Heather/Others -Do you ever hold any true hope for a cure for IBS?
#34944 - 01/02/04 05:48 PM
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Chelsea22
Reged: 10/20/03
Posts: 54
Loc: Virginia
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Sometimes as I sit here and read all of these posts of fellow IBS sufferers trying desperately to find an answer to relieve their personal symptoms, I tend to feel a little saddened and wonder if any of us can ever truly hold any hope for a permanent solution to our condition.
I am so grateful for Heather and the diet that has helped me about 80% of the time, which is a great accomplishment. It's just that it can be such a bummer to think that we are all dealing with this on an everyday basis. It starts to wear the cheerleader spirit out of me.
I guess I'm looking for some shred of hope to keep my motivation up. Any thoughts out there?
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Hopes
#34947 - 01/02/04 06:24 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Alicia, I know what you mean. Sometimes I get real down about it, especially when I'm having a bad attack and my meds and diet don't work and I think it's never going to end. And of course I know there will never be a cure for me and that I will have to go through this the rest of my life. Poor poor pitiful me.
And then something hits me real hard to wake me up to reality. My friend is younger than I and has recovered from throat cancer. While it's in remission, the chemo left his throat in such bad shape that he can never eat again -- EVER. He has to consume all his meals through an IV for the rest of his life!
I have SOOOO much to be grateful for in this life, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let this IBS get the better of me. This year's resolution is positive thinking, and I'm startin' right now.
Bev. 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Re: Hopes
#34949 - 01/02/04 07:35 PM
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louise
Reged: 02/05/03
Posts: 836
Loc: canada
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and yet, I wonder about those fortunate people who CLAIM to be free of IBS. IS IT REAL?
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Reality check!
#34952 - 01/02/04 08:23 PM
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Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
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Wow. Bev, thanks for that reality check! I try to keep a positive attitude about my IBS, but I also get down about it from time to time. It's hard not to when it's your own life and it seems like it's being ruled by IBS, isn't it?? But next time I feel depressed I'm going to remind myself about your friend and everything he's had to go through. As annoying and painful IBS can be, our lives could be so much worse. Thanks for that reminder that we really don't have it that bad after all!
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Re: Hopes
#34960 - 01/02/04 11:49 PM
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Kandee
Reged: 05/22/03
Posts: 3206
Loc: USA, Southern California
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I BELIEVE so Louise!!!!!
I can't possibly think that there may NOT someday be a cure or that there isn't such a thing as a miracle for some people with IBS. After all, don't we hear all the time about people with terminal cancer and all of a sudden it's gone and the medical profession can't explain it?
"Can't" has never been, nor will ever be in my vocabulary. Everything is possible. If I didn't believe that I may be lucky enough to someday see a cure for IBS I might as well lay down and die and let it get the best of me wallowing in my own self pity.
I do believe in a phrase I heard long ago. It said, "Within every setback there is a blessing if you just look for it". If we truely look for it I'm sure we can, each and every one of us, find that individual blessing.
I know this is all pretty hard to swallow when we are having an attack that feels like it is killing us, or we just wish it would.
But what is life without vision, without future, without HOPE?
Kandee
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You have a good point Kandee. The blessing in disguise is that I'm eating so much healthier these days. Because of Heather's diet my total cholesterol has come down from 245 to 185. I've lost 15 lbs. I've taken up meditation and have slowed down my anxiety by doing so.
I guess it's just challenging sometimes to keep this IBS in proper perspective. Thanks for the positive thinking Kandee!
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Meditation
#34981 - 01/03/04 11:17 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Okay, I know I'm gonna regret asking this -- but I'll just stick my nose out there and brave the elements.
How does one learn how to meditate?  I know it would be good for me -- in fact, if I could do it I think I could "cure" myself. I just don't know how -- and I don't know how to LEARN how. Is there a book out on this -- "Meditation for Dummies"?
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I joined a meditation class/group, but you don't need to do this - it's just as easy on your own. In fact, my IBS often means I can't sit through a group...
There are lots of different types of meditation. But if you're just starting out you should try a visualisation - try to find a guided visualisation tape/cd from the library or a book shop, there are loads out there. If you find it easy to imagine pictures/images in your mind then you'll have no problem at all with this. Most have relaxing music in the background and then a speaker will guide you through a visual journey ie imagine setting off in a peaceful place along a path ... come to a bridge... what do you see on the other side? etc, etc. These are great to get you into meditation.
The important thing is to relax and enjoy whatever thoughts, images or feelings come to you. You can sit comfortably in any position you like, or lie down (but you may be prone to falling asleep if you lie, which is not the same as meditation!) Whatever you do, you must NOT worry about doing anything right or wrong. Most people think that to meditate they have to make their minds go completely blank and not think of anything. NOT SO! This would be pointless. The secret is to relax and allow thoughts to float freely through your mind. So if you've just started a meditation and you suddenly remember that letter you've got to post, just acknowledge that thought - you'll do it later - and let it go.
