For Ds or Frequent BMers....
#183158 - 06/03/05 08:02 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Tinkerbelle
Reged: 04/17/05
Posts: 231
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
What if you just held it? Would would happen then? I've had people tell me to do that, and I wonder if it would work? Maybe for D's that's not possible, but I mostly just have frequent BMs, and I wonder if I held it maybe I would just go once instead of 6 times?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I found that trying to do that just made it more explosive!  And then led to major pain and longer attacks.
Have you tried preventative Immodium?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I went to the bathroom twice this morning already a lot, so I just decided to try half an immodium, since it wasn't D... I still feel like I have to go but I'm waiting it out to see if it goes away!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Holding it is never an option for me...though I am more "C" than anything I have an episode of "D" every now and again. I tried to hold it from the back of Sam's Warehouse to the front and nearly had a blow-out. Be careful!
--------------------
Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
If you are talking about frequent BMs that are not Dish at all, sometimes I don;t know if that is possible. I know that I feel like I *do* have to go, but then am actually surprised at the lack of poo that comes out. I do try to hold it for as long as I can when I first feel like I have to go (in the safety of my own home of course), so that I am sure that it is all ready to go and it comes out in one shot. That seems to work if it is my one or two normal daily BM. If I am going more than that then it is too late and holding won't help. If you are having frequent Bms, you need to make sure htat you are getting enough of a soluble fiber supplement, drinking your teas, and adhering to the diet. And exercising and drinking plenty of water. It does not seem to be a cure- all, but it helps tremendously. It sued to be that EVERY day that I did not have D I have frequent BMS, now I do not have them so much, so it can get better with a little patience!
Good luck 
--------------------
-Sheri
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Sheri
#183178 - 06/03/05 08:34 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Tinkerbelle
Reged: 04/17/05
Posts: 231
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
Hi Sheri...
Thanks for replying! I'm in a terrible funk right now because I quit everything in my life to work on healing, but it has also caused me to obsess over everything I'm going through! I wake up every morning and can't stop going to the bathroom, but I think it's because I'm thinking about it so much, and I also feel really depressed and anxious when I wake up realizing that I have nothing to do all day... but doing nothing was complelty my choice, and I'm scared to do a lot of things because I feel depressed and weak and am always worrying about going to the bathroom... so you can see that this is very hard to get out of, it's a cycle that makes itself worse. I started to up my fiber yesterday, I drink lots of water and tea, but I am not excercising at all really, at least not the last two days, I just lay around my parent's house really depressed and cry, which probably makes everything much much worse! I feel hopeless sometimes like I will never get out of this, and I am having so much trouble eating because it makes me feel so bloated because I have restricted my diet so much!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I've had D and the frequent BMs and holding it in just caused more pain, more stress (causing me to sweat and shake). 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Okay hon, you're gonna think this is cruel, but GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! I'm saying that as a fibromite and IBSer who's been there, done that and made myself worse in the process! It is soooooo bad for you. Make sure you get out everyday...even if all you do is walk down the road and get some air. Can you see if there's a yoga class nearby? That would be great for your "getting healthy" mission. And think of it like a job...so you have to get up and make some safe food and get a bit of exercise etc even if you don't feel like doing it. If you're feeling REALLY ill, then take a sick-day and stay in the bathroom/bed, but otherwise, you need to work at this, okay?
Also, sounds like you need a higher dose of a-d's (you're on some, yeah?)...and asap.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Linz
#183189 - 06/03/05 08:48 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Tinkerbelle
Reged: 04/17/05
Posts: 231
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
I know, I know... The days I go out I feel MUCH better, even if I am bloated or with a tummy ache. Days like today I wake up and just don't know why I'm awake... I just want to go back to sleep all day long because I plan nothing for myself. I am the kind of person who used to be so busy and social that I would get depressed if I had one Saturday with nothing to do, and now I have months and months until I MAY start graduate school, if I'm even feeling up to it! I went to my best friends' graduation 2 days ago, and really didn't want to go, but I got into the best mood, was dancing, singing, talking to everyone... But I ate too much that night and came home bloated like crazy and woke up yesterday sick. I find that having a really good day makes my bad days really really bad.
