HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

IBS Med's

Support Forums
>
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/29/2006 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
 Have any of you had any good lasting results from any IBS medications?  I am giong to my doctor again today to possibly find one that will work & doesn't have drastic side effects.  I am going to start doing the Calcium tonight, but was wondering if med's have helped any of you, or if calcium and watching your diet works best?  I am having another bad day today-the last few days have been ok, no diarrhea-kind of lost stools, but tolerable.  Then today after lunch (I had some turkey and rice), I am very uncomfortable...I REALLY want to leave work and go home and camp out in the bathroom.  But, I can't...it is so frustrating and depressing!  Too much of my life has had to change because of the stupid "syndrome"!  I have asked my self toooo many times, "what did I do to get this?????".  It is never ending and each day that passes that I have "d" I get more & more depressed. sad   any advice on med's will be helpful!
Posted 6/29/2006 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Unless I am misremembering, turkey is known to be a bit on the gassy side. Might be something you want to save for just Thanksgiving. In fact, a lot of people seem to have frequent after-Thanksgiving bathroom trips, but I don't know if the turkey is solely to blame, or overindulgence.

It seems more doctors are trying people on cholesterol meds like Questran, Welchol and there's a new one--Colestaid?--there's a new post on it here on the forum--even if people still have a good gall bladder. I guess when doctors figured out that these meds constipate normal people, they decided, hey, let's try that on people without gall bladders who have chronic diarrhea. Now it seems that they are saying, hey, if it helps people without gall bladders, maybe it will help my IBS patients too. I take the Welchol and have been very pleased with my results. I don't think of it as less than a miracle pill. I take one, the diarrhea stops. I take one everyday and I don't get diarrhea. It only fails to work if I've been really, really bad food-wise and have eaten something like gravy, and if I get very, very stressed out. And then I have to take two in order to get fixed back up again. I was taking a calcium pill in addition to the Welchol every day for a number of months, but I've had to quit the calcium pill recently since my stools were getting a bit too hard. Sometimes the calcium alone can really help people, sometimes it's not enough. And, in my case, it can help supplement an existing medicine.
Posted 6/29/2006 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi crazygut,
My best friend has IBS as well and she loves her Bentyl and Atavan (sp?). I only take probiotics and Digestive Advantage.
Ask your docs about options. Whether it be anti-anxiety meds or antispasmodics. You may want to even ask about calcium and probiotics.
Good luck and let us know how it goes. :-)
Posted 6/29/2006 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hey crazygut - I know what you mean about every day that passes with this stupid "D" getting you more and more depressed. I take Ativan (anti-anxiety) which helps alot. Instead of over 10 trips a day to the potty, I usually only go 1-3. Still not normal bowel movements, but alot better than it was. Also was given Questran which I have yet to try. I figured I wouldn't try it unless things got really bad again and I couldn't leave the house or something. Also take acidofolus and calcium. And I am careful about what I eat. I try and have white rice and carrots once a day and stay away from fatty, creamy things. Just recently cut out fructose and sucrose- that seemed to help alot- until I ate Chinese last night! Uggg. I will add Chinese to my list of no-no's! Good luck, keep us posted!
Sami
Posted 6/30/2006 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry this might sound dumb but what is fructose and sucrose?
Posted 6/30/2006 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
sucrose is simple sugar and fructose is sugar like in fruit and lots of other sweet stuff- "high fructose corn syrup" is in so many sweet drinks and foods now.
Posted 6/30/2006 1:47 PM (GMT 0)

Sami,

Hi, it's your IBS "twin" here!!

You should seriously consider taking the Questran every day like your Dr. recommended.  My new GI Dr. gave me a Rx for Colestid (about the same thing as Questran) this past Monday and I am happy to say that I have only went 1 time a day (loose stool too, not "D") first thing in the morning (as usual).  If fact, it's 8:40am and I've been awake since 6:30am and I haven't went yet today!!  Woo-Hoo!!!  First time in over 100 days that I haven't woke up and had to run to the bathroom! :-)   It's a good thing too because I'm a bridesmaid in my friends wedding tomorrow and maybe I can have somewhat of a "normal" time...although I have almost forgot what having a "normal" time is.  I just hope not a lot of people ask me why I've got so skinny and why my hair is thinning?  Can you relat??

Try the Questran Sami! yeah

Posted 6/30/2006 1:54 PM (GMT 0)

Sami,

It's your IBS-D "twin" here!