This sort of visualisation can be very useful - for healing, letting go of stuff, asking for guidance from your subconscious. Michael's audio tapes have some elements of meditation/visualisation in them and you can extend this principle to all sorts of possibilities.
Eventually, you could try meditation without going on a visual journey, guided by a tape, listening to music or just quiet, with your eyes open looking at a light or image and so on - whatever you feel works best for you.
It can be useful to try to interpret whatever comes up - sort of like interpreting dreams - think about what those words or images or colours or feelings might mean to you. But you shouldn't rely on anyone else's interpretation, eg if you meet a bear walking in the woods, this might come with a feeling of love and protection for you, but another might interpret this as aggression or fear.
Hope this is of some use to you - give it a try and let me know how you go on. I've been meditating for a while now and it's been very enjoyable and enlightening at times.
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I need a cd. I ain't no good at visualization.
I have Michael's cd "Towards Inner Peace" which I'm gonna do 2 months after I finish Michael's Audio 100 program; I have 12 more days to go on that. Is "Towards Inner Peace" the kind of cd you're talking about? It says, "This new program is a natural encore for helping listeners continue to enjoy their journey by further building upon previous learnings. The individual will also learn new coping strategies and relaxation methods to deal with other issues in the listener's life. . . . Using guided processes and suggestions to further enhance the listener's confidence and relaxation, this program also uses imagery and additional suggestions to assist in the development of self relaxation and improvement."
OR would my "Loon Magic" cd do the trick? I love loons, and I love rowing with loons. I could easily imagine myself on the water back in Maine, listening to the call of the loon . . . is that the kind of imagery you mean?
I gotta learn meditation  .
Thanks, Michelle!
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Believe it or not, yes there is a book: Meditation for Dummies 
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Yep, Michael's tape sounds good - its starting to bring in imagery as a symbol for healing and relaxation.
The loon magic is also perfect - basically, you need to learn to harness the power of your imagination and the best way to do this is whatever works for you. If you can easily imagine yourself on the water that's perfect - that's your centre, a place you can go to in your mind for peace, tranquility, rest, etc. You will find that just by practicing this simple imaginary process it will start to develop from there in its own time.
So say you had an issue in your life that had been bothering you, you could if you so wished, imagine that you've put that heavy, horrible stuff in a box, weighed down and thrown it into the water where you imagine it sinking deep down to the bottom ... where it then gets washed out to sea, just dissolves, or gets eaten by the fish. You feel so much lighter and it's gone. Of course, when you open your eyes, the problem may still be there - but this works on your subconscious, like hypnosis, so it can have subtle but powerful effects.
The best way to start, though is with some music you like - go to your safe place in your mind and relax and enjoy it. Try to focus on really 'being there' in all ways - what does it feel like, sound like, smell like and look like to you.
You may also find you're already good at meditation if you exercise regularly - any form of exercise that requires controlled movement and particularly anything repetitive or rhythmic. You'll notice that the sense of well-being you get from these is not just physical - while you're doing these activities your state of consciousness shifts slightly, and you may realise that those feelings and thoughts that have been bugging you all day have just disappeared. This gets you 'out' of your everyday rambling chattering mind in a similar way to meditation.
Hobbies like knitting, sewing, painting etc have a similar effect too.
But meditation is special because it allows your body to be still whilst focusing on your own thoughts and feelings in a very positive and uplifting way....
(big sigh)
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ALLLMMMM.......
#35003 - 01/03/04 04:18 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Thanks, Michelle. Good stuff here. I'm definitely gonna GOFERIT!
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I can only speak for myself when I say I never give it any thought. You know some times a day seems to long to get through as it is. Not saying you are not greatful for what we have, like you said, the diet and heather has really helped, I guess I just know that it could always be worse, that's how I get through, I don't have cancer, I am not terminal so if this is it, well then bring it on, I will have my days, maybe more then one but you know what we will all get through and be stronger for it!!!!!!!!
Sound like a preacher don't I, sure I can say this now, let me have another attack and we will see then..lol.. no just kidding this is really how I feel!
P.S. I do know one thing, this world is changing so much every day, the possibilities are endless!
Jenn
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I am so impressed and thankful for all of you responses. You have lifted my spirits and helped me, once again, to try and see the brighter side of this IBS situation.
Bev, I began meditating 3 months ago when I had a major flare up. It has changed my life in so many positive ways. I tend not to be judgemental or critical of others now. The weird thing is that since I've chosen this new path, I'm finding it difficult to be around friends that gossip. They are picking up on the fact that I'm no longer contributing to their gossip ring, and it makes them uncomfortable. All this to say, is that I see my friendship circle changing, and may possibly see a few of these people drop from my life. It's okay though because I'm much happier in this new state of mind.
Give meditation a try. It's a great way to slow down and quiet the wheels in our head.
Much love to all of you caring souls out there!
