Posted 4/28/2008 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
<<My questions are what medication do they give for this IBS?>>
Nothing really, I'm afraid. There's nothing specifically to treat/help IBS like there is for IBDs. Most doctors will tell you to go home and just find a way to deal with it. People on here, though, can recommend OTC stuff that can sometimes help. For instance, calcium supplements (Caltrate 600 w/ vitamin D) are naturally constipating, so taking them when you have D can help reduce the amount of D. Although many with D just pop immodiums. Heating pads/hot water bottles are commonly recommended for cramps, although you might can get your doctor to prescribe an anti-spasmodic, which may reduce both the cramping and the D.
You can also try gas relief medicine; some of your cramping may be gas.
<<What foods are easy to eat?>>
You don't have to do bland, per say, but nothing hot. Spices like organo and fennel and rosemary and stuff like that is usually okay, but stay away from the peppers. Nothing that burns your mouth, in other words. No fried foods. Avoid things high in fat, like ice cream or coconut or alfredo sauces. In fact, avoid dairy (although some IBSers can tolerate it--but better not risk it while on vacation). Also no raw fruits or veggies and no fruit juice (fruits are high in acid which usually make diarrhea and gas both worse). Starches are usually a friend--most people can tolerate potatoes and rice and bread. Keep tomato sauces limited as they are, again, high in acid. No caffeine and since you may have gas cramps, nothing carbonated. No alcohol (although a few odd birds find that hard liquor actually helps calm their guts; but pretty much no one can do wine, wine coolers or beer).