PEPPERMINT CAPSULES.. ARE THEY RELEVANT FOR ME?!?!
#64933 - 04/26/04 05:24 PM
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Hi Everyone!
I have yet another question for you all.
First, I am happy to note that today I developed a case of D that sent me to the bathroom three times in an hour. I then remembered that I bought equalactin, and decided to chew two of those and my stomach feels better ever since! woohoo!
Alright, on to my question. I'm trying to decide whether or not I should order some peppermint capsules.. considering they are relatively expensive and I'm trying to pay for graduate school. ie. i'm too poor to waste money on something that may not be helpful. The reason I am intersted in taking peppermint is to stop this diarrhea. The fiber helps but every once in awhile an attack strikes. I've been researching peppermint online and learned that it is basically just to numb pain?!? I can honestly say that I don't experience much pain. The only time my stomach cramps is right before I have an attack of D, and then maybe it hurts minimally in between bowel movements in one attack. But it is not unbearable. Well, it hurts, but within moments I'm in the bathroom and feeling better.
Is it worthwhile for me to take peppermint. Basically I get diarrhea alot, but not alot of cramping in pain. Also, my cramping and pain is almost always relieved by a bowel movement. I would only need the peppermint capsules to help stop the diarrhea!!! Please post back if you have any information on whether or not this is worthwhile!
Thanks! 
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Glad to hear that the Equalactin helped with your attack!
As for the peppermint capsules, if you cannot afford them right now, why not try peppermint tea? It's relatively cheap and a good way to soothe your stomach before, during, and after an attack. That way you can get an idea how well the peppermint helps you. Granted, I'm pretty sure it is stronger in the capsules but if the tea helps even a little bit, you can probably imagine how well the capsules would work and perhaps save up some money to order them.
Hope this helps! 
- Jennifer
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- Jennifer
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Yes They Are!!!
#65085 - 04/27/04 08:10 AM
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Kimm
Reged: 03/10/04
Posts: 1171
Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Not only will they help ease some of the pain...they are also a very powerful antispasmodic and will help prevent your D attacks!!
Look on this website where Heather talks about peppermint caps and how some people even find they work better than prescription antispasmodics!!
I say give them a try....
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Hi all,
I've tried the tea.. infact since I was a child peppermint has been my favorite tea, and the only tea that I will drink. I loved it even before I knew it could help with irritable bowel. The only thing is is that its getting HOT out and I'd rather not have to suck down tons of tea during the hot summer months.
I can afford to buy them, but I can't afford to waste money on things that may not help me in the long term! Thanks for the advice though.. I think i'll give them a shot!
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First of all, congrats on the Equalactin. GREAT stuff!
The peppermint capsules are an anti-spasmodic, for cramping. It doesn't sound to me like the capsules are what you need for D alone. Do you have any Immodium?
I'm a D, and I take Lomotil for just the D, no cramps. (If I have cramps, then I take Hyoscyamine.) Of course, you have to have a prescription for either. I tried the peppermint caps, but they gave me terrible indigestion.
Have you considered a probiotic? I think they really helped me get my D under control. Several of us here take Jarro: Jarro (Click on "Jarrow-Dophilus EPS".)
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I live in Texas where there is more warm weather than cold.
I have been keeping my peppermint tea in the fridge for a few weeks now. I make a pitcher with one tea bag (2 quarts), I dont like my tea too strong. In the morning I pour a cup and microwave it, it is always nice to have something warm with breakfast. This way I can have my peppermint tea quickly, and all day! Try it, I think you will like it.
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Some people just don't know how to drive! I call these people 'Anybody but me'!!
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Bevrs, I also take Hyosyamine. My GI told me to take it every day, am I understanding you correctly that you only take it as needed? Right now, I feel that I have to take it every day, it controls my gas as well as cramping. When I get myself regulated again (still recovering from abdominal surgery,and eating some things I probably should not, but, its that comfort food thing I've got going on right now), I'm thinking I might try to back off on it and take it a every other day. But, its that gas that keeps me on it. Hate that gas!! 
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butting in...
#65124 - 04/27/04 09:43 AM
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jenX
Reged: 08/11/03
Posts: 3252
Loc: Richmond, VA
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i, too, use my hycosamine only as a treatment for bad attacks. that's for the really bad ones. i use Equalactin for less severe bouts.
i use my fennel tea to help with the bloating.
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Hi, spicey!
Not sure if I've said welcome yet, but welcome!
Two thoughts on the peppermint capsules. First, if you don't want to spend the money, you might try Altoids or similar peppermint candy or peppermint tea first. I learned the hard way that I have GERD (heartburn and gastric reflux) and that peppermint is a no-no for me. I have two jars of peppermint capsules sitting in my cupboard that I bought and can't take!
Also, if I understand your question right, you're talking about using peppermint to stop the diarrhea. It won't do that. That's not what it's for, it's for the crampy pain. It won't help with the D at all. At least that's my understanding and my experience.
Again, welcome! Glad you're here!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Every Day, Gigi?
#65587 - 04/28/04 09:45 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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First of all, I JUST NOW saw your post! I was on line yesterday, but I never saw it. ????
I'm surprised that your GI wants you to take it every day. I ONLY take it when I have cramps. I don't have cramps every day, not even close. But if your doc told you to do it, well then you should do it.
Yes, I hate the gas too, but I've come to accept it as part of the many joys of IBS.
Gigi, I think you'll find a lot of relief when you stop "eating some things I probably should not." I know that I was instantly better when I stopped cheating and gave up the coffee. It's tough to do, believe me I know, but it's just one of those things in life we have to do in spite of the difficulty.
Why not try just a few days -- give yourself a week -- of adhering to the diet. Keep a food journal for that week, and record everything you eat and its reaction. Be real strict with yourself, just for a week. See how you do. Then, if you discover you're feeling a lot better (and I guarantee you will), then perhaps you can talk to your GI about taking that drug only as needed.
Whaddya thimk, Girlfriend?
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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