HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

bentyl???

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/14/2007 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there everyone....

I have just been prescribed Bentyl for my ongoing gas problem.  I was wondering if anyone has tried this and if it works for them.  I trust my GI but I am always afraid to try new meds because I am already on so many!

Thanks for you input!

Amy confused

Posted 12/14/2007 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have tried it and use it occasionally.  I just find it makes me feel a bit drugged, foggy, spacey.  But it does relax and the next morning my insides feel much better.
Posted 12/14/2007 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi..I've used it for 19 years...awesome. It can relax the eyes and make you feel a bit drugged as Lizard99 states...but it also depends on the dosage and how often you take it during the day. You're also on ativan...so, the two can increase the side effects.

What's the dosage and how often are you to take it?

q
Posted 12/14/2007 11:21 PM (GMT 0)

Hi quincy,

The Bentyl was just prescribed today and its 20mg and to take 4xs a day.  I am worried about the interaction with the ativan but I do only take .50mg of that as needed.  Since I am so sensitive to medications I wonder if I will be bothered too much by the side effects.  I will, however, try anything to get a good nights sleep and have less gas pain!

Thanks for you responses, you are a great asset to this site.

Happy holidays

Amy

Posted 12/15/2007 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the kind sentiments Amy.

I'm in Canada...it's called Bentylol, but the dosages are the same.

20mg is what I eventually graduated to from 10mg which I used for about 16 years. So, the 20, I've used coming on 3 years.

It can give you a "relaxed" feeling, especially my vision (my lazy eye gets more lazy..lol!). I can't, however, imagine me taking it 4 times daily and ongoing unless I was at home and in a lot of continual discomfort.
But, everyone is different. I do take it as needed.

You have the little white pills that say 20 on them. Are they scored?
If not, you can still purchase a pill splitter and take half 3 times a day and the full 20mg at bedtime. I've split mine as well until I realised I can take them without any hindrance to "functioning". But, if I'm tired, they'll help me relax more.

I would suggest you not take the ativan until you see how you do with it.

Explain the pain you're having. Is it throughout your colon, gas, cramping, spasming, stomach, rectal, all day, nights only, after eating, when waking up..etc?

Let me know how they work for you.

quincy
Posted 12/15/2007 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Bentyl worked for me for only a few weeks & then my pain was back, but then that's how some of these meds do with me. I do the Donnatol liquid stuff...Gad-zooks that stuff tastes bad!!!!!!! You can't hardly put enough grape flavoring in that one to make it better!!!! But I get better control of dosage, and it gets into the system faster cause it's a liquid...it is Belladonna/phenobarbitol/hyasciamine mixture, so one needs to be extremely careful with it if the doc will give it to you. I like it cause I Don't necessarily have to take the full 3 tsp. dosage if I'm not in need, but can later increase it if it's not helping enough or whatever...Too bad some of these other meds weren't as nice to work with...if it tasted better, I could OD, I suppose. You gotta REALLY NEED relief to drink this stuff!!!!!! Good luck ! Happy Holiday Season!
Posted 12/15/2007 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Quincy....

Thanks for the info on the Bentyl.  Yes they are scored and it was ok'd for me to cut in half.  I think this med might help my anxiety as well so I will refrain from the Ativan until I see how this new med works. 

about the ever so lovely gas....lol....its weird.  I hear gurgling in my rt side and burp and its gone.  THe main problem I have is in the left side.  Its so loud other people can hear it.  Usually when its starts the gurgling I either have to pass gas or head to the bathroom.  I have a hard time judging if its safe to just pass gas so I usually go the BR in case.  I hate that the most because I might be out and have to run to the BR because I am scared I will have an accident.  It seems worse at night and in the morning.  I think during the day I am moving more its seems to be better.  NOt sure why.  I get up every morning at 5 am due to this and it takes about an a hour to feel better then I can go back to sleep. I would love to get a good nights sleep.  So..I am hoping this medicine will work.  Do you think it is better to take with food or without?  I am so sensitive to meds, they really hit me hard so I want to do whats going to be easier on me. 

