Frustrated with Spasms and Needing To Whine
#16456 - 08/06/03 10:02 AM
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Judithg
Reged: 07/14/03
Posts: 157
Loc: California
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Hi! I have lengthy bouts with spasms (2-4 months) every year--sometimes more often. Eventually they just go away, but I seem to be having them more frequently as I get older--which is why I am trying this diet.
When I'm in one of these phases, I find that I feel pretty good in the a.m. until I have a BM, then the spasms start. On bad days they continue the rest of the day. On better days they may just last a few hours. Doesn't matter if I'm C or D or in between. I haven't seen this described in any of the medical stuff I've read. Does anyone else experience this? It is more likely that this is when spasms will start than after eating, so it's hard to figure out the food trigger. A lot of the posts I've read seem to indicate spasms that start soon after eating. I guess I'm eating a trigger the day before, but since it happens everyday, and I'm being pretty darn careful about diet, I don't get why things don't settle down.
Peppermint tea is helping somewhat. The diet doesn't seem to be working for me yet, so I feel like there'something I'm not doing right. Or does it just take time? Maybe I'm just being impatient--but I sure would like to feel better. I'm going to go back to school full-time in a couple of weeks, while continuing to work as well, and I'm anxious about feeling well enough to manage all this.
Any help is appreciated. BTW, you have all helped me a lot already because I don't feel like I'm the only one dealing with this. Thanks!
Judithg
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Hi - What dosage/frequency are you up to with the soluble fiber supplement? I'm thinking if you can take a good dose 3-4 times a day this should help keep your gut filled at all times, and that should start preventing those spasms.
Keep up the peppermint tea, and brew it very strong. Might also make sure you have a cup or two right before you think you'll have a bm, to help head off the spasms. Also, try enteric coated peppermint capsules - they're very anti-spasmodic and can help a LOT.
Finally, can you take a quick walk around the block or do some other type of activity right after the bm? That might help get your muscle contractions back on track.
Best,
H
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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Thanks, Heather!! I have been drinking the peppermint tea first thing in the morning (finally getting used to having it instead of coffee!!), and right before a bm. In fact, I drink it pretty much all day. The walking is a good idea too. I'll have to push myself a bit, as I really just want to curl up in a ball!
I've had good luck with enteric peppermint caps in the past (when I'm stable). But at the moment, I'm having some problems. It's my understanding that it's best to take them between meals so gastric juices don't make them dissolve in the stomach. But I keep having them dissolve too soon!
I have to admit that I haven't gotten far with the supplements. I had been on Citrucel on a low dosage but was having big problems with pain and bloating. Ruchie mentioned Citrucel wasn't gluten-free, so I stopped taking it and waited several days till the pain and bloating subsided. I just started yesterday with Benefiber and, this may sound extreme, but I started with a 1/4 tsp twice a day to see if I can tolerate it.
One thing that I just can't understand: Why can I go for months and months eating almost anything, then suddenly everything's out of whack? Getting back to "normal" is always such a long haul!
Thanks again for the suggestions.
Judith
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I've been eating Zoloft for about for weeks and I feel much more relaxed in my GI tract. Even when I have an attac I don't have as severe cramps as I had before. I have eaten Zoloft before and I was almoust attac free for two years and then it came back this spring. I stopped eating the pills in october 2001 and then I became pregnant. Mabye it was the hormones because I felt better until my period started again.
Fia
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I'm glad to hear that the Zoloft has been helpful for you. I think these types of meds seem to be really useful for some folks. I have tried Zoloft and other SSRIs, but I can't tolerate the side effects. I'm trying to figure out a way to work on my IBS and fibromyalgia without medications--just diet, exercise, and supplements.
Do you get any side effects from the Zoloft? I noticed it caused me to be more C.
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In the begining I sleept bad at night, but I begun to take the pills at breakfast and that helped. Now my only problem it dry mouth but I can live with that.
Fia
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