I worry about uping my Lexapro because I think (but it's so hard to know!) that I may have started going to the bathroom a lot more when I started taking it. I am only taking 5 mgs, I don't think that's enough at all. Should I just bump it to 10? I know I totally have classic depression- i don't find joy in what I used to or even really have the energy or motivation to try and get out of this! I have a guy who really cares about me, which used to be the most important thing in life for me, and I don't even care that much... I'm just really in the thick of it. Sometimes I feel like I could get out so easily, on my good days when I am strong, but on my bad days... I feel so stuck! And the ironic thing is I don't even have IBS as bad as most people on here! I've made it much worse myself by really limiting my food intake, but not on purpose, just from fear...
Anyway thanks for reading all of this and thanks so much for all your wise words- you are amazing!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Tinkerbelle, I get in the same funk as well. I think it's part of what contributed to my current anxiety problems. I stayed home so much that just leaving the house became a huge issue for me. Linz is so right! Just a short little walk around the block can make you feel so much better! Or how about a hobby--something you can work on at home that will get your mind off IBS for a little while?
I just want to add that if you're not up to exercise yet, you could find some place to volunteer. It doesn't have to be a long term commitment, many places accept as little as two hours a week. It would help you get out and you'd feel good about yourself. As a library employee,  , may I suggest volunteering at your local library? Libraries usually have a variety of tasks and great bathrooms!
I hope you find the support and resources you need so that you start feeling better SOON.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks for the advice Maria! I'm in a tricky place because I am staying with my parents in L.A. now for I'm not sure how long, and all my things are up in Santa Cruz where I'm moving from to start grad school here in L.A... my therapist is up there and most of my friends and my guy is up there... and down here I have a few friends but no support system yet. I have my room there for the next month, so it's just so hard to know how long to be there or here, as I'm depressed and pooing a lot in both places. And I can't commit to any job or volunteering in either place because I don't know when or for how long I will be in either place. Some of my depression and anxiety is that I'm having so much trouble making decisions about my life, espically which city to live in (it's really hard because my guy is up there... but grad school is down here!)... I don't think i can start feeling better until I make some decisions and close some things up in my life and start working on openning other things. But that's a negative attitude, I know I can heal at any moment in reality, I'm just so negative and confused right now!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Linz
#183210 - 06/03/05 09:00 AM
|
|
|
|
Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
|
|
|
I'm making a real effort these days to plan stuff to do...even if it's just going to the farmer's market, library or whatever. It goes into the diary and onto the to-do lists! A yoga class would be great for that! And schedule new recipes to try to expand your foods.
I'd talk to your doc about the a-d's. Everyone reacts differently to them and it could be that another one would suit you better. I've done great on Celexa personally.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Linz
#183215 - 06/03/05 09:03 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Tinkerbelle
Reged: 04/17/05
Posts: 231
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
Yeah I used to be a yoga freak! Sometimes I would go every other day to a class on my unlimited pass. I was taking the most amazing yoga class two mornings a week that made me feel better every time I took it, when my IBS started getting really bad I stopped going to it. It's really sad, my life was going so smoothly before that, doing yoga, working two jobs, socializing... then it all feel apart! I feel like such a loser now, I was so extroverted now I'm like an agoraphobic freak!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I don't think you're really negative. I mean you're dealing with MAJOR life choices here! Plus it's never easy being apart from your friends and bf, which make up a big part of a person's support system. It's natural to feel stressed and down about it. I feel I've been in a similar situation for the last six years, since I graduated from college. After always having a plan or knowing what I wanted to do, I don't know what I want to do with my life! I feel as though the IBS has changed me significantly--not in a bad way. I just consider things more carefully and I realize that life's too short to be doing something that I don't want to do or like to do. I guess, at least I know what I don't like!
To me, you sound like a very thoughtful and intelligent person. I think it's great that you're posting here and sharing your story. I believe this diet and stress management really make a difference; it's especially helpful at keeping you stable during those times that life gets to be overwhelming.
Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Maria
#183230 - 06/03/05 09:27 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Tinkerbelle
Reged: 04/17/05
Posts: 231
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
Thanks Maria, I appreciate your post very much! Where did you go to college? This is a very challenging time in our lives, isn't it? I graduated like 3 years ago, and ever since my parents have been pressuring me to go to grad school, because it's hard to make money without a further degree... I know I am very interested in the human mind and exploring it, but I don't know if I want to be a therapist. Last year I applied to grad schools and got into 2 of the 3 I applied to.. however I've been so unsure if this is what I want to do, which is I think what's caused so much stress for me. I'm scared that going to grad school will cause a lot of stress and IBS flare ups, which makes me doubt wanting to go. Major life choices are so hard! Espically when you are a sensitive person. It makes me fearful of my future, because I know life just gets more complex and challenging as we get older, and I fear that I won't be able to handle all of this, like I'm too sensitive for this world! But in some ways I'm a very strong and powerful woman, although I am not feeling that part of me much these days.