I can't stress enough to tell you to take the Questran!!!  I'd start today!  I went to a different GI Dr. this past Monday and he wrote me a Rx for Colestid (about the same thing as Questran...a colesterol medicine).  It has helped a lot!!  I have wanted to eat more and the best thing is......I have only had loose stools, not "D" like I was having, 1 time in the morning and that's it!  In fact, it's already 8:50am and I haven't went yet today!  First time in 100 days that I didn't wake up and have to run to the bathroom in the morning!  It was a good feeling!  I am a bridesmaid in my friends wedding tomorrow too so maybe I will be able to actually enjoy myself.  I have almost forgot what it was like to actually "enjoy" something.  I just hope nobody asked me why I've lost weight and why my once thick hair is so thin. Can you relate to that??

Sami, I'd take the Questran!  It won't hurt anything.  My best friend is a pharmacist and she said that many people with normal colesteral levels take colesteral medicines for diarrhea, especially with IBS-D. yeah

Posted 6/30/2006 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
"high fructose corn syrup" is in so many sweet drinks and foods now.

From what I've read, high fructose corn syrup bears no resemblance to fruit sugars, except on the molecular level. If you read how they make HFCS, it will turn you off of it. I seem to recall it involved adding in a fungus or enzyme and then running it over some chemical, or visa-versa. Even though at the molecular level they are both the same, most doctors and nutritionists will always tell you it's better to get sugar from fruit than from cokes, and not just for the vitamins and fiber. In fact, some health food people are now saying that if you need sugar, use cane sugar or honey (even better than cane) and avoid HFCS and even fake sugars, especially aspartame (Equal). I've seen people recommending Stevia, but I haven't tried any yet. I'm not sure if it even registers as a sugar on the molecular level, because I think it's calorie-free and diabetic-friendly.
Posted 6/30/2006 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I went to my PCP yesterday and they are having me go see a GI.  They said my symptoms seem a little too much for regular IBS?  (with the constant diarrhea with all foods-even rice and bananas have begun to mess my tummy up!) Since I have tried a few IBS med's and they didn't seem to work much, they want me to go see a GI to make sure it isn't anything more severe...I am REALLY worrying about having to get a colonoscopy.  I am dreading the prep and also the actual procedure.  Will they put me out if I request it?  My Mother in Law told me that, in my best interest, I should be put out.  And actually, I would really, really prefer that!  I don't want to be awake when someone is in places even my husband is forbidden!!!  nono But, the one GOOD thing is if it is something else, I will know and will hopefully be able to stop OBSESSING on this!  And even if it is IBS, I will know that nothing else is seriously wrong.  My Grandma was diagnosed with Colon Cancer a few years ago.  She had surgery and now has a colonomy bag (not sure if that is the right word?).  So, HOPEFULLY  some of my obsessive compulsive thoughts will be eased a bit! 
Posted 6/30/2006 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Crazygut, the prep for the scope is the worst part of it all. BUT, if you think about it, how bad is it going to be? You already have D everyday... It won't be that much of a stretch.
As for the procedure... It's not so bad. They don't completely knock you out, but they give you lots of sedation so you don't even remember it. You might remember little flashes, but that's it.
The scope is totally worth it just to put your mind at ease about what's going on in there.
When do you see this GI?
Posted 6/30/2006 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
the earliest appt they had was the 25th of July.  I have just heard a few "horror" stories of the prep.  I am the type of person if I don't eat at somewhat regular intervals, I get shakey and on the verge of passing out.  I worry about that and the "pain" that is going to come along with the diarrhea.  I have the diarrhea alot, but sometimes there isn't any abdominal pain, just some gurgly & rumbly noises.  I just worry about everything! 

Did the test hurt at all?  I expect to feel some annoying pressure, maybe an occassional sharp pain...it is all the uncertainty that bothers me!!!!  confused

