Why now?
#185636 - 06/10/05 10:23 PM
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I've recently been diagnosed with IBS (at least that is what the doctor thinks). I'm 55 and have never had a problem with this before. So my question is, "Why now?" What caused me to go from an iron gut (for 55 years), to a cramping gut?
I was on a 5 month road trip and noticed some constipation - and assumed this had to do with too much "road food". Then I noticed some bloating. And I gained about 8 pounds on the trip. Then a trip to the doctor for a physical. He prescribed Prilosec OTC because I mentioned bloating and some heart burn. Within 4 days, my bowels loosened. By the eighth day I began to have cramps. I stopped taking the Prilosec. I returned to the doctor and at that point was diagnosed with IBS. I've been cramping ever since (about three weeks now).
Note: Before I found this website, I searched desparately for something to do to stop the cramping. I found the Atkins (not a popular guy around here) Vitanutrient book and began using his recommended supplements. They provided immediate relief. Now I'm trying to make sense of the Heather vs. Adkins approach.
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To get a proper IBS diagnosis you really need to have a colonoscopy done to outrule crohns and colitis. Also, there are tons of other reasons for bloating and cramping. You need to outrule a ton of other things. Go back to your Doc and get more tests done.
In the meantime, you know how we feel about Atkins around here. It's an unhealthy way to eat in the first place! All that fat and cholesterol is likely to give someone a heart attack! Heather's diet is based on all four food groups with as much fruits and vegetables as you can tolerate. With some clever subsitutions (avoiding dairy and red meat for example), it's a safe way to eat and avoid things like bloating and cramping.
In the meantime, you can try fennel tea. Buy some fennel seeds in your grocery or bulk food store. Steep a tablespoon of seeds in a mug of boiling water. Drink several cups a day. It's really good for bloating.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Re: Why now?
#185653 - 06/11/05 07:26 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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I agree with Alicia - you need more tests done. I wouldn't be happy with that diagnosis atm.
You should also probably get a load of stool sample tests done (at least 3) to rule out parasites as it came on so suddenly.
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