Desperately seeking help!
#24737 - 10/29/03 10:45 AM
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Hello,
My name is Michele Armstrong, I am 26 years old and this is my first post.
Ever since last November, I have been suffering with these constant chronic pelvic pains. They got so bad that I went to the hospital in December and was told I had a URI. I may have had that then, but that was definitely NOT the cause of all of my pain.
I was back and forth with my (then) gynecologist and all she wanted to do was put me on pain killers. I went for an ultrasound and cat scan of my abdomen and nothing showed. I changed gynecologists in March of 2003 and then got scheduled for a laparoscopy to check for endometriosis. Everything came back clear...thank goodness! I then went to my gastro doctor (who I've seen before a few times) and she suggested doing a colonoscopy. Nothing showed there either aside from hemorrhoids. I went to a pain specialist in my area in August and he then sent me to a nutritionist. I went to this nutritionist who wanted me to detox my body (which I did), but again that didn't help either. I have also had 6 colonics done this summer too...which didn't help either.
The only thing I've been told through all of this is that it is IBS...but I have had problems with constipation for a few years and it's never, ever affected me like this. I just can't imagine that the pains I am feeling in my lower abdomen/pelvic area are related to IBS.
I guess my biggest question is this...Have any of you had these severe cramping pains as I have explained? The easiest way for me to describe them would be to say that they feel like menstrual cramps, but are there at all times. There are times when they are much worse than others (such as during intercourse), but are there on a daily basis. Sometimes I experience lower back with this as well.
I have been so depressed about this because I don't know where else to turn or who else to go and see along the lines of doctors. I am also worried because it is affecting my marriage and I'm only a newlywed (October 2002). Believe me, my husband is the most caring and understanding man I know, but the intimacy between us has been less frequent because of what I am going through and I don't want that to continue. I will appreciate any help or advice that anyone can offer to me.
Sincerely,
Michele Armstrong
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Do you have either diarrea or constipation or both with these very bad pains. If so I can relate. I am a newcome also.
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Hi,
I have very bad constipation...not really too much diarrhea. I would love to compare stories if you have time or are interested!
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Welcome to the boards Michele! Glad to see your post here! Feel free to email anytime. I am sure that you will find all the help and support that you need here!
Take care,
Christianne 
--------------------
What if the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about???
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Hi Princess!
I am sorry to hear you are in so much pain. First, it would be best to tell your doctor you want a colonoscopy. It will rule out anything else that could be causing you pain.
It is my understanding that if nothing else appears then you have IBS. IBS has no physical traits except the C or D.
I have D personally. But still I can relate. Best thing to do until your colonoscopy is to start breaking the cycle. As seen on the first few pages on this site. Or do a search of "Breaking the Cycle" with no time limits and some links will come up.
My symptoms were always there - but it seems that in the past year they just got unbearable. Kinda like how yours got, by your description.
That's about all I can help you with. Keep your chin up, you will see changes and improvements within a few days of starting breaking the cycle. And it will continue to get better and better.
Hopefully others will post for you, as alot of them are very educated in this information and maybe more helpful than me.
Take care and welcome to the boards by the way! 
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Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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Those pains definitly sound like the pains that most of us get around here. If you've already done the tests to rule out everything else, I would definitly recommend buying Heather's books. I remember when I was first diagnosed and my doctor didn't really explain to me what it was. I bought Heather's books and throughout the whole thing, kept thinking "hey.. that's me.." or "that's why I'm feeling like this..."
Otherwise, definitly stick around the boards as we are constantly helping each other with the daily battles of IBS. I've been on here for almost 6 months and am still learning new things every day.
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- Jennifer
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Hi Christianne!
Thank you so much for all of your help this morning. You brought me to tears (honestly) because I now know that I am not the only one out there!
Thank you so much again and I look forward to speaking with you again soon!