Life is crazy, man! So many challenges, so much beauty! I don't know how to handle it all right now. I've often thought that socializing is like a muscle, if you don't excercise it, it goes away... but you can easily make it come back, it just takes time. That's how I feel about every aspect of life right now, that I haven't been excercising my "life" at all, and it's all disappeared... seriously I used to be always busy, socializing with everyone, dancing, yogaing, working... now all of that is gone. I sometimes feel like my identity is gone, which brings up the existential issues of "Who are we if we are not our personlaity?"... Anyway!
Can you relate to some of this? What's your story?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
ACK! Everything you said is exactly how I feel, how I used to be, how I am now. Especially when you said this: "...like I'm too sensitive for this world! But in some ways I'm a very strong and powerful woman, although I am not feeling that part of me much these days." Sometimes I worry that I don't know how to live in this world, but when I was younger I thought I would be taking it over!
I went to college in Oregon. My parents were pushing me to go to grad school as well, but I didn't. Everyone thought I would continue onto grad school--and as a woman, a minority, the first person in my family to even attend college, I felt obligated to do so. But then I realized that I also had an obligation to myself. I needed a time out to take care of myself. I've also had to learn that a lot of these expectations I placed on myself. Because I didn't go to grad school, because I chose to remain in Oregon rather then venture out into the world, I did feel like a failure. I've recently realized that my parents just want me to be happy and well. I'm my own worst critic!
Since school, I've worked a couple of jobs and I've lived w/ a roommate (currently my bf of 9 years) which makes it possible for me to work only PT. In my free time I write fiction, which is something I've always enjoyed doing (even with all the rejection letters). I've been feeling so much better lately with the diet and anti-anxiety meds, that I'm considering going back to school. But I have remember not to rush myself. Grad school's not going anywhere!
Congratulations on your academic success! What were/are you planning on studying? I hope you figure out what's best for you!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Funny enough I applied to get a degree in counseling psychology! I love living in a world of honesty and emotions, and even though I'm going through a crazy time now, I want to eventually use all my experiences to help other people. I don't know if I will be ready to go to grad school in the fall, but without a higher degree I will never be able to have the kind of job I want. I did have 2 jobs recently (both part time) where I was making $20 an hour, which is amazing with just a BA, but I gave up both of them to deal with healing! I feel like such a fool sometimes for doing that... anyway...
I wonder how much emotional sensitivity has to do with IBS? It's like we really FEEL a lot, and we are really sensitive to our emotions and to our bodies. I see the things other people in this world have to go through and I fear what will happen to me when I have to go through that in my life.. how much more weight can I lose? It's an awful feeling to think about these things.
Is your BF supportive of you? Does he deal with your emotions well?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
My bf is great. I wouldn't say I'm terribly emotional--at least I don't have many mood swings. I would say I'm mostly irritable and weepy following an IBS attack and, sometimes when I feel physically bad, I'll sort of hide from the world.
Periodically, I'll ask him how he feels about my attacks and when I get so sick or down that I can barely take care of myself. He says it's not a problem because it's easy to take care of and support someone you love. And I think he's right. ALthough, I understand that it can also be hard for a loved one to see you so sick and unhappy that they feel frustrated about the fact that they can't help you. He also lets me vent about IBS as much as I need to (in return, I listen to him talk about video games and computer programming-yawn  ). I don't know what I'd do without him!
I think it's fantastic that you're looking into counseling. I would love to have a counselor who has suffered from IBS and who understands the phobias that can come with it.
Edited by Maria!Maria! (06/03/05 12:27 PM)
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
That would be too painful for me. I would be doubled-over.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I would get really stressed out and sweaty, too unless I responded to nature's call. If I don't follow the impulse I will get nauseous, too and crampy. Heck, if I don't get to a toilet I get the feeling my legs will give out on me. Don't try hold it is my advice. Listen and respond to your body's need to relieve itself.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
My heart goes out to you. I hope you don't fall into a hole of depression and obsession and misery. Do you find that you're going a little stir-crazy? Are you getting the sense of "cabin fever?" Anxiety is the worst for IBS. Are you taking an anti-depressant or anything for your anxiety?
