Managing IBS-C without an SFS
#169188 - 04/12/05 08:35 AM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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Okay, most of you know I have severe IBS-C with gut wrenching pain, cramps, bloat, and horrid gas.
I don't seem to be able to handle any SFS so far. Perhaps because I have some delayed gastric emptying which is suppose to be made worse by SFS. I'm not sure if this is the reason.
Anyhow, for those who are IBS-C and cannot tolerate SFS, how do you safely manage the constipation? I cannot eat wheat, fruits with peels seems to be frowned upon.
So, besides taking laxatives, how do I manage this horrid, chronic pain when I cannot seem to take an SFS?
Are there any foods that are more helpful? I do get IF food in at every meal, but perhaps not enough??? What are your diets like? What do you guys and gals do? I'm desperate! 
Thanks
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Sweetheart, I'm not IBS-C although I was while pregnant. I don't know if this will help much because you already know what you're doing. Did you start your SFS at a pathetically low dose? Did you increase them VERY slowly? For example, with acacia, they said to start with 1/2 tsp. I started with 1/4 tsp and increased it by 1/4 tsp each week.
The other things you can do for constipation, as you know, are to make sure you're getting lots of SF. And try increasing your IF SAFELY (lots of cooked, peeled, mashed and pureed veggies and fruits) (I would do all of the above for a while till you're feeling better). Also, water and exercise will help. Tried fennel tea? Great for bloating and gas. I'm sure you've probably tried some of these suggestions, but bear with me, I'm just trying to help to see if there's something you've missed.
Hugs, Alicia.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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SF seems to make me more C. Really, I've tried.
I have done all your suggestions. Even the low dose of SFS first then gradual increase, but bloat, gas, cramps seemed to get worse and not much better with the C (or may have been my imagination???)  Thanks for trying to help, Alicia. Your so nice to want to help! 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Beth, have you tried the miralax? I'm not saying its going to be a cure all either but at least things will be moving!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Maybe you should try Miralax. That has been the one thing that has helped me. It's not always helpful, but when I take Miralax & watch my diet, I usually go to the bathroom around 5 days a week (sometimes every day). That has helped my abdominal pain so much. I hardly ever get cramping & pain.
When I feel like I'm getting C & uncomfortable, I'll take a little Zelnorm before bed. (I drink my Miralax in the morning before breakfast when I'm getting ready for work.) But I rarely take the Zelnorm.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I did
#169515 - 04/13/05 08:43 AM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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And I got scared as it made me cramp and I feared a life time of laxative usage. Perhaps it is time to give it an all out try, though.
I don't know how I would continue to pay for this on my own, and doesn't this med need to be taken every day for the rest of your life? This thought terrifies me now!
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I never found relief without an SFS, but am learning that the IF factor is just as vital. If I don't eat raw veggies at every meal (tomatoes with breakfast, lettuce and cucumbers on my sandwich at lunch, apple for snack, salad with dinner) I am not moving squat! Water is also major important. I know you have heard it before, but if these things don't work, I'd get prescription help if I could. You can't just keep this up...relief has to come at some point so your system can stabilize. Many thoughts and prayers your way!!
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God is Faithful!
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I tried Zelnorm and it didn't work for me.  The foods you listed I think would kill me! Especially the raw cucumber and salad! Do you eat your apples with the peel?
I wish, I wish I could handle an SFS!
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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