Alicia
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Re: Hopes
#35041 - 01/03/04 10:34 PM
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louise
Reged: 02/05/03
Posts: 836
Loc: canada
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that is soo true. ANother great reality check and I also hear a lot about a positive atitude goes along way toward our health. IT IS something to do witha mind and body connection I beleive.
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Hey M ags; I wonder if those books are instores or the library?
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It's funny, I had the same feelings while I was on vacation with my family over Christmas. I think I search for something to cure this *pesky ailment* everyday -- a new way to deal, cure, anything!! Then, I think...
90% of what happens to you is how you react to it... you can either feel helpless and remain in a constant state of depression, or you can use your anger/frustration/ANYTHING to make the best of the situation and make a promise to yourself that you're going to fight this till the end... (all controllable)
As for the other 10%-- the uncontrollables. Yeah, yeah, I know, "you can't split it up like that..." but just take a look at things you've dealt with in your life-- you have to agree that most of our population focuses on the uncontrollables in their life... getting a bad grade on an exam, getting laid-off, losing a family member... we can't control these things, so why do we focus on them?
I'm still trying to *master* the art of seperating the uncontrollables from the controllables-- I just have to remember that reactions are completely CONTROLLABLE... 
Anyways-- I'm a rambling machine today.
OH, and I do have a question...
Has anyone ever heard of this site, this Doctor, and any results?? Let me know... here's the link:
IBS Treatment (hopeful)
Like I said, I search for something to help EVERY spare minute
Thanks all-- luvins,
Sarah
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"If the sun isn't shining on your path... maybe you're not on the right one" --Me
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Quote:
Hey M ags; I wonder if those books are instores or the library?
I'm sure they are. I've gotten all kinds of Dummies books from the library before, and I've also seen them at Barnes & Noble and Borders. I bet they even have a The Complete Idiot's Guide version, because usually for every subject that is in Dummies, it's in The Complete Idiot's Guide too.
Well, looky here: web page
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Yaay Alicia!
#35066 - 01/04/04 08:13 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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When a friend that you care about starts to gossip about another friend, why not try telling him/her that you do not appreciate hearing that kind of stuff about a friend of yours, and that you wouldn't appreciate it if they did that about her/him.
That's what happened to me once. I was so angry at a friend, and I called her the "B" word to another friend. She responded by telling me she didn't appreciate it. She was right. I never did it again -- and I thought a lot more about the friend who "reprimanded" me. Now I do the same, and I feel a lot better about myself for doing so.
Uh oh -- I think we're in the wrong board for this discussion. We need to move on to the Living Room.
Anyway, congratulations, Alicia! I like your new "circle of friendship."
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hi Bauie,
Thanks so much for your response to my post
It's good to hear that I'm not alone with these thoughts of mine.
No, I haven't heard of the website you mentioned, but I am going to go check it out right now. Thanks again!
Alicia
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Your "QUESTION"
#35098 - 01/04/04 11:01 AM
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Kandee
Reged: 05/22/03
Posts: 3206
Loc: USA, Southern California
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Hi Sarah,
Great advise, great philosophy!!
Looked at your Dr. Dahlman site. It appears to me what he is pushing is nothing more than a diet, (maybe similar to this---hopefully) and PROBIOTICS, and possibly a digestive enzyme. Do some searching on those topics here and you get the info, free. I'm suspicious of web sites like this one that don't spell it all out more, especially what they are selling in the way of supplements and how much they cost. Buyer Beware!!!!
Kandee
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I agree with Kandee - it appears this site is saying that the cause of all digestive disorders such as IBS and Crohns etc is antibiotics and a bacterial overgrowth. This just isn't true. In some cases, taking antibiotics can upset your tummy and it's worth taking a probiotic for a while. But it's not the cause of all digestive disorders. I've had IBS for over 10 years. I've had a stool test at a university hospital lab which confirmed there is NOTHING unusual in my stool - including bacterial overgrowth or lack of digestive enzymes etc.
If you want to try probiotics and digestive enzymes you can purchase these from your health food store - they're not expensive. I'd be interested to see how much this site is charging for its advice.
The thing I trusted about Heather's site was that most of her info (if not all) is provided completely free of charge, she's not pushing anything or holding any info back. The essential info in her books can be found on this site and by checking out these boards. You can also freely discuss this advice and what's working (or not) for you with the others who use the boards.
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Alicia: I don't know if IBS can be cured-but it can be controlled-through diet, decreasing stress (like praying or meditating), exercise. Actually IBS was a gift for me, because it made me realize how badly i was treating my body-and now, 3 months later-I'm dropping clothes sizes (I started out big), My blood pressure and blood sugars are great!!! Even with occasional bouts-I'm better off with it now it's under control!!!! Cure? I don't know-positives-Yes!! Maryh
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Whatever doesn't kill me will make me stronger!
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hi Mags; IT'S amazing what they come out with these days isn't it?
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hIshells; I have never been very good at visualizing, I guess Iam not patient enough to let things come.
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