Question pertaining to IBS-C
#24104 - 10/21/03 11:34 AM
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Saralou
Reged: 10/18/03
Posts: 62
Loc: Maryland
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I was always taught that you should pick a time of day (morning, preferably) to sit down on the toilet and get your system used to this daily ritual and that by doing so, you would be able to teach your body to "go". I sit for an average of 15 mins every morning, after breakfast and before work. I try to relax by reading a book and keeping my focus elsewhere. There are days that I go and days that I don't (no matter how well i've been eating, how many supplements i've been taking or how much water i've been drinking--so frustrating--and I know this just adds to the problem). What I would like to know from other members is how long should one should sit? I mean, is it OK to not go all the time, to follow all the rules and still only go a few times a week (if you're lucky)? How regular do you have to be in order to be considered "normal" within the IBS-C bracket range? My mom says that since I don't eat that much and since I have a small frame, there is no need for me to think that I must go every day, once a day, but it just seems as though I keep on putting food into a body that is already full. Should I hold off on certain meals until I go? I can't possibly sit all day! 
I'd love to hear any insight from others. Thank you!
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Sounds like you are doing everyhting right! I think 15 minutes is enough time to "sit". The medical definetion of constipation is less than 3 bowel movements a week. I would still feel constipated at 3 times a week, it is a personal thing. If you feel ok than I wouldn't worry about not going everyday. I wouldn't skip meals as thats is bad for IBS. Let your body be your guide, how do you feel??
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Thanks for your reply, Michele. I used to eat tons of veggies and fruits (when I came home from University, my mom forced me to give up the typical binge diet) and so I got as regular as can be (for a person of my size and with the amount of calories I was consuming, etc.) but lately, I have been trying to incorporate more of the soluble fiber and a little less insoluble fiber in order to regulate the pain and spasms in my lowerd abdomen (they can travel up towards my belly button and down towards my groin) and have found myself going twice a week, if lucky, and not even much during those times. And the pain has not really subsided. I am not taking any meds but I cannot imagine having to live like this and yet I know that I do not have much of a choice...very frustrating.
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I would suggest added a fiber supplement like fiber-con or benefiber. It also sounds like you may have cut out too much insoluble fiber as well. I did the same thing when I first started heathers diet and made my constipation way worse! I would start added some fruits or veggies back in. I also like raisin bran cereal(with rice mile, of course!) or try some wheat pita and hummus, very yummy snack! Good luck!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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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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