Oh and the gas doesnt seem any better when I eat or when I dont.  Very annoying.  lol... as the entire disease can be.

Well thanks again for you insight, you really are making me feel better just knowing I can talk to someone about this.

Stay warm in Canada, I live right on the lakeshore of Lake Erie so we always get the cold weather from across the lake.

Amy

 

Posted 12/15/2007 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Amy....try splitting them at 10mg ... you can always double up...it's an option.

You really should try the Rowasa retention enemas rather than just the suppositories. I know that will deal with the rectal inflammation faster..and help with the gas urgency as well.

just out of curiosity..what do you eat? Sometimes tweaking the mix can offer more comfort.

It's going to be a warmer week here...if it offers more snow, I'd prefer it colder. sigh. Interesting the patterns of the weather..and how much influences it. I know living along the lakes, there's a different impact.
I really feel for the areas that have been hit with the severe storms..be them snow/rain or whatever.

Let me know how it goes for you.

quincy
Posted 12/15/2007 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I dont think I have ever tried the rawasa enemas.  I had pancreatitis about 6 years ago and may have used them then.  They do sound familiar but again not positive.  Its funny now that I think back there was never a definitive reason for my pancreatitis but my doc said that it may have been as a result of my UC, now that we know I have it for sure. 

I dont seem to get much relief from the canasa suppositories.  I actually notice my reflux seems worse then.  Dont know if thats a side effect or coincidence. 

I will call my GI on monday and see if he would suggest me trying the rawasa enemas.  Do they help with the rectal bleeding as well?   I do get that on and off and thats why he prescribed the canasa for me. 

Its all so confusing but trial and error is the best way to find out I guess!

As far as my diet...well its pretty boring.  I eat lots of low fat/fat free soup.  I do eat some fat free ham sandwiches and my weakness is vanilla wafers.  I had some 100% fruit juice yesterday but I think it made gassy.  Not sure.  I drink lots of water, stay away from carbonated beverages and milk.  I also was advised not to chew gum due to its gassy properties and the chemicals in it can cause more gas and bacteria to grow in the gut.  I dont really eat much, its just enough to fill me up these days.  I eat to just get full.  I dont enjoy eating out anymore because I am always afraid it will bother me.   Oh...I do love yogurt and it doesnt seem to bother me.  Is that ok to eat do you think?

Any suggestions would be appreciated diet wise.  Its hard to stay full long.

Thanks again

Amy

Posted 12/17/2007 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Wow...suffering from pancreatitis is awful. My sister has had it for many years. I hope all is well with you regarding that now?

Interesting about the reflux part...I remember my doctor saying low in the rectum inflammation can cause stomach symptoms...don't exactly know how, but there have been many on here saying they're having more stomach symptoms and then soon have more "flare" symptoms...so, I think if you get more meds to the rectum, that might be improved.

The other thing is that the pancreatitis symptoms may mimic reflux?

The Rowasa is a good start....try and get the brand name rather than the generic 5ASA...harder to use I have read.

Regarding food...protein is definitely a good thing for you to eat. If you can have eggs, having them in the morning for sure is a good thing. Boiled...one with some toast keeps me for a long while.

Actually, eating small meals many times a day keeps the colon still working. Yes, I know it's already working overtime, but the overtime thing is what you want to calm. To get it to a proper rhythm of processing rather than reacting will help.

How are you doing on the Bentyl?

q
Posted 12/17/2007 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Quincy...

