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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 9/4/2007 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so confused with everything I'm reading about insoluble fiber vs soluble fiber. I suffer from IBS-D. My doctor always tells me to add fiber to my diet so that I won't go as often and that will give me bulk. This morning I had a repeated episode of last tuesday. I was on the bowl for almost one hour because (sorry to be gross) my stool was too big too pass. It took great effort and pain but finally I did. The past 2 days I went to the bathroom at least 15 times (of course what I refer to as pebbles). I'm desperate and getting depressed because I just dont' know what to eat anymore. Please tell me do I focus on insoluble or soluble? I am getting afraid to travel and leave my house for fear of this happening again...please, please help me. I'm almost desperate enough to avoid eating completely. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy next Monday.

Thank you.

Kim

Posted 9/4/2007 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi- Soluble fiber is in foods such as pasta, rice, oatmeal, potatos, and certain breads.  Insoluble fiber is like straight out bran cereal, and some vegetables amongst other things (basically the fiber you would use if constipated).  If you read 'Eating for IBS'- a pretty widely read and popular book, the author (who has suffered from IBS since the age of 9) tells you to always start with a soluble fiber first when on an empty stomach and then follow with other foods.  Although I believe that this is supposed to be more helpful with IBS-D sufferers. Now the thing with insoluble fiber is it's great for bulk and for constipation and some people have success with it, it can also be the cause of episodes of D IF you are prone to that.  You'll need to ask your MD to be more specific in terms of what he wants you to try.   

Also, it doesn't sound like you have an official dx yet, so after the colonoscopy is when you'll really have some answers about what may work. Others on this site try daily products such as citrucel for bulk (which is a powder form of insoluble fiber - the chocolate flavor I find pretty tasty!) I'm sure others will comment too- I hope you find it all helpful. Good luck.

Posted 9/4/2007 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Kimb- let me clarify when I said it sounded like you don't yet have an official dx. You did say you have IBS-D, but I guess what I'm wondering is if the colonoscopy will show something different.  Again, good luck.

Posted 9/4/2007 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Carell,

thank you for your reply. I spent a good part of this morning crying. This is my 3rd colonoscopy over the years. I'm just at my wits end with this condition. I know stress worsens IBS and yet its hard not to be stressed from worrying. These episodes like this morning worry me.  The most recent things I've added over the past 2 month to my diet are granola "low fat". almonds & cranberries and mandarin orange slices in my salad at night. Five days a week my breakfast is low fat oatmeal and the other 2 days is bran cereal w/little granola on top. My weakness is potato chips. My history is having multiple BM 10 x a day and more; sometimes its just the urgency other times I go; my body is exhausted. In order to travel and work I take hydrocodone as I found since it constipates me it helps me live a somewhat normal life. If I don't take the hydrocodone I can't stay out of the bathroom. If I take it though it helps me I am stressed with the worry of addiction; I feel I'm in a no win situation. The dosage hasn't changed and I drink plenty of water. I'm thinking the culprit is the change in my eating habits. I should add that I have a thyroid condition "Hyper" and takes meds for it.

Thank you for your help.

Kim

Posted 9/4/2007 3:23 PM (GMT 0)

Kim,

I also have hyperthyroidism and have a history of severe diarrhea.  Are you on methimazole (Tapazole) for it?  If your thyroid isn't under control, it could be contributing to your diarrhea.

I would caution about using hydrocodone as an anti-diarrheal.  It does have a constipating effect but is way too highly addictive to be used for that purpose.  If anything, you should try Imodium or Lomotil to decrease your diarrhea.  Have you asked your doctor about either of those?

Posted 9/4/2007 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarita,

Thank you for your reply. I take Propylthiouracil for the thyroid problem. I have tried immodium and other medications with no success. Is it still considered diarrhea if its not loose? I'm sorry to be gross I don't know how else to say it. My stools are pebbles typically. Once I have a BM if I don't take hydrocodone, I will sprial from there on. This episode that happened this morning happened last Tuesday too; I'm open to any suggestions.

Thank you.

Kim
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