Posted 6/30/2006 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't have any pain or cramps while prepping. FYI.... I used the Phosphosoda prep (not Golytely). Ask your doc about a prep that doesn't require you to drink a gallon of sludge.
The worst part of the scope was the IV. After that you are knocked out and in a 'twilight' zone. You might wake up randomly but all you'll remember is a quick glance or very minor pain. If not, if you're awake and feeling every bit of it, you have to speak up and ask them to stop and give you more meds. I'm pretty sure by law they have to stop and "help" you.
In addition, be prepared for gas afterwards. When they put the scope through they will pump you with air so they can expand things and get a better look. My doc said she "sucked out" as much excess air that she could. But there's always a little left. No biggie! The old lady next to me in the recovery room couldn't stop tooting... it was cracking me up. LOL
Posted 7/1/2006 5:39 AM (GMT 0)
Lil, you mentioned you were not out. I was out. Never even saw the Dr. Out when he got there and when I woke up he was gone. Didn't see him for 10 days for results. For endo I woke up briefly once and saw him but other than that same story. I get nervous and chatty while waiting for him so I think they just put me out to shut me up.
Posted 7/5/2006 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
When I had my scope done, I was way out. Not only did I not know anything, they couldn't get me to wake up afterwards. My mother had to come back there and she finally rousted me, but she had to dress me because I kept falling back asleep. I know I went to the bathroom while mostly asleep and ate breakfast while mostly asleep. I got home and slept another 8 hours or so. I don't know if they just used a bit too much or it just affected me differently than most people--because most people don't sleep THAT much afterwards--but then I've always required mroe sleep than most people and almost always sleep like a log.
Posted 7/5/2006 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I take mebeverine (colofac) which is an anti spasmodic and helps to slow down the intestinal contractions. I also take lexapro which is an anti depressant that hlps with anxiety as anxiety makes my IBS worse. I eat probiotic yoghurts and take a probiotic multivitamun too.
Good Luck! x
Posted 7/6/2006 12:00 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Crazygut- I had to write because I just had my first colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago and really, it was fine.  I too was quite nervous about the prep., because I hate feeling out of control.  However, even the prep wasn't that bad.  A lot of what i passed was clear and if you can get past that, then your're good.  I also didnt' have any cramping, but then again, I ususally don't, only when I'm constipated.  It's just like, Boom there it is!  But like was mentioned before, you can ask your MD (you are allowed to take most meds on both days- they will give you a list) for a med to help you if you are afraid. You know what I did?  I rented a bunch of movies, got a load of sprite and gatorade and settled down for a low key day.  As far as your needing to eat, you may be surprised.  It was almost as if my body knew and sort of shut down for the day .  I hope you have the same luck I did in that regard.  I was awake during my procedure which is what i prefer.  I watched it and was interested, asked the GI questions throughout, etc.  I felt no pain at all.  If I didnt' see it with my own eyes, I never would have known he was there.  Oh yeah, they do insert air into the colon which does (as also mentioned) that will cause quite the passing of gas when it's over.  I was slightly mortified as I do make efforts not to fart too much in public!  But, hey, it was all good.  But please, if I can make it, anyone can!   You'll be fine and it will be nice to finally know for sure what is bothering you.  You know, it's funny- I actually work with a couple of nurses who 'cleanse' themselves a couple times a year.  some people do it to clear their systems.  That was the other thing I did- tried to think of it as cleaning myself out and that made it easier too.  Good luck. Sorry for the long post. 

Posted 7/6/2006 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Keriamom, you were given too much. Obviously your body doesn't tolerate it well. I would mention it the next time and see if they can lighten it. I am out but wake up immediately and could drive home if they let me. They watch mine carefully because of my lung disease but thre is no need to get that much. That would probably have put me in to respiratory failure. I had to laugh though as the man next to me waiting to go in before he had the sedation was sleeping and snoring away like he was in his own bed. I wondered if they needed to give him anything. Everyone in the waiting area was really laughing at how asleep this guy was.

I would never cleanse myself out with that stuff as I always have a hard time getting my stomach back to normal after that cleansing. I think it takes out the good and the bad.
Posted 7/20/2006 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
HI  Do any of you that take Welchol have any trouble with gas from it?  My dr. put me on it for cholesterol and it's making me miserable.  I have Ibs that is semi controlled, but this stuff is making life very difficult! 
Posted 7/24/2006 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
I take Welchol and have never had a bit of gas from it. Some people who are on Questran, though, do complain of excess gas, so it's possible that these types of drugs can do that to some people. Tell your doctor to put you on a different brand and see if that helps. The Welchol, Questran and Colestaid (something like that, it's brand new) are all supposed to be in the same family so they should be interchangeable for your cholesterol.

As a warning, I take the Welchol for it's constipating effect since I don't have a gall bladder and it absorbs the excess bile that causes me to have diarrhea. All three kinds will give you constipation if you're not careful. Even I have to tinker with my dosage on occasion because I'll be doing a little too well and have to skip a pill in order to not get bad constipated. But I'm not taking it for cholesterol, so I can skip or double up all I need to.
Posted 7/24/2006 8:18 PM (GMT 0)

It's shelly1997 again...

I am happy to report that the COLESTID is helping me sooooo much!!  I have a good gall bladder too.  I had a hida scan and all is okay.  They typically use Colestid on people with bad gall bladders, or no gall bladder, but I read that Dr.'s are seeing that these colesterol medicines help slow things down in people with good gall bladders.  It may be worth checking with your Dr. and taking about it with him/her.

I am able to go about anywhere now without worry now.  I just have diarrhea 1 time a day and it hits me within 5-10 minutes upon wakingup in the morning.  Then, I'm typically done for the day.  I have been on the Colestid for almost a month now.  My appetite is getting better too. :-)

Posted 7/24/2006 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Good news shelly! We like to hear success stories. :-)
I hope your good days continue....
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply