Let's Help Each Other : Positive Success Stories with Mike's Program

Success Stories from Users of the IBS Audio Program 100; Help for IBS Posts

Well, I hope we have some posters here, but in the meantime, in order to encourage others, and keep things in one spot for the newbies, I have consolidated all the past positive comments and excerpts posted on this BB forum, from users of the IBS Audio Program 100tm, as well as a past link. I hope this post will help others who are suffering to be encouraged, to feel positive, and to feel that there is indeed hope out there.

Please be encouraged by the comments of others, and if you had a positive experience with Mike's program, please share it to help others as you were also helped. As with any treatment method, remember, there is no cure for IBS, there are those who are not helped, there are those who have other health concerns, and no one is the same in their response, however, the good news is, that the vast majority of folks who have used the IBS Audio program have been helped, many have been helped greatly, some just a bit, but any move forward is positive and encouraging, and that's what this thread is all about!!! Please share! Or if your post is already included here, feel free to encourage and update if appropriate. Thank you.

Here are success stories from users in the past:

http://www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=hypnotherapy&Number=20765&page=9&view=expanded&sb=5&o=&vc=1

And here are positive comments from folks who have previously posted on this forum:

From jo1978 Feb 2004

I've had IBS-C for about the last 10 years. I did the hypno CD's in the middle of 2003 and it made a big difference to me. I would really strongly recommend it. If you have any more questions, let me know ... although, and this might help sway your mind, today is the first day I've been on here in months b/c my IBS isn't a big part of my life any more!
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From DJW Feb 2004

I started the sessions yesterday. What a positive experience! Michael's voice is so calming and there's a nice balance of background music. I'm truly looking forward to my next session. Thank you to Heather & Company for making this available to us.
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From Bevrs Feb 2004

I don't need a personal visit to a hypnotherapist. Michael IS an "actual hypnotherapist," by the way, who has successfully specialized in treating IBS for over 10 years -- and he's incredible. Why would I need to find a local hypnotherapist? Even if I did find someone locally, I can guarantee he wouldn't have the background in IBS that Michael has. The program has helped SOOO many people, Kip. You should check it out...

I am extremely grateful to Michael for having given me my life back. My positive thinking now has worked wonders for me; hubby sees a different person in me and comments on it often.
Michael is my hero; he really gave me my life back. Without him, I'd still be locked up in this condo, never leaving it.
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From hawkeye January 2004

Well I've finished the program, its been 2 weeks now since I stopped listening. I have to say I have a bit of a mixed report, no miracle results. I haven't posted since I started, and was very uneasy after my first few listenings.

Well I came to really like listening though the only time I found to do it was when going to sleep at night, so I almost always was asleep before the cd stopped.

I think I'm functioning a little better i have ibs-d and there is considerably less "d" lately. However I find my mind racing to negative thoughts about getting an attack from different foods, maybe more often than I used to! I get obsessive about getting sick, either ibs or food poisoning, which I've only had once in my life, but has stuck as a fear.

So, I may do the program a 2nd time in a few months, and maybe I'll try doing it earlier in the day, as I did like being conscious for the cds, and even calling up some of the imagery when I wasn't feeling well or found myself in negative thought patterns. That was hard to do when only my subconscious mind as they always say around here had listened to the track. Thanks to all for listening and to those of you who pushed me to keep trying when I wanted to give up on the program. Dan
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From Shellsbells Jan 2004

I have no problem accepting the benefits of hypnosis for IBS. IBS is not a disease but a functional disorder of the gut (for unknown reasons)- a brain-gut disorder. So go straight to your brain for treatment.

The way I think of it (which is way too simplistic, but makes it easy to imagine), the brain works in every respect by sending messages along pathways. Any physical or mental change can only take place if your brain makes a HUGE leap in creating a new pathway, or short-cut to avoid an existing well-trodden pathway (pain, trigger-anxiety-physical response...). Once that jump has been made from one brain cell to another it leaves a 'trace' that this has occurred. Then it happens again, then again - the traces it leaves behind build up (like building a bridge) until it becomes so easy it's automatic, instantaneous and the brain has created a physical, mental, or emotional change - a new pathway.

This all happens subconsciously - hypnosis works by creating new pathways in the brain. So anxiety disorders like panic attacks - the hypnosis creates a new pathway of recognising a trigger - CALM, instead of trigger - ANXIETY - PANIC. That's why so often anxiety panic disorders become worse and worse as time goes by - the brain is following the same old pathway and getting stronger and stronger each time - it doesn't know any other way. A new pathway (of calm) regularly followed will get stronger and stronger and the less the old pathway (bridge) is used it begins to deteriorate and break down.

Obviously, this is easy to imagine with something like anxiety, but it's potential is limitless, it can work with any process that the brain is involved in - physical or not. It's all about these pathways/bridges in the brain which CAN be changed.

I hope this is in some way understandable, I'm sure I haven't explained it as well as I could!

I'm on day 5 hypnosis at the moment YIPPEEE! ~Shellsbells
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From Sek October 2003

I did complete the hypnotherapy some time ago and believe it helped me a lot. I have far fewer cramps and I think the constipation is even better. I still have a ways to go, though.
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From Kandee Oct 2003

Doing well thank you, and I might add, the Audio program is the best priced value anyone could possibly ask for! I'm convinced that I will be one of the success stories once I've completed the program.

All I have to do is start listening to Mike's voice and I have an instant "calm" come over me. His voice alone is amazing! I'm hooked and look forward to that daily "time just for me". Even travel does not set me back as I thought it might.
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From Kenneth Oct. 2003

I started session 2 and I'm really liking it. It's always such a release.. and its all surrounded by such total positivity and self empowerment...
One thing I've really noticed in the last couple of days is just how much negative energy was perpetuating my symptoms. I had really never thought of it before. I thought I was just reacting "normally" to feeling horribly.. its like I only just figured out that I don't have to feel that way, even if my body isn't feeling 100%.
ken
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From Andie September 2003

I used the cd's last spring into early summer. I was/am mostly a gassy IBSer with occasional constipation and very rare (completely food related) D. I used the program after debating about it for over a year. I am SOOO glad I did. It is amazing to this generally skeptical person that it was so helpful, but it was. It is now about 2 1/2 months since I completed the program and I continue to be doing so much better than before listening to the tapes. I can eat a lot of things I couldn't before, although I still have to avoid dairy, caffeine, and very fatty foods. As Shawn said, it works differently for everyone, but as one user, I was and am very pleased! Best wishes to you with it - think positive and be patient! Andie
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From: Txmom September 2003

Hi everyone! I am new to the Hypnosis board. I just received my discs and have completed two sessions. I can already feel a difference. I woke up this morning and went two hours without even worrying about the rest of the day. It will be so nice to start making plans that do not revolve around the closest bathroom....

I am only on my second session but I definitely feel more relaxed. I tend to be high strung and worry about IBS attacks a lot. The last two days I have felt a lot less worried. I do not feel cured or anything like that but overall I feel better. I think it is mostly a better mental outlook. Does that make sense? I have undergone hypnosis in the past for a phobia disorder. I wonder if this makes my subconscious more open to this therapy. I will keep updating to let you know how I feel. So far I would highly recommend these discs.
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From Mags September 2003

..Anyway, I broke down and bought them, and ever since using them, I hardly ever have D, urgency, general gut yuckiness, etc. anymore. I actually went away for a few days in July, and that was the first time I'd looked forward to going anywhere in years. Last week was the last time I felt bad in a long time. I used to worry every time I had something to do, to the point if I had to leave the house, I would give myself an attack.

Anyway, if you go back and look through old posts on the hypno, you'll see how I progressed through them. And they're so easy to use. All you do is listen.

I'm not sure if you're C or D - I'm D and they helped me, but Kerrie (KinOz) is C and they helped her also.

Hope that helps...if you have any other questions, let me know.

..Almost 5 years ago, I couldn't even make it to the store 5 min from my house without anxiety. Now, in July I went for the first vacation in a couple of years that I actually looked forward to. I'm not cured, but I feel so much better and am able to do so many things now. What helped me was the Audio 100. If you check my past posts on the hypno board, you can see my progress. They definitely helped with the vicious cycle.

and from Mags in July 2003
..Sometimes I was aware of my surroundings, but mostly I'd end up falling asleep, because I did them at night just before bed. Sometimes I'd awake at the end during the countdown.

I definitely noticed how relaxing it was from the beginning, and how relaxed I was while not listening, just doing my daily things. I'd recommend the hyno cd's to anyone.
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From Ruchie July 2003

The very first time I sat down to do the first tape, I was nervous and fidgety. I didn't know what to expect. I tried it with my hubby in the room, and I kept laughing. Finally, I decided this was important to me, I'm a grown woman, and I can do this...and it was SO WONDERFUL! It was like Mr. Mahoney was talking directly to me when he said "This time is your time..." I felt so GOOD! This idea that it was ok for me to make time just for me...what a revelation!

I LOVE the tapes! I did stop in the middle and now I've started again. I feel relaxed when I do the tapes. I know I will have some time just for me. I would be more specific about certain sessions...but I don't want to ruin for others.
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From geekgirl July 2003

I'd used hypnosis tapes in the past for other things so I knew what to expect. However I have found these CDs to induce much deeper relaxation than any I've used before. In that respect I was conscious of my surroundings at the beginning and end of a session but not during the middle. That hasn't bothered me - it's just like having a little snooze.

One other thing I've noticed is a sense of journey through it. This has been especially noticeable in the final two sessions - a feeling that as the sessions are coming to an end so are my problems.

Today is Day 94 and I'm getting excited about finishing! geekgirl
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From KinOz July 2003

never felt out of control or unsure and liked it straight away. I have had previous experience with HT though so maybe that helped as I kind of knew what to expect. Kerrie

... On Friday afternoon I listened to the last scheduled session of the IBS Audio Program. I must say I was a bit sad as I have come to look forward to those times.

To anyone who is considering ordering the program I would say go for it. It has really helped me with the way I deal with my IBS. It just doesn't bother me so much any more and I feel so much more positive....
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From BQ August 2003

In brief, I felt completely relaxed. I was so relaxed I would typically fall asleep! I had no anxiety about the process whatsoever.
No It wasn't what I thought it would be. I thought I would have to make more of an effort other than just listening to the sound of his voice. So I was pleasantly surprised at how little effort it actually took.

I felt good about doing something good for me.
I felt more relaxed outside of the sessions and had a much more positive outlook on things.
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From Galwae August 2003

I just started side 5 today. I feel more positive and calm about the ibs since listening to the HT: I'm more aware of when/where I'm holding tension in my body and then try to focus on letting it go. I've also tried doing daily affirmations with my digestion. So far, so good...
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From Tim G August 2003

I am just finding the whole experience ultra-relaxing. I have consciously listened to each of the three lessons (that's all I am up to!!) probably 2-3 time, for the rest of the time I typically fall asleep and my subconscious obviously kicks in.

The defining fact for me is that I am 'able' to fall asleep. Before I started the CD's I found it
hard to get to sleep (thinking about work..etc) and was such a light sleeper that if a mouse broke wind, it would wake me up. Now I am getting a great nights sleep almost every night.
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From Nikki August 2003

I always felt very relaxed when i was doing (the program). I always felt safe.
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ColbySD July 2003

I just wanted to say I received my tapes, and started them this past Saturday. I have already been able to benefit from the tapes as my ability to relax was nil. Now I have about 30 minutes of the day I am able to let go of everything. Thank you so much for recommending the tapes, I look forward to that time each day. ... Colby
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POADB June 2003

Believe me, I read skeptically too. I read the (IBSAudioProgram100) website page for page 3 times, and then even printed it for a deeper/closer look.

Please don't bank on the tapes curing you. They help. and that's what Mr. Mahoney says it does. Hypnotherapy is known to reduce symptoms, not cure them.

But here's the sweet thing. You will learn about your subconscious, and the subconscious is a magical thing.
Michael Mahoney will explain in the introduction what your subconscious is doing right and wrong. It is designed to protect you, and doesn't like change, so naturally, the thought of you buying the tapes and being skeptical about them, is your subconscious working correctly.

you will also learn about the theory of how the mind effects the body. And it does. You may already know this due to words: Nerves and Anxiety. Both are things created by thoughts. Excitement is another.

Hypnotherapy uses these techniques to create positive thoughts that create positive reactions in your body. You will fall into a state of mind that will relax you and soothe you. Your subconscious will learn and adapt, and adopt the positive thoughts thus reducing your symptoms.

Medically proven, Anxiety has been linked to Diahorrea. and Depression has been linked to Constipation. If these feelings can be reduced, then so can the symptoms.

Believe in the tapes.

and also:
Hi. I would just like to add my thoughts and opinions to the Audio Program 100.

First off - Do I feel better?
A: Yes. I expected the tapes to cure me, but I was being wishful thinking. I understood that my mind was causing most symptoms due to how the body reacts to the mind. In this case, the mind/body thing, I feel the tapes have helped. I feel I am more in touch with my body, however sometimes I am still effected by my thoughts.

I think that if I was to learn a new diet to work around the foods I know make my IBS worse. My IBS would be pretty much gone, a part from anxiety etc... And this is why I have come to this board.

Did I feel hypnotised?
A: No. Not once. Never. I never felt hypnotised what so ever during any of the tapes. However, I felt guided. I followed Mr. Mahoneys instructions and made my mind effect my body in ways that would make me feel better.

