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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/22/2009 10:57 AM (GMT 0)
So I've been dealing with this horrible monster we call Ulcerative colitis for the past 17 years and lo and behold I got confirmation that I now have IBS as well.  So how in the heck can I tell the difference between an IBS flare up and an UC flare up????  How can I treat one without harming the other???  I guess I am just destined to NOT eat for the rest of my life!  mad

Yesterday I had the whopper of all cramps (yes I had to take a Bentyl) and I truly believe that my cramping has to do with the IBS instead of Uc since it has been clinically confirmed that I am in total remission.  I'm thinking that since I am in remission with my Uc that I may try a fiber supplement again to help deal with the D that I am having (maybe even the cramping).  I am just afraid to try because in the past I have tried and it did nothing but make my D 10x's worse.  I have tried Citrucel and Benefiber in the past so what is a good gentle fiber supp I can try?

Posted 8/22/2009 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
     Sherry....fiber sends my UC into a tailspin.  As a matter of fact, when I first started symptoms of UC I took a Fibercon and landed in the hospital!  Since I have diverticulitis along with UC the doc wants me to have SOME fiber.  My nutritionist suggested last year that I use Red Mill ground flaxseed MEAL, 1 tablespoon, on my rice krispies in the morning.  I also place a Tablespoon in my yogurt for lunch.  This doesn't upset my UC and makes things slide out easier, if you get my drift smilewinkgrin

     I had IBS for years before developing UC.

Posted 8/22/2009 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I guess I have to welcome you to the world of having both IBD and IBS, it's even crappier than having one or the other LOL!

Tips on dealing with IBS (that can actually aid with IBD as well) are fibre supplements daily, a good probiotic daily (and indefinitely for both), regular exercise daily, avoiding caffeine, animal fats, fatty foods, alcohol sugars (are apparently the worst for IBS) and pretty much all artificial sweetners, cutting out, or way down on refined sugar, avoiding pop/soda, spicey foods. If you can't do an exercise regime at least 4X/week then at least increasing your walking (by alot) is helpful and drinking lots of water...dairy/lactose intolerance can also be a common development with IBS too so pay attention to that.

Re; fibre supplements, use caps rather than powdered stuff which usually contains things like sorbitol which is a sugar alcohol that I mentioned above, anything ending in "tol" is a sugar alcohol which you should avoid completely...I use prodiem stool bulker and it's been great.  Start with the lest amount (one cap) and always drink a full glass of water with it, increase only if necessary and after your system has ajusted to it (increased gas and bloating is normal and will stop once your system has adjusted).


:)

Posted 8/22/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Bummer! We UCers can't ever win can we? If it's not one thing, it's another...
I've never been told by a doctor that I have IBS but I can guarantee you I have it. I don't know how, but most of the time I can tell the difference between pain and D from IBS and IBD. I guess it just feels different to me and then I take a step back and see if there is anything I'm worried or concerned about (like this week. I've been sick all week but I start classes monday...)
I'm like Christine too. Fiber absolutely kills me, remission or not. The only thing that helps me with my IBS is immodium...
Posted 8/22/2009 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Yeppers, me too. I have never been told officially I have IBS, but trust me, my body know it big time! As soon as I start eating too much sugar, fat...well along those lines, I get the pains and the loose bowel movements. My hubby says I'm keeping him healthy...ha. Funny, the older I get the more foods I keep checking off the list. But, my UC is in total remission. I hope you feel better soon Sherry; I can only sympathize with you at this point. I basically try and eat the same foods for lunch, etc., it seems to help most of the time. Take care!
Posted 8/22/2009 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
yeah, totally sucks and takes a while to figure it out.

I agree with the capsules rather than the liquids...just because they're easier to take..for me anyway. Plus I carry them with me for when I go out and eat.

Start small....I use the Metamucil and took one capsule with meals...that way it works with the food and there's less symptoms. I then graduated to 2, then to 3 and now 4 with each meal...that was over a period of time, however.

Bentyl is a good thing to use....if it works for you.

q
Posted 8/23/2009 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Red, I just wanted to share this link with you...

http://www.webmd.com/ibs/treating-diarrhea

and this one about an RX called Dicetel used to treat IBS...

http://www.irritable-bowel-syndrome.ws/dicetel.htm

:)

Posted 8/23/2009 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
Heather, how slowly did you increase each fiber supp? Did you just make sure that you were able to tolerate it before proceeding on upping the dose?

Thanks for the links Pb and tips :)

And yes!! Why can't us Uc'ers ever get a break????!!! LOL Thanks everyone :)
Posted 8/23/2009 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherry....I'm hooked on the capsules..much easier to use...and I always take with food.

I started with one capsule at supper for a few days, then added one to breakfast (I pretty much eat 2 main meals a day because I'm not on a "normal" work schedule anymore).

I could feel a bit of something the first two days...then nothing, so I added to breakfast for a week. Then I went to two at supper for two or so days, then two at breakfast for a week.
Then three, then four.

It was more difficult to adjust the powder, but it has lots more fibre per dosage...again...the caps are awesome for me.

I just hope they don't discontinue them...lol..because they were just on half price at Super Store..hmmm..time to email the company.

If so, I might do the Prodiem that pb4 uses....

quincy
Posted 8/24/2009 11:27 AM (GMT 0)
I bought some Metamucil yesterday and tried my first capsule. For some reason it made me feel.......it's sort of hard feeling to describe, maybe full and a bit nauseas...but I did take it with full glass of water and food. But other then that no other ill effect. So I will continue taking them in hopes that it can help me in some way.
Posted 8/24/2009 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe next time try it without food, not necessarily on an empty stomach but not directly while eating or just after eating...I take my Prodiem cap just before bed...I've also never increased my intial dose of one/day, but if you find the need to increase your dosage, make sure you wait until any excess gas/bloating has stopped (that is of course if it causes you any excess).

Key is also sticking with it, flaring or not., especially if you find it's benefitting you.

:)
Posted 8/24/2009 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
I was also told I had both. I found the dietary changes that helped heal my UC also took care of IBS cramps/spasms/irregularity. Decreasing or eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar and chocolate, eating high protein, healthy fats and low carb veggies helped me. I also take Citrucel caps and psyillium husk caps with meals and plenty of water throughout the day. And probiotics and digestive enzymes will help.
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