IBS-C; What Treatments Have Worked Best for You?

One other thing...I frequently have Left lower quadrant (pelvic) pain, which can be relieved after having a bowel movement. Occassionally it's the right lower quadrant--maybe 10% of the time. What is causing this type of pain??

Why do I have such hard stools if I eat a lot of fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise?

magnesium supplements...interesting, i remember reading that before. my doctor didn't mention them, though. perhaps i'll get some and give them a try first. i'll also research foods high in mg.

i really didn't keep track of when i added back foods when i was vegan...it sort of just happened. however, perhaps a more structured elimination diet is in need. i'm seriously considering going off dairy, as i do recall that being a trigger food. and, i think although i get enough fiber, i did do well when i ate much more fiber...as i did when i was vegan, since i mainly ate beans, veggies, etc.

what is everyone's feelings about soy? trigger food or not? and dairy?

i've been doing better having given up coffee, but now i drink a lot of green tea. is that still okay?

Two things that help me in addition to your list of the fiber, water, and excercise, would be adequate oils in my food and adequate sleep.

I use healthy oils such as sesame, olive, cod liver (should be limited), flax oil (great for additional mild fiber). I use mostly sesame oil as its warmth aids digestion. I currently eat as much oil as I can each day, about 10 tablespoons in the winter, less in the warmth of summer. When I start having oily skin on my face I cut back, (and in case you wonder I do not get zits from all the oil I eat. on the otherhand a burger and fries will). The oils really helps to lubricate the intestines, aiding with elimination.

Adequate sleep is probably my biggest challenge. When I am eating right and still having challenges, the one thing that improve my motility is getting adequate sleep. Years of constipation have done their damage to my natural digestive rythms and organs, so on a normal work day I am lucky to get 6 hours sleep at night, and am too rushed or stressed to pick up what is now only a faint sensation of the all important "urge." When I can get 8 hrs sleep and am less rushed, I my BMs become much more regular.

Soy can be a problem for some body types, while others benefit from it. If you did okay with beans on your vegan diet, you are probably fine with soy. I can't do either, except on very limited basis. I also have eliminated dairy because it constipates me. I use mostly almond or rice milk, but not even much of that. I eat lots of chicken, duck, some turkey (slow cooked for easier digestion). Beef and pork constipate me.

I am going into my second year of healing from IBS and numerous other digestive issues that have plagued me for over 30 years. My IBS is history, unless I get lazy or stupid about it. I continue to work at my constipation, but all things considered, it is much improved from past years.

One more thing; despite your challenges, remember to have fun! Most IBS problems can be eliminated with dietary changes. Depriving yourself of foods you enjoy, even if they harm you, is not very fun. Sadness and depression constipate me, going to the gym for a "work out" can constipate me. Going out and having a genuinely good time, or having positive excitement about something in the future gets me moving almost without fail.

Good luck!

Hi! I have been taking Amitiza for the last year and it does work, although I have had to up the dose. When all else fails, I go with Milk of Magnesia. Hope that helps!
~Katie

Also, to add to the message about I feel that my immunity is better-not as many wierd stomach flu type things. (I never knew if it was IBS/stomach flu or a combination of both sometimes). This treatment helps keep the contractions of the intestines normal to move things along.

What I would suggest is eat a lot of soluble fiber and watch what you eat.  HelpforIBS.com does have great advice, and the diet page will give you a list of soluble and insoluble fibers as well as the IBS trigger foods such as red meat, solid chocolate, all oils, butter, dark poultry, artificial flavoring and sweeteners, coffee, etc. I agree that you need to make sure you have a good soluble fiber base before you have a lot of insoluble fiber in your meal.   This soothes and regulates the digestive tract, stabilizes the intestinal contractions resulting from the gastrocolic reflex, and normalizes bowel function from either extreme.  If you feel you are not getting enough soluble fiber in your diet just from food, then I recommend the Acacia Tummy Fiber.  This fiber is and a wonderful, organic, soluble fiber supplement that has no additives and helps resolve both IBS-C and IBS-D.

I hope this helps!

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. You should look seeing a NUCCA chiropractor (I know, its your stomach, not your back). Look up information on this type of chiropractic under www.erinelster.com (under the IBS sections) I know I have had some very wierd rumbling/stretching sensations and NUCCA really helped this along with a range of other issues i've had. Also, have you had your galbladder checked? You may have gallstones. I know people who have attacks of gallstones that come and then show up out of nowhere. Good luck. Hope you feel better.