Hypnotherapy has taught me to understand how the sub-consciencious works and I have an understanding to the theory of hypnotherapy. But cured, I am not. Symptoms reduced. Indeed. And that is what has made this program worth it, because it has reduced the symptoms and made IBS that little more tolerable.

Next Step?
A: To occasionally listen to some of the tapes to help build on the sub consceincious, and get a new diet.

I want to learn more about the foods that effect me, and the foods that helps. The aggressors and non aggressors.
So far, I have learnt that I can tolerate Fibres.
But I have a Lactose intolerance, so I cant have milk or diary products.
Greasy foods give me those symptoms where you HAVE to go to the toilet to relieve the big daddy of stomach aches (spasms).
Fizzy drinks are also a nightmare.

but I'll post more about foods in a different thread. See yo around.

And by all means, try the hypnotherapy tapes. £65 is well worth it, considering you have a set amount of days.
I was quoted £45 a session by a local hypnotherapist, and he couldn't estimate how long I would need the treatment. But lets say it would have taken 100 days, like the audio program. 100 X 45 = 4500..... Yeah Right!
Go with the tapes.
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And thought I would add a few words from Mike's posts here as well to provide further encouragement:

From Mike Mahoney: Author of the IBS Audio Program 100

....The thing is we do have control of our thoughts, unfortunately we seem to be able to do it easier with negative thoughts than positive ones, this is because we are much more used to running negative thoughts and expecting negative things to happen than the positive ones. So we can learn to be positive. The great thing about being human is if we learn to do something one way, we can learn to do it another way. So that’s what to do, easier said than done, but it is possible. Now think about this, everything we do today is result of us getting it wrong yesterday. We had to learn to sit up, crawl, stand walk we banged and hurt ourselves in the process, but we persevered and then we learned to run, hop, skip jump, we learned the alphabet and then words and sentences but we had to learn to do it. So the first thing to remember is this, don't be afraid to make a mistake. Do what you think is right with the knowledge and information and experience you have at the time, if it works out then great if not, learn from it and then move on. So as far are controlling thoughts, begin by expecting yourself to be able to do it - you can, but it needs practice, you are unique, we are all unique, because of that we are a one off, we can't be compared to anyone else because, we are a one of a kind individual. We do things our own way we think in our own way, sometimes we take on limitations from other people or from our own thoughts. So, start by recognisng how unique and precious you are. Then think about some of your talents, and gifts and positive learnings. And then decide if it is time to move on, away from the old thoughts and learnings. When we were kids we learned nursery rhymes, we don't need them now, so we let the drift away. They were once important, but no longer. And as we make our journey though life we can decide to let go of things that are no longer needed. Persevere through the program, decide to allow yourself the time to consider the possibility of change, with the change comes confidence, and the confidence in yourself will allow you to move on further. But like any journey there will be set backs, but the definite way is forward. Trust yourself, you are grown up now, the thoughts are from the past. You can allow yourself to let them go. One thing for sure, is you can look forward to life unfolding and great joys to be experienced. Give yourself a little time you will get there, in my experience people usually do. M.

When I work with people with Chronic Pain, it is all important to get their mind set right. I get people to tell me the size, colour, shape, depth of their pain, and then I get them to change them to something less severe. Pain, if owned, not just tolerated can be turned down, changed and at times removed. In my Chronic Pain 110 Program I explain simply the mechanics of pain, how it works and how it can be changed. .....

....The reason there are days off is to give the subcon time to become familiar with the learnings in the sessions. As human beings we learn in a particular way, where we go back to check one set of learnings before we accept further information relating to the same subject. By taking time off from listenings this processes is enhanced - even though you are taking the day off from listening. The absence of listening encourages the subcon to go over what you already know and helps to 'bed in' the suggestions. Much like when we used to cram at school for exams, we don't do any study the day or night before the exam, for this helps prevent confusion, encourages rest and allows time for the subcon to 'bed in' the existing understandings of knowledge. This is the short answer without becoming boring, The IBS program uses a method I call 'opsim' which takes all this into account and for these reasons I would encourage adhering to the schedule. I am pleased you are pleased with the program, and again thank you for your kind words. Best Regards - Mike
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OK, then, I have done my bit, searching through 28 some pages here. Now it is up to you to encourage others along!!! I remember back when others helped me out, it really does make a difference to learn about positive progress and support from others who have had encouraging experiences with the IBS Audio Program. Thanks ever so much gang, you are the BEST!!

~ Marilyn

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My Journey and Success with the IBS Audio Program Hypnotherapy Program: www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=hypnotherapy&Number=224850

Edited by Heather (07/22/05 12:23 PM)

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Hypnosis for IBS

Hypnosis for IBS