have gotten so used to caffeine that the caffeine has a laxative effect - to the point that we are dependent on caffeine for regularity. So, drop the caffeine habit more slowly.P.S. What's this thing about the drug you mention?[This message has been edited by HipJan (edited 07-30-2001).]

 

[HipJan]

Sorry, saying that you will feel better in one week after stopping caffeine - perhaps implying your IBS will be totally gone - is not necessarily a true statement at all. I can vouch for that. I cut out caffeine altogether (except for an occasional bite of chocolate) three+ years ago, and I have been doing worse since (though I imagine for other reasons!).However, I will say that I do agree with you that every member of this BB who has any significant IBS, or who has other neuro. problems, absolutely should cut way back on caffeine, if not cut it out altogether. To me, that's a given. Caffeine can have some pretty negative effects on people, esp. some of us. Get rid of the caffeine and, in time, I bet the headaches will go away (mine did, but there also were some other factors contributing to my headaches; now I just get minor ones). Something to consider, though..... Some people say do not stop cold turkey on the caffeine. That's what I did - cold turkey - 'cause that's just my personality. I immediately started having bowel problems (but that also could be due to other factors, sort of a coicidence). The author of a book called caffeine Blues says don't go cold turkey, because our bodies may have gotten so used to caffeine that the caffeine has a laxative effect - to the point that we are dependent on caffeine for regularity. So, drop the caffeine habit more slowly.P.S. What's this thing about the drug you mention?[This message has been edited by HipJan (edited 07-30-2001).]

 

[Auroraheart]

Karl, if you are referring to me when you say people need to wake up etc; I have not worked in over a year. I have went through ALL of my savings and EI does not cover me anymore (employment insurance here) If it weren't for my parents loaning me the money until I get a job I would be on welfare. (key word there is LOANING the money) I am on some medications that cost $1 each. Luckily my doctor gives me my other medications free through samples or I would not be able to afford them. I DO understand what it is like to not be able to afford things. Maybe not to the extent of some people, but I do know. What I don't know I see where I volunteer and through friends.I went to the Asacol site and read about it. Any drug made in this world can be abused and cause damage. Taking too many calcium pills can cause problems over a long term. And Tylonel can be smoked for a high.Just because people choose not to help you does not make them bad people. It makes them aware and cautious. In this case, as others besides me have mentioned there is a legal side of it too.Here there are agencies who can help with those who cannot afford their medication. I'm sure there are some in your area. Call them, talk to your doctor frankly about your situation. Maybe he doesn't know and has some samples he can give you. Or perhaps there is a generic type of this medication that is cheaper and more affordable for you.

 

[Auroraheart]

Karl, if you are referring to me when you say people need to wake up etc; I have not worked in over a year. I have went through ALL of my savings and EI does not cover me anymore (employment insurance here) If it weren't for my parents loaning me the money until I get a job I would be on welfare. (key word there is LOANING the money) I am on some medications that cost $1 each. Luckily my doctor gives me my other medications free through samples or I would not be able to afford them. I DO understand what it is like to not be able to afford things. Maybe not to the extent of some people, but I do know. What I don't know I see where I volunteer and through friends.I went to the Asacol site and read about it. Any drug made in this world can be abused and cause damage. Taking too many calcium pills can cause problems over a long term. And Tylonel can be smoked for a high.Just because people choose not to help you does not make them bad people. It makes them aware and cautious. In this case, as others besides me have mentioned there is a legal side of it too.Here there are agencies who can help with those who cannot afford their medication. I'm sure there are some in your area. Call them, talk to your doctor frankly about your situation. Maybe he doesn't know and has some samples he can give you. Or perhaps there is a generic type of this medication that is cheaper and more affordable for you.