ENERGY--I need some!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Matt & all Sorry, we werent ignoring your previous postas it moved to the next page. Unfortunately Its difficult to keep up with all the threads with this heavy BB traffic, especially when one isnt here very frequently . OK back to your initial question...When you say "Ginsana" Im guessing & please correct me anyone if Im wrong, but its main ingredient is Ginseng or a close facsimile thereof? If so, My mom is heavily into chinese/oriental herbs, medicines where its predominant in Chinatown, NYC. She believes that in the long run, these herbs absolutely enervate you. In fact, my mom "had" ibs in her late 40's for about 10yrs followed by literally years of various herbal concoctions (not only limited to "Ginseng" or its cousins) she now no longer suffers from ibs, at least its very mild. As for me, many of these exotic herbs ie Ginseng etc create gas/dyspepsia sometimes, hence I cannot ingest my mom's beloved anti-ibs soups at the frequency which would "remedy" the ailment. Hope I havent miscontrued "Ginsana" and its main ingredients.also, a ??? for you what does "LI" stand for ?IBS + Energy = yes sometimes, when I get 6 hrs of sleep a night AND when Im not having Frequent "D" episodes. Tho admittedly, even in the absence of D, cramps just about tires me out! However even while Im having a bad week & if there's something I want or enjoy doing , somehow my body finds the energy to allow me to complete my activities be it work or play provided Im not in too much pain or discomfort. Moderate exercise like brisk walking helps me too.Have a good weekend Everyone Lisa

MattYou bring up an interesting dilemma I myself am having. I too, am a C, and keep wondering if I should start sacrificing some sleep and try to exercise more instead, to feel better and have more energy. I typically get about 9 hours sleep during the week and at least 11 on the weekends. And napping is one of my favorite pasttimes. I took Ginsana around August of '98 during a high stress time but felt no differences (I took it for a couple of months). What I have noticed is I have more energy when I eat a breakfast like egg-white omelettes. The problem is I can't stomach any food until about 4-5 hours after I wake up, so I'm eating breakfast mid-morning most days.Keeping a food journal and tracking my stress level as well as my overall "feeling good" factor each day helps me track what little patterns there are to this.Karen

Hi Matt & us Weary (Fatigued;o))Folks, LI = Lactose Intolerance. Thanks for the de-abbreviation. yup, I have that too, Im pretty sure. Although I havent attempted to eat Dairy in a long time, it probably only takes a glass of milk to get me going .Ive gotta confess, I sleep very little on work nights, roughly 4hrs until the weekend rolls by & I crash & burn. I almost have no energy to do anything "fun" because Im so tired during the week. Its a *mental* discipline problem coupled by Stress/or depression. Personally as youve noted Matt, I will "die" if I continue w/this poor sleeping pattern accompanied by *ibs*. Conversely excessive sleep also makes me "tired" (Karen has a pt)Tequilla - before *ibs* I was seldom "tired" *ibs* warrants extra rest/sleep for me .For "Zaps" of energy I must *must* take a multivitamin (ie Centrum) because I realize Im not consuming adequate nutrients or proper rest & I do believe this helps ALOT. On an Emotional level, the energy derives from the *Motivation* to do things inspite of ill-health. I suffer from indigestion & cramps frequently which literally depletes my energy, makes me bloated-feeling & lethargic. I need "naps" too, when I can I fit them in. Although I still lack the "stamina" required for focus at work & driving, I manage mentally which I realize is dangerous. Sleep is a huge factor, the hrs must be *consistent*. Im working on improving that FAST. Matt, you need energy for school, its quite taxing on the brain. Im sorry I dont have "real" ideas for you, this is all Ive done & known.Fatigued Question, if youre following this thread. Are you really un-fatigued now?? A week ago, you posted your "success". I was curious re: your continued progress. Please tell. Sleep well + Happy ibsless days to all.

Hi Matt & Folks This topic really hit home today, had a bad colon nite/a.m. Right now Im at work Matt, & I cannot concentrate. Sometimes as the day progresses despite my ill-symptoms I manage ok. TG. but I worry, Im weary & quite honestly Im pissed (at ibs) so plz read this w/ commiseration Folks. This BB helps today as Caltrate, Acido, Librax, Pepto etc arent helping much now. The only thing I have is "Time". Hoping it'll pass soon. please. Matt, you mentioned that you are pursuing a medical career ; A career I craved while in college. Undecided about the direction in life, I didnt pursue it mainly due to $$$ reasons as *ibs* was not a factor then. This field requires ALOT of energy, from studies to internship to total diligence. I empathize because if I were to make a career switch now, I dont think my *ibs* can handle it. I wish you alot of luck in the resultant field you choose. Albeit youre a ibs-C, Im a ibs-D, the gen. feelings of GI discomfortare felt across the Board. I understand your concerns re: your Med studies atop of ibs & everything else is a feat! *Jcaf & Fatigued Im on acido caps since 97 & Caltrate since 12/98 Both have helped tho I cant calibrate any "huge" difference perhaps it "stabilized ibs". I didnt have "D" for almost 2 yrs, but cramps/bloating/indigestion are omnipresent. Since Summer 99 the Periodic D has returned & my energy level varies greatly. *SECRETS* anyone?? Guess our individualistic & Gen. remedies vary. *FOOD* is my worst ibs trigger too. Matt mentioned eating wrong recently & Im guilty of the exact same thing. I can usually pinpoint the item tho, & it takes a while to recover. MaryJo once home from work, after a chore or so I am dead to the world. forget fun. what is that again? The *secret*? Matt, is LESS ibs symptoms- management of symptoms?! your Doc is insensitive, Ive had "C" too, and if "prune juice" was the utmost remedy, you wouldnt be complaining anymore. Interesting thread. Thanks for letting me explore & Vent here. Have a good week guys/gals