I have a question
#29348 - 11/29/03 01:15 AM
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John
Reged: 11/29/03
Posts: 4
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Hi folks. This is my first post on this board. I have a question. I have noticed many college students on here. I am a college student as well. I am 28, and up until last July, I had no idea what IBS was. I never suffered any problems in my life ever.
Then, my Senior year in college hits, classes become muderous (at 19 hours/semester) and the stress peaks, and low & behold, the bowls freak out on me. I have read every post on this message board. I read the dietary plans listed, and today after suffering with this problem for almost 6 months, I read this site and went to the store and bought some Fibercon.
I noticed some people have different forms of IBS? My syptoms are bad at times but my life is somewhat manageable. Constipation and bloating are my main problems. I used to run about 12-15 miles per week and lift weights it seemed like 5 days a week. Recently, I get lucky if I'm not suffering from IBS and can maybee squeeze in a 1 mile jog. Being bloated and constipated is a serious hamper on someone who used to be in the gym 6 days a week. But now I will go 1-2 weeks on a IBS spell, then it goes away for about a week, then comes back and forth, and back and forth. Some weeks when the stress is low, I can go 2 weeks no problems and life is normal, but this is finals week and guess what? GAS!!!! CONSTIPATION AND LOTS OF IT  Sometimes it feels like someone places a clamp on the bottom of my upper intestine preventing anything from moving.
So my main question is, should this Fibercon stuff improve my cycles greatly, or just a little? What can I expect to see over the next few weeks, months etc? Taking these pills for the rest of my life is no big deal just as long as it fixes the problem. Also, is it possible to get back on a normal BM cycle and go off the suppliments if everything is working properly in the bowels? If these fiber pills can restore me back to my old self again, then I'll take them as long as I have to. Also, I have heard mixed opinions on coffee. I could have swore I read that coffee is not a factor with IBS, then a poster on this site said it was. I was in the Navy for 5 years and all sailors drink tons and tons of coffee. I drink so much coffee my friends jokingly say things like "that guy must have been breast fed on folgers." Hehehe I drink about a pot a day. Yah yah I know, not healthy...dont lay into me for it. Is it that important to quit coffee to fix IBS?
Your replys are greatly appreciated.
Edited by John (11/29/03 01:29 AM)
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Hi John! I have not tried fibercon, so I won't give you any advice in that department. As a runner, I will say that when you are feeling well (and you will) take full advantage and run, lift weights. Science and experience tells us that exercise fixes many problems (mood, digestion, etc). And when you're not feeling well, go out for a walk - relax. Do something that will get your body moving, gently. Hitting the books is not going to relieve your pain (it will worsen), and if your pain is like mine, you won't get the work done any way. You're better off taking a break and not even thinking about your school work and whether it will get done in time. It will make your poor intestines cringe just thinking about it! That clamping feeling is a killer! I'm sure you know all this. As for coffee, I can't tolerate even small amounts. Even a hot chocolate on a sick day is terrible for me, but I never drank coffee before I got to college. If your body isn't reacting adversely to it then don't stress over it. Actually don't stress over it whatever. If you think it is an unhealthy habit, then gradually lower your "doses". See how that feels. So, get lots of rest, and take care! Trust me - you'll get more done and enjoy the process more. I'm a junior undergrad, by the way. I can empathize with you. Good luck with finals period (That goes for all the student posters!) and I'm glad you posted. Welcome. I'm sure you'll get lots of advice on fibercon and maybe some specific reasons caffeine is a trigger food for most people ('cause it is, I hear).
*evie
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Thanks for the reply.
Yah I think you are right, I will have to take advantage of running the first chance I get.
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John: Welcome!! I think you should seriously think about cutting down/cutting out coffee. I have IBS with constipation and diarhea and I had to cut it out-cause coffee hurts both-not only the caffeine but an enzyme it is also. I'm 40 y.o. and I gave it up. Management of IBS is a lifetime thing: I encouage you to buy Heather's book " Fist year with IBS" Really helped me!! Maryh
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Whatever doesn't kill me will make me stronger!
