Posted 2/1/2012 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. Another new member. I've been diagnosed for 2 years with IBS-A. I have a couple other chronic conditions which seem to interfere with each other as far as meds go. I have tried many fiber products (Fibercon, Metamucil, Benefiber, Heather's Tummy Tamer's fiber) and like some of you, these really irritate my colon. I have done Bentyl, Zelnorm, Amitiza, Imipramine and Dicyclomine. Since the symptoms alternate back and forth, meds that help with diarrhea will slow motility and vice versa. I have severe spasm with alot of lower left quadrant pain but also generalized pain and pressure in my pelvis. I also get sometimes incapitating pain in my back on the left side, flank area. Stabbing, burning and throbbing. I've done celiac tests, food intolerance testing, allergies, etc. All are negative. I am now doing therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction using biofeedback (electrodes around the anus!) hooked up to a monitor and then using kegel-type exercises to learn to relax the pelvic floor. Anyone here doing that? I am also doing diaphragmatic breathing but have found that I am unable to have a BM without that type of relaxation anymore, very seldom is there anything spontaneous. When I do the breathing, my guts rumble and you can feel the gas moving and I can move some of the air out which releases some of the pressure and pain but it too will seldom release on it's own. I'm not saying it's bad to do relaxation exercises but is that the only way that my body will function now? Does anyone on this board have any insight? I am working part-time but 24 hrs. but am basically glued to my toilet on my off days with the sensation of feeling like I need to go, or going 10-15x's but just a little, cramping and I don't want to be away from home. I'm sorry this is so long. I am so frustrated and having very little success. I really want to know if anyone has done the PFD biofeedback or any answers as to why I cannot get any muscles to relax without the relaxation breathing. Is there a problem with the colon motility ???Thanks for any feedback.