I had a really bad night.  Didnt get much sleep, I had so much gas and with it came the urge to go to the BR.  Super watery diarrhea too.  Ugh!  I called my GI again today and waiting for the call back.  I hate bothering them but I am to start a new job soon and want to be better by then.  I couldnt help but cry to my mom about all of this.  I hate feeling like this and being exhuasted makes me so emotional.  I just keep telling myself it will get better.  DO you know why the gas is so much worse at night?  During the day its not nearly as bad.  Odd!  As far as the pancreatitis, it was an acute attack.  THank goodness.  I took meds for years but my GI told me to stop them since I no longer had pancreatitis.  I am not sure why b/c I had been on them for years but I must trust him.  I do have reflux per a positive barium swallow and EGD, lately it has been worse too.  I dont think my pancreas is acting up because I will never forget that pain.  I have to say its worse then UC pain.  Just that it goes away eventually.  I wish I could have eggs...I love them but allergic.  They really do a number on me.  LOL  I love food but it just doesnt love me!! LOL    I will keep you posted once my GI calls me back.

Old man winter hit us hard yesterday...we got lots of snow....not a bad day for me to stay inside.   DO you have any snow? 

Well I am going to rest a bit...thanks again...you really are kind to talk with me about this nasty disease.

Take care

Amy

Posted 12/19/2007 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Amy...did the doc get back to you?

The gas is probably from the colon inflammation....especially since you're having diarrhea (having inflammation higher than the rectum/sigmoid)...the colon moving fast/spasming will push everything out fast without having time to become formed. The bentyl will help at least somewht.

Have you been taking the Bentyl ?

Do you take hte Asacol twice or thrice daily?

It's good the pancreatitis was a one time thing...you do get blood tests done regularly to check liver/pancreatic enzymes right?

Do you remember what meds you were taking for pancreatitis?

Have you checked out any of the gastro diets that some on here have tried? There's the SCD and the Maker's Diet and a few others.

Have you considered to try probiotics? I may have asked you that before...if so, which ones did you try?

It's possible the yogurt is giving you some of the gas...when are you eating it? I get severe discomfort from yogurt, although would have it on occasion if I have a craving. It's actually worse than consuming other milk products which is interesting.

Are you taking any calcium? sometimes that's touted as a gut/gastro calmer. I would suggest one with magnesium and vitamin D...and there are some with zinc as well..which is good for healing.

Sometimes 5ASA meds will cause diarrhea for some..there are other 5ASA meds that you might consider to try. One is Lialda...it's a once a day med...something to ask the doc.

Yes, winter/snow has been around for a while now....it's been cold (which I prefer), but the temps are starting to warm just below freezing (which makes everything mushy and sloppy). It's supposed to actually rain on Christmas..hope they're wrong..ugh.
I've seen reports of the storms throughout Canada/US....not a nice way to introduce winter..sigh.

Please let me know the outcome with the doc....do you have an appointment with him soon?

Just curious..have your periods been up and down as well?

Hang tough...I hope this can get figured out before you start your new job...Hope it's after the holidays and new year...which is stressful enough.

Talk soon,
quincy
Posted 12/19/2007 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there...

I am doing a little better.  The past 2 days I have been able to get a pretty solid nights sleep.  WHat a difference that makes. 

I am glad you mentioned the asacol can cause diarhea to some.  THe reason I am is because I was wondering the same thing.  I am to take 12 a day (3 4xs daily) but I notice when I take only 9 I seem to have less runs to the BR.  I have to mention this to my doc and see what he thinks.  They suggested that I take the bentyl longer to see if it helps but since I have reduced the asacol the gas and diarhea are much less.  I just hate the way I feel on the bentyl.  I am such a weakling for meds. 

I have not ever had my liver enzymes checked yet since I have been on asacol and I dont get my pancreatic enzymes checked anymore.  I havent in a long time but since I have been asymptomatic that dept they dont think its necessary.  Hmmm....now I am beginning to wonder about my doctor.  He is well known in the area and has a great reputation.  I just wonder sometimes if he takes this disease as serious as I do.  It also seems he isnt very interested in having me come in for an appt either.  I guess there isnt much to see though.  SO I am ok with that.  I am gonna call tomorrow about the blood work tho.  Are there any signs of liver trouble that I should know about?

OH for my pancreas I took creon 10 (2 tabs with each meal)  I wasnt able to take them until my lipase came down to normal tho.  Other than that I was just in the hospital with pain meds.