Re: the frequent bm issue
Mentally, I am very anal retentive, but physically I am everything but--butt--that. Is there some hobbie, exercise, craft, course you are up to taking? A distraction from IBS issues? It really sounds like you need to get "out," i.e. do something you designate as fun. Back to the frequent unloading and D streaks, though after that aside. It's like training a dog with oneself, a dog who's gut has been "insulted." It's like there's a reptilian memory or consciousness being activated. I know this sounds bizarre, however...it's so PRIMALLY rooted or seated.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
You make me laugh! Indeed, libraries have THE BEST bathrooms and lots of them!!! One of my favourite "haunts." It's a great place to get "lost and found." Also, when travelling in foreign countries, McDonald's has pretty reliable toilets. I don't eat there, but I crap there, etc.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Wind
#183388 - 06/03/05 07:50 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Tinkerbelle
Reged: 04/17/05
Posts: 231
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
Hi Wind, thanks for your messages!
Yes I feel I am going stir crazy sometimes. But I feel too depressed to do anything. When I was living in SC, I was hanging out with the guy I'm dating and my friends sometimes, which made me happy. But now that I'm staying with my parents, I don't really do much but sleep eat and poop! I'd love to hear more about the "reptilian memory or consciousness" being activated that you speak of, that sounds very interesting! Do you have a theory?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I find that when I mega load on fluid, I have too many bm's or
D.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Wow...holding it? I've found I have about 2 minutes to find a restroom. I agree with Linz, if I try to wait, it makes it worse, or embarassingly, it just comes out. It's horrible. I've had debilitating IBS-D for 13 years, IBS-C before that, and when I'm stable I'm more of IBS-A. The diet sure helps, and acacia is wonderful too. I'm still a very frequent BM person, but it's improved. On a very bad day I probably make 15 trips to the restroom. I'm also on 10 mg amitryptaline and take immodium if I have something important that I don't want to miss.
I enjoy checking out the boards here...there's so much useful information. Thanks everybody!
Terri 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Terri!
Thanks for your reply! I was wondering, what exactly is amitryptaline? Has it helped you a lot?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Amitryptaline is a tri-cyclic AD...it slows down the colon. I've taken it for 2 years at bedtime. It still makes me groggy in the morning(I've never been a morning person) I can tell that it improves my IBS, but it's definitely not a "cure". I find I have to follow all of Heather's advice. If I have to pick a favorite, I'd say Acacia has helped me the most. I've found it great for pain and to ward off a potential attack. What has helped you the most?
Terri
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Terri! I don't really know if anything has helped me yet, I am not very stabelized at all. I think that in the past being busy and not thinking about all of this so much has helped me. When I get really happy I don't deal with as many of these issues... It's just become a horrible cycle where I'm stuck and feel like I can't get out... But I'm taking Acacia, Acidophoplus, Enzymes and ADs, and hoping someday soon they will start working well!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Quote:
You make me laugh! Indeed, libraries have THE BEST bathrooms and lots of them!!! One of my favourite "haunts." It's a great place to get "lost and found." lol! Also, when travelling in foreign countries, McDonald's has pretty reliable toilets. I don't eat there, but I crap there, etc. OH! I can say that about so many restaurants! Taco Bell (Although just the smell of Taco Bell makes me have to go!), Subway, KFC...
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Lol, you are so hilarious! The smells do it everytime!!! The smells of movie theatre popcorn and the butter/becel squirters--shots of lard--they really hyper-stimulate my gastrocolic reflex in the restroom direction! K.F.C., I find is worse than Taco Bell stink for making one go.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
LOL!
#183518 - 06/04/05 05:07 PM
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
Try holding in vomit the next time. Let me know how that goes. 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: LOL!
#183524 - 06/04/05 06:55 PM
|
|
|
|
|
_Willow
Reged: 04/06/05
Posts: 2090
Loc: Canada.
|
|
|
Now, now. Play nice, Nelly!
What a visual. Been there, done that, fingers don't hold it long!
--------------------
Keep on keepin' on...
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
