[Guest]

This is more info than I give my friends that I see face-to-face, but none of them have IBS, so they don't understand anyway! LOL But, those of you that read my last post, know how good I've been doing. I forgot to say that when I had my period earlier in the week I did have quite a bit of gas and discomfort, along with cramps, back pain, etc. I was just wondering if any of you know if endometriosis can mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of IBS? I think that my IBS and my endometriosis started about the same time, which was also the same time I had my gallbladder out. Before then, I'd never, ever had a cramp with my period, and it was always very light and lasted no more than three days. Just makes me wonder what all is going on in there and how it's all related...! It seems wierd that I would have my gallbladder out and then develop two severe health problems that supposedly aren't supposed to be related. What do you all think? Or does this make absolutely no sense?!--Julie

 

[Clair]

Julie,I think it is not uncommon for people who have had their gallbladder removed to develop IBS - we have several members on the bb that have had similar experiences - so hopefully they will see this post and be able to offer you support and the benefit of their experiences.It sounds strange that you seem to be suffering worse around your period and you say you never had that before - so yes it might be worth a mention to the doctor.However, most female sufferers of IBS do comment that their IBS gets worse around their periods - so it could just be that your experiencing.I found the following which describes the main symptoms of endometriosis

quote: Symptoms of endometriosisThe classic symptoms of endometriosis areainful periods Painful sex InfertilityWomen with the condition also report many other symptomsainPainful periods Pain starting before periods Pain during or after sexual intercourse Ovulation pain Pain on internal examinationBleedingHeavy periods with/without clots Prolonged bleeding Pre-menstrual spotting Irregular periods Loss of dark or old blood before a period or at the end of a periodBowel and Bladder symptomsPainful bowel movement Pain before or after opening bowels Bleeding from the bowel Pain when passing urine Pain before or after passing urine Symptoms of an irritable bowel - diarrhoea, constipation, colic Other symptomsLethargy Extreme tiredness

If your concerned, you should really speak to your doctor he/she will be able to diagnose if you have endo and be able to suggest either tests or treatment that can help.Gee - our bodies are complicated things aren't they?

Clair

 

[Clair]

Julie,I think it is not uncommon for people who have had their gallbladder removed to develop IBS - we have several members on the bb that have had similar experiences - so hopefully they will see this post and be able to offer you support and the benefit of their experiences.It sounds strange that you seem to be suffering worse around your period and you say you never had that before - so yes it might be worth a mention to the doctor.However, most female sufferers of IBS do comment that their IBS gets worse around their periods - so it could just be that your experiencing.I found the following which describes the main symptoms of endometriosis

quote: Symptoms of endometriosisThe classic symptoms of endometriosis areainful periods Painful sex InfertilityWomen with the condition also report many other symptomsainPainful periods Pain starting before periods Pain during or after sexual intercourse Ovulation pain Pain on internal examinationBleedingHeavy periods with/without clots Prolonged bleeding Pre-menstrual spotting Irregular periods Loss of dark or old blood before a period or at the end of a periodBowel and Bladder symptomsPainful bowel movement Pain before or after opening bowels Bleeding from the bowel Pain when passing urine Pain before or after passing urine Symptoms of an irritable bowel - diarrhoea, constipation, colic Other symptomsLethargy Extreme tiredness

If your concerned, you should really speak to your doctor he/she will be able to diagnose if you have endo and be able to suggest either tests or treatment that can help.Gee - our bodies are complicated things aren't they?

Clair

 

[Guest]

Hi Clair,Thanks for the info! Your fingers must be sore from all the typing!I have been diagnosed with then endo, but he never told me much about it, except that it will probably come back and I'll have to have more surgeries eventually OR I could opt for a hysterectomy. Gee, what a choice! My husband wants me to go to a different gyn doc for a second opinion, and I'm going to as soon as we get our insurance switched over (long story). I'm almost to the point of opting for the hysterectomy, because right now I feel wonderful except right before and during my period. And I definatley have many, many of the symptoms that you listed.I've also thought there must be a connection with the gallbladder removal and developing IBS. Of course all my doctors have said no way that it could be related...Thanks again for the thoughtful post. It was really nice of you to list all that info for me!--julie

 

[Guest]

Hi Clair,Thanks for the info! Your fingers must be sore from all the typing!I have been diagnosed with then endo, but he never told me much about it, except that it will probably come back and I'll have to have more surgeries eventually OR I could opt for a hysterectomy. Gee, what a choice! My husband wants me to go to a different gyn doc for a second opinion, and I'm going to as soon as we get our insurance switched over (long story). I'm almost to the point of opting for the hysterectomy, because right now I feel wonderful except right before and during my period. And I definatley have many, many of the symptoms that you listed.I've also thought there must be a connection with the gallbladder removal and developing IBS. Of course all my doctors have said no way that it could be related...Thanks again for the thoughtful post. It was really nice of you to list all that info for me!--julie

 

[Clair]

Julie,has your doctor offered you birth control pills to help deal with the pain of endo until the surgery comes through?If it causing you alot of pain perhaps its an options I have hear birth control pills can be taken back to back so you don't have to have a period theoretically.Perhaps you could ask your doctor about that...On the gallbladder issue I can't remember all the names of bb members that have had gallbladder removal...but I do remember Marier is one.What about popping a post up about gallbladder removal on the Meeting Place Forum - I know Marier hangs about over there so perhaps she can help.Take care,Clair

 

[Clair]

Julie,has your doctor offered you birth control pills to help deal with the pain of endo until the surgery comes through?If it causing you alot of pain perhaps its an options I have hear birth control pills can be taken back to back so you don't have to have a period theoretically.Perhaps you could ask your doctor about that...On the gallbladder issue I can't remember all the names of bb members that have had gallbladder removal...but I do remember Marier is one.What about popping a post up about gallbladder removal on the Meeting Place Forum - I know Marier hangs about over there so perhaps she can help.Take care,Clair

 

[LNAPE]

bearjul,This is what has helped me for more than 3 years 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 and I have been getting some good feedback from Lotronex users who are getting some help with the calcium. Take Care,Linda

 

[LNAPE]

bearjul,This is what has helped me for more than 3 years 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 and I have been getting some good feedback from Lotronex users who are getting some help with the calcium. Take Care,Linda

 

[jazzr]

Hi Julie,I don't know if a hysterectomy would help because my daughter-in-law has had IBS ever since she had hers! ( I gave her this site address but haven't asked her if she has visited. ) I was already post menopausal when I was diagnosed. I have always suffered with constipation as have all the women in our family.Perhaps these surgical procedures are a clue?Anyone have any thoughts on this?Ruth

 

[jazzr]

Hi Julie,I don't know if a hysterectomy would help because my daughter-in-law has had IBS ever since she had hers! ( I gave her this site address but haven't asked her if she has visited. ) I was already post menopausal when I was diagnosed. I have always suffered with constipation as have all the women in our family.Perhaps these surgical procedures are a clue?Anyone have any thoughts on this?Ruth