Michele
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Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for responding! I actually just bought Heather's book recently and plan on starting to read it tonight. I am so happy to find out that I am not the only one on Earth going through this. I was having a hard time believing IBS could give me such awful chronic pelvic pains, but the more I read and hear from people like you I believe it more and more. It's a very scary thing that I've been dealing with for this past year because no one could tell me anything. I am so happy that I found this site and am able to talk to people who actually understand!
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Hi Lana Marie,
I actually did have a colonoscopy in May and nothing was found. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. It seems like I am going to get more help from people like you rather than going to doctors and spending so much money!!!
I am going to do a search right now for Breaking the Cycle and hopefully get to start reading the book tonight.
Thanks again and hopefully we'll talk again soon!
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I'm sorry I must have skimmed too quickly and not seen that part in your post 
I had found that once I found Heather and her diet I didn't go to my doctor for IBS advice. I am not suggesting this, but it is actually very common for us IBS'ers to have so much trouble with doctors.
I had to find a doctor now because I am having a baby and when I told her I had IBS she asked me what I'm doing for that. So I told her I have a diet plan etc and she said "Ok good"
LOL - She almost sounded relieved that she didn't have to figure out what to do with me LOL
You take care of yourself and know you are not alone!
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Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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LOL Lana.. what is scary is that my GI Specialist had the same kind of response when I told her what I had been doing for it. Sort of like a "Oh.. good.. I'm glad that's working for you," and then more questions without ever really giving a doctor answer.
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- Jennifer
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I am beginning to think we could be doctors. I could hand out Cough Syrup and Birth Control Pills. And say "pee in a cup please" LOL
Kidding! I mean no disrespect, I am sure there is some excellent doctors out there. Just none of them have migrated to Canada yet! LOL
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Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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Hey Michele...welcome!
I'm a relative newbie here and already I don't know how I survived before I found Heather's diet and this site. Everyone here is sympathetic and helpful and the combined knowledge about IBS is way more than that of any doctor I've heard of.
Start on the soluble fibre foods and cut out the triggers and see how you do. Soluble fibre supplements also make a huge difference. Btw, IBS-c people sometimes have trouble cutting out all insoluble fibre, so keep this in mind. I'm IBS-d most of the time so this isn't a problem for me.
Getting into herbal teas is the second most important step. We all swear by them. Peppermint is supposed to be best, but don't take this if you get heartburn. I have Chamomile instead.
Have you tried heat pads for your tummy? When I get that pelvic pain, these seem to help the most. Or a hot bath!
Hope this helps! I'm sure you'll be coming back to the site - I can't stay away!
Btw, I've gots lots of sympathy for you re. problems with your other half and depression, as I've had both of these. They're really common with IBS-ers, but it helps to be able to talk on the boards. Talk more about this soon.
Linz
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Hello and Welcome! So sorry you are feeling so bad! I too have IBS with constipation. I found this site and Heathers books in the spring and it is helping! One thing to keep in mind as I was confused at first, because you tend towards constipation be sure NOT to eliminate all the insoluble fiber from your diet. I was confused at first and ate only soluble fiber and my constipation got soo much worse! Try the diet, fiber supplements, lots of water, heating pads and exercise.. Read through the old posts. If nothing else seems to help with the constipation there is a prescription drug called mira-Lax, I take it but it is a laxative and your bowels will probably become dependant on it, so it is a last resort but its the only thing that works for me. You are NOT alone and have come to the right place for help. Keep posting and feel better soon!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I sure know how confusing ISB is. I'm glad I found this site too. I have started the teas and I swear the spasms seem to be much better. I have eaten strictly the white foods listed in Heather's literature the last few days and have found the bloat and pain much better. We will have to learn this together but I am more optimistic than I have been in a long time. Keep in touch. 
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Hi Michele and welcome to the boards! 
Everyone gave you such great advice! If you can drink peppermint tea, definitely go for some of that. It is great for pain.
One of the only things that concerned me is have you had any bloodwork done in your testing? That was the only thing I could see. I'm sure Heather will have some input on that.
If it is IBS, you definitely want to try Breaking the Cycle . And, remember this is just for a few days to get you stable. After breaking the cycle, please follow Michelle's advice and do not eliminate insoluble fiber from your diet - please just eat it carefully (cooked, pureed, chopped, etc.). Many people become afraid of insoluble fiber, but it is crucial for good health.
Glad to see you have Heather's book. Keep reading and trying things out, and let us know if you have any questions. 
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Hi Linz,
I am so incredibly grateful that I have found this site and had the guts to post my message.
I feel like I have found all of these new friends who truly understand what I am feeling. I only wish this happened 11 months ago!!!
Believe me, you'll be seeing me on here often!
Thank you so much for responding!!!
Michele
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I basically feel like I am done with doctors. I am going to rely on all of you guys for advice!!!
Congratulations and good luck with your baby!!!
Thanks again!
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Hello and thank you for all of your advice. I do have a couple of questions for you: Have you or anyone else reading this ever had accupuncture done or taken any kind of herbal supplements for IBS? Someone had suggested this, but I figured I'd ask the experts first...
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I've never had accupuncture, but I do take Heather's Peppermint Caps. I also drink the peppermint & fennel teas. The caps & teas do work great for me!
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Hi Michele! I can see that you've gotten lots of good advice, so I don't know what else to suggest! I also suffer from primarily IBS-C, so I know exactly what you're talking about. I've been following Heather's diet for almost a year now, and it has helped me so much! I'd be lying if I said I didn't still have some problems, but I can't even imagine how I would be if I hadn't found Eating for IBS. I just discovered these message boards very recently, and I've already learned so many interesting things here, too! If you have any questions, this is the best place to ask! I hope that you're able to break your cycle of attacks. Keep us posted on how you're doing!
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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I ordered all of those things and hoping to get them by tomorrow!!! Do you use Heather's teas or a store brand?
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Hi Kree,
Thank you for responding. I just started reading Eating for IBS last night and I'm hooked!!! I've ordered some teas and peppermint caps, so hopefully I'll have them by the weekend and be on the road to a less painful future!!!
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I used to use the kind from the store, but now I use Heather's. I like hers MUCH better!
When did you order? I'm in NJ also, and I've ordered 3x now. 2x was on a Friday/Saturday and I got them both the following Friday. Then, my last order I placed on Monday, and got it by Wednesday! Strange, huh? LOL
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I think I ordered on Monday??? Which is why I am really hoping to have it by tomorrow. Where in NJ are you?
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I try to ship out orders the day I receive them, even Saturdays if possible. Since I'm in Seattle, you'd think that people on the East Coast would take the longest to get their orders. But it doesn't seem to work that way, and I have no idea why. I also don't know why it would make a difference what day of the week an order goes out. If NJ takes 2 days when an order is sent on a Monday, why would it take 5 days if it's sent on a Friday?! Sometimes people in the Midwest take 5 days too, but people in the UK (and Australia!) only take 2 days.
Sometimes I think it's just the Post Office. You know the old Lily Tomlin routine from Laugh-In where she's a telephone operator who disconnects all of Chicago just for kicks? Her motto was "We're the phone company. We don't care. We don't have to." I think the Post Office has adopted that motto...
- Heather
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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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Hi Michelle,
I'm a newby on here as well but have found the information SO helpful! Before I really knew what was wrong, I tried accupuncture and the herbal supplements. They didn't seem to help me but they may help others.
Like you, I am so thankful for some input and encouraged by others' experience.
Here's to fewer and fewer "attacks!"
Nancy
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Hi Nancy,
Thanks for sharing about the accupuncture and herbs. I was really considering the accupuncture, but have decided to just try to eat the way I am supposed to, drink some teas and forget about the doctors and such for now.
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I know how you feel. I have no patience and it always seems like it takes forever! LOL I now have backup bags of tea, so when I open them, I'll order more so I won't have to wait.
I'm in Delran area BTW - right across from Philly.
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Oh wow...I'm about 5 minutes from you in Maple Shade!!! Small world, huh?!?!?!
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No way! That's the closest I've ever found anyone on these boards. We're IBS neighbors!
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That's funny!!!!
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