[Lesley Taylor]

Is anyone else like this? I may go for several days without a BM and then, usually after a large dinner, I suffer with a terrible stomach ache that usually lasts intermittently for ~ 1/2 hour combined with the tell-tale left side loud gurgling! I may or may not sit on the pot "willing" this "cement block" to shift so I may get some relief! An eon later, I can actually start going but the misery continues! I sometimes get so nauseous that I have to fan my face vigorously to avoid vomiting (and have even vomited). My last meal is obviously an unwelcome introduction to my digestive symstem and something has to give!! When I finally get rid of whatever is holding everything up, I am rewarded with a gallon of diarrhea! Utterly spent, I make my shaky way back to the couch while the rest of the family avoids the vicinity of the bathroom for the next hour! I am totally (and I mean totally, cleaned out) and is it any wonder I don't need to go again for the next 3 days?! And then the cycle can start all over again! Yipee! Oh for the nice, daily, one-wiper! Cheers!

 

[nmwinter]

oh, yes. I can totally relate. I have IBS with alternating C & D. In fact, I think it's pretty common. One key is to try to keep as regular as you can so you don't get the build up. Have you tried fiber? i found that pretty helpful when I first started dealing with IBS. Not as much now although it still helps some. I also take a calcium and magnesium supplement twice a day. Calcium carbonate is known to constipate, magnesium the opposite. So I take some of both to help regulate. Again, better but not perfect. If I'm in a good mode, it seems to help keep me there. But if not doing well, then not so great - but that could be because if I get a lot of D, I compensate with extra calcium and swing the other way if I'm not careful. I'm also using hypnotherapy partly because I know stress plays a big role for me.One thing that also helps is to listen to your body's signals. If you get even the smallest feeling that you have to go, maybe it's good time to try, even though you're not sure. Better thna waiting until it has to come out.take carenancy

 

[451]

Is it possible that your digestive system is out of order due to the presence of harmful bacteria??Checking this with your doctor or GI specialist may be useful if not already done. If it is, then a really good probiotic may help treat the condition.Take care and hope you find the right relief soonRichard

 

[Lesley Taylor]

Thanks for the advice! I guess I'm my own worst enemy because I have tried to get a handle on things but lack of self discipline is a real problem for me! I'm going to start taking my fiber again and try to exercise more. I've tried calcium for PMS symptoms but found it too binding. I think I'm the kind of person that needs a schedule (Growl, my husband can eat whatever and whenever and has a perfect BM everyday of his life)and a disciplined approach to life in general. Cheers!

 

[OppOnn]

I read the book, Breaking the Viscious Cycle and took from it lots of useful info. But I did my own research on what I could and could not eat. Made a yes list, a no, a maybe list, and when ill, I worked out what made me ill. I have had no definite diagnosis for 4 years (although am having another colonosopy July 3 with a new GI (#5 & hopefully the best) - I may have Crohn's ("not typical") or gastritis, or GERD, or Splenic Flexure Syndrome, or an ulcer, who knows. Anyway I controlled my diet/lifestyle 4 years ago and got better 98%, with no meds. Except 2 enzymes WITH my meal, sometimes one after, which make all the difference. I know it is all food- related. Although most GI's incudingmy new one don't seem to get this.If anyone wants to know what I eat anddon't eat, or drink, I can tell them, although weare all different, but there are some triggerfoods for most. I consider the wrong foods myenemies, am a gastronome, can't eat or drink alot of foods I love and adore, but it's WORTHit. O

 

[linr]

Lesley, That is exactly what I have been dealing with for years. Every once in a while when things are really screwed up I will have bouts of D that last for a week . I am still trying different kinds of fiber hoping that I can go at least a few times a week before the 'big one' hits. So far I haven't found any one thing that really helps. So if there is any one out there who has really beat the C/D cycle please let us know.Lin