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I might have IBS- what do I do?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/16/2007 3:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hey guys,

Since I was 18, for the past year, I started having bouts of diarrhea a half hour to an hour after I'd eat, every couple weeks. I didn't think much of it -- just ate something that went bad, or it was the occasional aspirin I take, or I was just plain sick for no reason (where I thought -- "Well, no wonder. My health's been great for all my life, about time my body caves in.).

After a while, I did notice patterns -- from trial and error, I found out I couldn't handle marshmallows, ice cream (man, what I went through to finally figure these ones out), icings, oatmeal, blueberries, onion, salmon, and excessive amounts of sugary foods.

I also learned that I really needed to have whole grains in my diet, and have my fruits and vegetables. Learned not to over eat, or eat fast. Which happens to be at least one positive point of diarrhea -- makes me eat healthy.

Seeing the symptoms for IBS, I think I *may* be a candidate. I heard from a lot of people here that a careful diet helps... but doesn't completely stop it. And yes, I've noticed that even when I have eaten really well, 6 weeks then another case would hit.

For the past few days, I've been pretty depressed because of this. I can't go out freely without obsessing over where the bathroom is, and how my stomach's feeling. Even when it's a normal bowel movement feeling, it's pretty much identical to me when I'm paranoid and panicking! I'm scared that it'll really affect my future, and my social life. I realize that this is a mild case, but I'm still very anxious...

I want to see a doctor, I don't want to see a doctor -- I'm a very introverted person, and talking about this stuff is absolutely humiliating in my mind. And the thought of possible colonoscopy... horrifying!

Here are my questions now:
1. What can I expect from a doctor? (Colonoscopy?! What's that like?)
2. What medications might they prescribe and how would it help?
3. Besides improving diet and seeing a doctor, what other things can I do to help myself in the mean time?

Thank SO much for your help.

-Jane

Posted 8/16/2007 3:27 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Jane,

Hello and please do not be embarrassed about this condition if that is what it is. :)

I am glad you have kept track of the pattern of your symptoms and the foods you tolerate and do not tolerate.

As far as guessing what your physician will choose to do, I would not want to do that.  It apears that you are well read on the subject, so I would make your physician appointment and take your list of symptoms and patterns with you. Be very open about what has been going on and see what your physcian feels is going on, what tests may be needed as well as any medications.

Don't anticipate or try to out guess what will happen before you see the physician.

I wish you the best and will be watching for your post to see what your physician thinks is going on with you.

Gentle Hugs

Posted 8/18/2007 2:07 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Jane

I just posted this in response to another thread and thought maybe you too could benefit from it ...

I've suffered for many years now. Alot of information and advise I've picked up over the years has been at times quite conflicting. But the more I learn, the more I realise everyone is different, with many different triggers, reactions etc.

If you are able I would recommend you maybe look in to getting some food intolerance and allergy tests done. I recently started to suffer from my worst bout to date .. and at my wits end I finally decided to get some indepth testing done and how glad I am that I did! Although the results were astounding to say the least, it looks possible that many foods I was eating were making me so much worse. Even some things that are recommended for the treatment of Ibs! Time will tell of course if I have indeed found the primary source of my ongoing nightmare with Ibs. But after a week of cutting out everything I have a high allergic reaction too (even toothpaste!) I am feeling much much better than I have in a long time. No more pain, cramps, erratic and frightening alternating BM's. The over night change in me has been amazing. Now just hoping and praying I can stay this way ... and find some foods that are safe for me to eat before I waste away to nothing.

Looking back with hindsight I would now recommend anyone to get tests done as early on as possible. If only to rule out any problematic foods first up. I plan to get the tests redone on a yearly basis to try and keep on top of this.

Even knowing through trial and error, and learning the hard way time and time again (and lots of suffering) what foods I suspected weren't helping at times, it didn't always seem to make a whole lot of difference. Seeing in black and white for the first time the 36 foods, drinks, preservatives & additives (and the toothpaste) has already helped immensely. Now I know that it's not always a case of what I eat, as opposed to one odd ingredient the food items contain.

I hope this is of some help to you Jane. Best of luck : )

Tizz

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Posted 8/20/2007 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
The Doctor that you would be going to has heard it all, seen it all and as we age we have to get over this embarrassment to survive. I dont know how old you are but if you are pretty young(which I think you are) they will probably try meds first like an antispasmotic. Some of us are worse with fresh fruits and veggies so you are lucky there. Eventually you will have to go see a Dr.. May as well be now. Are you taking Probiotics of any kind? Like Digestive Advantage? It works for many people.
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