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Hi John, and welcome! Definitely ditch the coffee - it's a huge GI irritant, not just from the caffeine but because of an enzyme that's in it (even if it's decaf). Do some board searches on coffee substitutes like Rocamojo. Also, be aware that when you come off coffee you're likely to go through caffeine withdrawal and get bad headaches for a week or two. You might want to taper off and try some green tea while you're doing this - you'll get some caffeine but it's a lot less of a GI irritant.
Exercise in all forms is great for IBS. The best benefits come from exercise that acts as meditation too - check the yoga section of the board for details on this.
Fibercon is great, but you have to take a LOT of it to get enough soluble fiber to really help you. It's easier to get enough from powders instead of pills, but if the Fibercon is working for you definitely stick with it. There's a ton of info about soluble fiber supplements here web page
Best,
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 John...I'm new to the boards too, a college student, and 26 years old. I also go to the gym quite a bit and understand what you said about not being able to go sometimes.
But, for me, the gym helps relieve constipation because it gets things "moving" again! I know it's hard to go when you have gas and/or bloating, so I usually just don't go when that's happening.
I started taking Fibercon when I found these boards, and at first found no relief, but now after about a week, they are working great. I usually take them with my meals (about 2 per day). I am also taking calcium/magnesium supplements, acidophilus 2 hours after a meal, and digestive enzymes with every meal.
I would NOT take Metamucil of any kind because it can increase your gas & bloating!! I have heard that Benefiber and Citrucel are good choices besides Fibercon.
Also, I think it is vitally important to cut out coffee-completley!!!!! For me, this was my biggest trigger. I got into a bad habit of using coffee to keep me regular. Now, I am drinking peppermint tea with a little caffeine in the mornings and feel MUCH better!
I hope this helped some!
Laurel 
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Hi John!
I just wanted to see how tihngs are going for you...I hope all is well!
Keep posting...we're here for ya!
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Heather, maybe this is the butt of my problem. I've followed all your advice for several years now, and of course Michael's self-hypnosis is helping too, but I'm still having cramps daily, so much so in fact, that when I'm rowing and "come up the slide," the compaction of my knees against my tummy is extremely painful and cramping. Could the coffee (DECAF) be the culprit? I confess I haven't been able to give it up, and I consume at least 4 cups a day. I've given up everything good -- EVERYTHING -- including my beloved chocolate (do you still have only 1 Hershey's kiss a day?), but I haven't been able to do without my cuppajoe. Do you think I should cold-turkey it?
Bev. 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Four cups of coffee a day (and decaf doesn't matter - there's an enzyme in coffee beans that's a GI irritant) would wreak havoc on anyone with IBS. I don't think any dietary measures, or hypnosis, or anything else would overcome that (it sure wouldn't for me). You're just constantly, and seriously, irritating your digestive tract. All of your other efforts may help mitigate this, but I don't think they'll be much more than a band-aid.
I would stop drinking coffee asap, and cold turkey. Since you're not having the caffeine, you shouldn't have any withdrawal symptoms. Try Rocamojo, a roasted soy bean "coffee" that folks on the board love. Do search on the boards for coffee and you'll find lots of good substitutes.
Honestly, you shouldn't have to totally give up all of your beloved foods (including solid chocolate - if you're careful with that, and have small portions after a low fat, high soluble fiber meal). But coffee is right up there with red meat, dairy, and soda pop. No benefits, many dangers.
For chocolate, check the recipe board for tons of ideas for baking with cocoa powder. Unless you have upper GI problems from chocolate, these recipes should be just fine. You can also try baking with small amounts of instant, decaf coffee powder. Just 1 T or so will flavor a whole cake, but will be such a small amount per serving (and it will be in a soluble fiber foundation) that it's usually very tolerable. This is the only way I know to get any form of coffee in an IBS-safe manner.
I think you're going to be shocked by how much better you feel, almost immediately, if you give up the joe.
- 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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BLESS YOU !!
#31186 - 12/10/03 03:07 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Heather, you are such a gem! If you're right -- and I have no doubt you are -- then there's the fix for me. While I love my cuppajoe, nothing -- NOTHING -- is worth an IBS attack! I was surprised to discover the "Antidepressant Brownie" recipe in this website; the cocoa didn't bother me at all, and I was finally able to have my beloved chocolate. I thought the chocolate was my problem -- now I see it's the java. (What I omitted from my message was the fact that AFTER my 4 cups of decaf, I drive down to the local expresso stand and have a cup of the leaded stuff! See how bad I've been? WOW.) Thanks, Heather -- I'm gonna cold turkey it NOW!!!
Bev. 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Heather, I can't thank you enough! I just know you're right. I remember reading about coffee in your book, but I really didn't understand why decaf would cause a problem. I don't know why I closed my eyes as I threw down the java, I guess I just thought I could do everything else right and the coffee wouldn't hurt me. However, I know now I was wrong, and I feel so encouraged now that I'm finally on the right track. Is it really possible I could have a day without cramps? Wow. Thanks again, Heather!
Bev.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I'm a happy camper! No coffee, and NO CRAMPS! Boy, is my face red. Duh. I knew what your book said, but I thought I could get away with it -- if I cut everything else out. You proved me wrong. I'm feeling so good, ("I should be illegal"). Think I'll go out for a long row ----
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Ooh congrats Bevrs! Isn't it funny how one thing can screw up your whole system? Glad to hear you're feeling much better!
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- Jennifer
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Hi Jennifer! Thanks. I feel so stupid. I was doing everything right, doing the self-hypnosis, all the while drinking my coffee. DUH. What was I thinking? By the way, we moved up here from Santa Rosa a few years back; couldn't stand the heat! It's great; now whenever I have a hot flash, I just step outside. Heh heh.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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LOL - Yes, the heat is sometimes really bad! Especially since my little apartment doesn't have air conditioning. Luckily, I work during the day where it's air conditioned so by the time I get outside at night, it's not too bad.
Glad you're enjoying Washington a whole lot more 
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- Jennifer
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Coffee was the main culprit for me, it was the defining factor that I no doubt had IBS (before diagnosis). It is brutal on my digestive system, but I kept trying other things, like ordering a mocha or frap w/soy or non fat milk.
But, like you it was the coffee unfortunately. Now I make my mochas with Rocamojo and carob.
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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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Bevers, this is my first time on here. I was just diag after fighting with Dr.'s for over 12 yrs now. Do you think I should do the same with my Diet Sodas? It sure will be hard, but I'm willing to do whatever to finally feel better! Hope to hear from you. I'm glad it is working for you!
Shireen 
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Please cut out diet sodas! These things are the devils own drink with IBS. They're carbonated (v.bad), acidic (ditto) and often have high-fructose corn syrup in them (again, v.bad!).
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Diet soda
#32554 - 12/18/03 12:13 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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I forgot to say, the diet soda also has sweeteners in them!
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Hi Shireen, WELCOME!
Do it. It ain't worth it, Girlfriend! Do you really need the soda? I feel SOOO much better since giving up my beloved coffee. What was I thinking anyway?!? I have more energy now, I feel magnificent, NO CRAMPS, I can work out harder and longer (I blew my hubby away on the rowing machines yesterday!), and I sleep FANTASTICALLY. Oh, and in only a few days I've lost 2 pounds. Okay, so the coffee isn't the same as soda -- or is it? I never drank soda, so I can't advise you -- except to say that Heather states in "The First Year" (p. 33), "Carbonation in soda pop and mineral water can cause bloating and cramps." Is it worth it? It ain't for me! Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Luckily, I never liked coffee. Soda, however, was a whole different story. I was a soda addict and when I started Heather's diet, it was the one thing I couldn't give up. I was getting tired of being bloated all the time, though, and finally decided to give it up and wow, what a difference!
I occasionally have a soda every once in a while but instantly notice the different and can feel myself 'blowing' up. Also, since there's a lot of sodium and carbonation in soda, I noticed that other parts of my body were bloated other than my tummy.
I know it's really hard to kick the soda habit, and I wasn't much of a water drinker but now it's the only thing I can drink (besides tea) so I'm actually started to crave it!
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- Jennifer
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