As far as the yogurt goes...no more for me.  I have to admit I think I introduced too much to my diet the few days prior to my big "blow out"  lol   I had started eating yogurt daily, oranges daily and fruit juice (100% fruit) and pudding.  I kinda wonder if I didnt just over do it.  SO more of those things for now or maybe ever. 

I will look into the calcium pills that makes sense,  I was eating oranges for calcium since there are so much in them.  The probiotics I tried make me gassier  (normal or not??)  Maybe there are some that might help me tho.  I will check with my dietary foods store and see. 

Do you have days you are beat tired from this?  I am today, just took a nap even though I slept through the night.  I feel like I am paranoid sometimes but I feel so alone in this battle some days.  I am sure you understand.  Maybe I better restart my iron supplement.  I was unable to take for those few days cuz it made my tummy hurt.  I dont seem pale and have color in my nails and palms etc.  But I better restart.  DO you take iron?

Ok I rambled on enough.....I am going to find something to eat, and I did get a book called Breaking the Viscious Cycle....i better read it and try to follow it, might help me too!! 

Take care, stay warm!

Amy

Posted 12/21/2007 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Amy....good to hear you're feeling a bit better. Amazing how enough sleep helps!! I think you should try the Bentyl (10mg) before bedtime. It'll help you sleep...well, it does me anyway.

I think part of the reason you're having diarrhea is because you're eating fruit/oranges. The probiotics...I take them at bedtime..but I do notice when I've taken them during the day I have had more discomfort from gas. Bedtime is better for me...

I use Natural Factors Protec... I do on occasion add Primadophilus Reuteri. The Reuteri comes in pearls...I've taken them during the day and have no ill effects..which is positive. Those two I'd suggest.

You do know that you can take the Asacol twice a day....maybe a higher dosage less times a day might work for you. I've never taken them more than twice..works better for my schedule. As well, it's less likely to forget dosages.

If you were to "try" them that way....do 5 and 5 and see if that helps.

Do you eat any protein? What meats are you able to eat?

There are normal blood tests that should be done at least once or twice a year for UCers....definitely complete blood counts, liver enzymes, kidney enzymes, pancreatic enzymes, potassium, sodium, Vitamin B-12..and a few others I can't remember.

Since you have had pancreatitis in the past, you should still have it checked at least once a year....my opinion. What was the reason you had it? blocked pancreatic duct? meds?

REgarding feeling beat tired....yes, I have days I literally conk out on the couch or in my chair (with my cat curled up on me..it's HER fault!!) for 2 - 3 hours...out cold that I wouldn't even hear the phone ring. There are other days that I don't do that at all...but when I'm flaring, I'm definitely more tired and just lie down more often and just be quiet....as well, I'll take more bentylol during the day..but if I'm nauseated, I tend to take Gravol, an antinausea, which will make me more tired.

I'm wondering if you've had your B-12 taken. You should make sure it's even registering because low B-12 will have you feeling tired. I don't take iron supplements. The only time I did was when I was in puberty..a long while ago. I'm always tested for low iron because of how pale I am...but it's always good. I don't get periods any longer (hysterectomy)..so don't add it through supplements. I do eat meat and have an egg every morning.

It's understandable to become paranoid....or have anxiety about how you're feeling....especially if you may feel that you're not being looked after properly by the doctor. I think you could think about making an appointment and bring a list of questions you believe are most pertinent for how you're feeling....and make sure you see the doc again in every 3 or 4 months to touch base and continue adjusting treatment to make sure the meds are doing their thing and that nothing else is out of whack.

I agree to look into your gut/food book and see what you CAN eat (that you're not allergic/intolerant)...so that you begin eating enough food. That way you'll keep your energy level up and maybe the diarrhea will lessen.

Hope you have a feeling better day....let me know what the doc says.

quincy




Read the info on Vitamin D....that in conjunction with Cal/mag and zinc will help your energy.

Are you taking any artificial sweeteners in any preparations? That can cause diarrhea.

Next question...are you sure you're eating enough?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply