Miralax, Acacia and working with doctors
#33066 - 12/22/03 08:27 AM
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I everyone. I'm rather new to the boards and have just been diagnosed with IBS from a medical doctor (after undergoing a series of tests to rule out other medical conditions). I rarely have the pain and diarrhea associated with IBS, but I do have the constipation, gas and bloating. All three can be severe at times, and it is the severe gas pain and bloating that finally made my doctor take me seriously. I went to several doctors for constipation, and they simply filled my handbag with Metamucil packets and sent me on my way, stating that bowel movements three days a month was perfectly normal. Yeah, right.  Anyway, it's nice to finally find a doctor who has listened to me.
Better than that, however, is the incredible amount of information I've found on this site, through Heather's books and in using the supplements. Thanks Heather ... I sing your praises daily!
My doctor prescribed Miralax. I was glad to be able to get something from him that worked better than Metamucil, however, the cramping is horrible. Not only that, my husband is an airline pilot. When we read the active ingredient (polyethelyene glycol), his mouth dropped. He said that ethelyene glycol is what the pilots use to de-ice the airplanes. "Poly" is a polymer. This can't be good for a prolonged period of time. As a matter of fact, I don't understand how doctors can prescribe Miralax with a straight face. Does anyone know much more about Miralax? My doctor has given this to me for "life." I'm a bit troubled about it for me and for others who are using it, but I realize I may be uneducated about it.
I have switched to Acacia, and am very pleased with the results. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of printing Heather's brochure about her site, books and products and sending it to my doctor.
I suppose I'm battling with what my doctor says and what I've found to work through Heather's research. I want to remain loyal to him because, after all, he took me seriously after so many others didn't. Not only that, he didn't take my gallbladder out ... which seems to be trendy right now. 
So, getting back to my questions. Any additional information on Miralax would be helpful, though I don't plan to use it. I'd just like to know more so that I can talk to others about it.
My other question is whether or not any of you are able to work with your doctor THROUGH the information given to us by Heather. Has anyone been successful?
Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Angela
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I don't have an answer to your first question. But in answer to your second question, NO! When I last saw my GI, a thousand years ago, I handed him a lot of information about Heather's books, singing her praises. You don't want to know what his response was. You can't tell a doctor anything.
Bev.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hi and welcome to the boards! 
I'm not really familiar with Miralax, but I did want to tell you that Heather has pamplets that she sends to docs. If you send her his info, she could probably send him some.
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I believe Alicia had good luck talking with her doctor too! Some doctors are thankful to have some sort of information, especially those who are clueless.
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- Jennifer
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Hello and Welcome. I can tell you I have been on miralax for several years now and it has given me back my life! It does tend to make you a little more bloated and gassey in the beginning, but that goes away in a few weeks!
My DR also told me it would be a "for life" kinda thing and that it was fine for long term. I do not notice my body building up a tolerace to it but I'm in big trouble if I miss a dose!
If Heathers diet and acacia are working, GREAT! Stick with that. I am the first one to say let miralax be the LAST choice, but its not a bad choice. For me, there were no other options. If all other options are been tried and don't work, don't be afraid to try the miralax, just do give everything else a try first!
Feel free to email me directly if you want more info!
michelebrake@sbcglobal.com
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Hi Angela, and welcome to the boards! It's nice to hear that your doctor is taking you so seriously. Personally, I've never tried sharing Heather's books with my doctor, but I have told her all about the diet I'm following and she seemed very supportive and glad I was taking steps to keep myself healthy. Actually, I'm pretty sure I know a heck of a lot more about IBS than she does, since when I went in to ask her about meds she had to look them up in a little black book. Maybe I should show her Heather's books next time I go in! Anyway, to make a long story short, welcome and I hope you find all the info you want here. This is a great place to get support and make new friends! 
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Hi Angela - If the Acacia is working for you instead of the Miralax, I can't imagine that your doctor wouldn't be supportive of this. Everything I've ever seen on Miralax says that it is not supposed to be taken regularly for long periods of time - it is a laxative, and it can cause bowel dependency. Here's a link web page If you can regulate your gut with diet and fiber supplements, this doesn't pose the risk of side effects and bowel dependency that Miralax does, and my guess is that your doc would be really happy about this.
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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Thank you everyone for your encouragement and advice. Thanks, Heather, for the site link. My doc is very kind and seems to be open-minded, so I think I'll go ahead and send him Heather's information (I found a brochure in pdf format that someone recommended).
Have a wonderful new year! 
Angela Z.
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