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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 5/27/2007 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
 

 

       Hi everybody,

 

I have had terrible stomache aches my entire life and was just recently diagnosed with IBS. I dont know what to do? Everything hurts my stomache and I can't let it ruin all of my fun anymore. Untill I find the right medicine what can I do? Any advice?

Posted 5/27/2007 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi zeffer,

Welcome to Healing Well :-)

It sounds like your really having a hard time right now and I know how hard it can be. What problems do you deal with most (besides the stomach pain) with IBS, constipation or diarrhea? Both can make anyone miserable but you can help manage your symptoms with different things. Unfortunately there is no one miracle relief with IBS and everyone is completely different in what they respond to but chances are you will find what helps you eventually.

I suffer from IBS-C (constipation type) but I do have diarrhea occasionally but rarely. I have found relief with my regimen of fiber and Miralax and avoiding the foods that were giving me problems. It took a while but I am so much better.

Is the stomach pain that you are having caused by gas and bloating? Have you tried things like Beano or Gas-X or charcoal pills? If its from spasms, there are anti-spasmodic medications out there that your doc can prescribe and they do help. I hope you find some answers here and were happy to have you. You will find a lot of support here.

Take Care
Posted 5/27/2007 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Zeffer,
Welcome, I am fairly new to the site myself, but I have found you will get some good advice from the members; I have had IBS for 4 years now, and it is very hard to live with for me. I have the severe abdominal pain as well - constantly. My IBS began as Abd pain and awful diarrhea, now alternates with constipation as well. Either way, I always have the pain. Try to avoid red sauces for sure and greasy fast food, onions, peppers and things like that. Maybe try to eat some bland food; I also think sometimes heating pad or warm bath can help if you don't have any contradictions to that. Look around on the forum on other topics and you will find some helpful information. I hope you find the right med and get to feeling better soon.
Posted 5/27/2007 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much. Your comment was very sweet and helpful. I have gas and normally I just have to go to the bathroom often, but no diahrea. Another problem with my IBS is emotions caused it to get worse. Any strong emotion increases my pain alot. Do you think any meds can control that kind of problem?
The doctor explained to me that based on the type of pain i was experiancing that i most likely had spasms that were pressing down really hard, that causes sharp pain. She gave me a medicine but it has not seemed to be working ( we are asking to try a new one ).
The thing is that I can't seem to eat anything besides steamed bell peppers and grilled chicken. The only thing i am glad about though is that now that i know what it is ( IBS ) I can help control the pain.

Thank you!!! :)
Posted 5/27/2007 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
Many docs now are realizing that IBS is most likely caused by a brain/gut miscommunication so emotions and anxiety can definitely make your symptoms worse. Some people are actually prescribed anti-depressants for their symptoms because of the serotonin imbalance, your gut holds about 95% of your body's serotonin level. My anxiety definitely plays a role and I take Klonopin for my anxiety which eases my pains as well so win, win. I totally understand about the different types of antispasmodics. I finally got it right after a few different ones too with Symax SL. I almost gave up. I hope you find relief soon, keep posting and keep reading the posts, you will find many different experiences and advice.

Take Care
Posted 5/27/2007 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi zeffer,
Just something for you to ponder... Bell peppers are notorious for causing gas. Could your pain be from gas cramps caused by the steamed bell peppers?
Good call on asking for another anti-spasmodic. Keep checking with your doc until you find on that works. Also, like Des mentioned, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds have been proven to help IBSers quite a bit. It is definitely something to look into.
Good luck! Feel free to keep asking questions or posting your thoughts and/or concerns.
Posted 5/27/2007 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed back in April 07 with IBS.  Started out Constipation and went to Diareaha.  Before that I could eat anything.  Man this took me by surprise.  But I had been having aniexty attacks off and on for years. 

I've basically stayed away from anything that will cause me gas.  I love mushrooms and cook onions when you go out to eat Mexican.  Well, I don't digest those well now, so I stay away from them.  Right now knock on wood it seems like I am settling down.  I basically eat baked fish, chicken, potatoes and mac & cheese.  I get the no sugar added apple sauce (very good).  I was always the one that liked to over eat.  I've noticed that I don't seem to have a problem when I eat moderately.  I am trying to walk atleast 1 mile everyday and I've noticed a decrease in my symptoms also.  Oh, drink water.  I aim at 100 ozs a day because of my weight.  I've not had a coke in 3 months.  Man I miss them but I don't want to screw anything up.  I take vitimins and benefiber.  I also am taking St. Johns Wort instead of the antidepressent that the doctor gave me.  I don't like taking meds anyway.  Its took me about 2 months to see what I can and can't eat.  I don't eat beef at all.  I stick to chicken, fish or turkey.

 

Posted 5/28/2007 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Just a quick note as I don't see where anyone mentioned it. For intestinal pain if nothing else works try a heating pad or one of those pads you put in microwave to heat. It really helps a lot even for gas pains.

Posted 5/29/2007 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all of your good advice. I exercise alot and it does seem to help the pain. Hopefully soon I will find the foods that are easy for me to digest. Thanks for your help!
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