Ugh.. now I've swung in the other direction! (Q about C)
#76166 - 06/04/04 07:15 AM
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atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
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I've been following the IBS diet since my last attack, on Sunday... less the SFS, because I didn't have money to buy one. The biggest change has been giving up caffeine - I was a 6-pk-of-soda-a-day person. I had a couple days where I literally didn't eat anything at all, because I was too nauseous. Well, 5 days later, I haven't had a BM and don't even remotely feel like I have to go. Being that I'm normally a D, that's something of a relief.  But of course it worries me.
So... is this somewhat normal? I'm going to be getting my SFS today and start it immediately - will that get things going quickly-ish? Should I use a laxative? Can anyone recommend a relatively gentle one? (I've used docusate sodium before... it works, but then I end up with D, cramps and bloating for days afterwards.)
Oy, these guts. 
PS - I apologize if this is redundant... I searched but didn't find what I was looking for. Maybe I'm just not awake yet. *curses the lack of caffeine*
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Hey there....sorry to hear you've swung the other way!!
First....please don't use a laxative unless absolutely necessary...they are soooo hard on your system!!
Once you start the SFS you should see some improvement...but be careful not to start with too high a dose otherwise you'll end up cramped and bloated...so just start slow and work your way up over time. Remember to drink lots and lots of water or else the SFS won't work like it should. 
Also...you should start slowly and safely incorporating insoluble back into your diet...this should help too!!
Hope you feel better soon!! 
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Hey,
As much as it sucks I would say wait it out, see if the SFS helps at all. Laxatives are not only bad but can cause such bad pain in even those with really severe C, so I definitely think it might not sit well with you! Also, are you eating any insoluable fiber? Usually that helps for C, as long as its not too much, and D'ers try to avoid it unless they can have it with a soluable fiber base. Maybe try eating one of these things on the list!
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Thanks. :)
#76178 - 06/04/04 07:53 AM
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atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
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I had started incorporating some insoluble fiber back in, but I probably just haven't given it time to work.  Being that I'm so used to rushing to the bathroom 5 times a day, not going for 5 days just scared me. LOL! Thank you for the reassurance!
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Thanks Kimm!
#76181 - 06/04/04 07:57 AM
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atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
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Yeah, laxatives are the pits... I was hoping everyone would say to avoid them. Heh. I've never tried a SFS before, so I was definitely planning on a low dose... here's hoping it does the trick.  Thanks!
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"SMOOTH MOVES TEA" by Traditional Medicinals...I swear by it!
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it does....I'm not bothered by senna though
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... and wondered if it was harsh or not. Are you a C or a D? I'm a D, and I've never tried senna, and I'm afraid it would cause worse problems than it cures!
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I would personally stay away from it...from previous posts from Heather, she stated:
Senna, Correctol, and all other laxatives can cause bowel dependency. If they're stimulant laxatives. they can trigger IBS attacks as well. And all laxatives can cause rebound constipation as they interrupt the natural function of your gut, which is what you're always trying to keep as stable as possible with IBS.
- Heather
and
These teas are laxatives - they usually contain senna. They are not gentle on the GI tract, and they can cause bowel dependency.
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I figured as much. I'm glad it works for some people, but when I have a flareup of the D, I'm miserable for a week... the last thing I want is to voluntarily take a stimulant that's going to cause that. Heh. I think for now I'll stick with the SFS and increasing insoluble fiber, and hopefully things will move along.
Thanks for all your help, everyone.
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check the latest issue of the newsletter about Aloe, which is the same type of laxative as senna. Dangers of Aloe
- H
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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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Years ago when I was "diagnosed" with ibs by my family doctor who did no tests...  she - the doc - told me to drink lots of water, eat lots of fibre like bran and take "Senokot" whenever I got C.
Suffice it to say that all that happened was that I had to keep taking the Senokot, always felt sick and bloated and C and very rarely had a bm naturally.  Smart doctor - eh!?
I would stay away from senna!
Ana
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I think I mentioned earlier that I am a "C" and clearly not as bad as others. I use it only as a last resort and won't travel without it. When I am practically impacted, it makes me "go smoothly". The one time I did use it in excess I regretted it and will never make that mistake again! I am sure that as with anything else...it works for some and not others. I hope you find something that works for you!
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Sounds like you need to find the right balance of soluble/insoluble fiber. What kinds of insoluble foods are you eating? Maybe try adding some more and see what you can tolerate? Does salad give you D? I know how you feel, as a C myself, if I don't take anything for it I only go once a week But since you were formerly D, I think you'll be able to find a happy medium soon!
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IBS-C
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That's what I'm thinking. It's been very, very difficult for me to eat anything at all lately - if I'm not feeling sick, I've at least got no appetite. I've been trying to up my insoluble fiber... I'm sure I'm just not eating enough of it. Thanks for the reply - this is going to sound silly, but hearing that someone else only goes once a week (even occasionally) makes me feel a little better. LOL! I'm sure I'll find a balance one of these days.
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Sometimes you just got to wait a bit and let your body get used to the changes. I am a chronic C with an occasional D once or twice a month. I wouldn't dare take a anti-D because I wouldn't be able to go for three months. If I were a D I wouldn't risk getting things moving unnaturally. Add a bit more sol. fiber - rice and baked potatoes are great for me. You mentioned you quit caffeine. Did you quit the soda also? Just wondering. Also, the lack of caff. can cause an episode of C also as caff. is a stimulant. Wait it out, eat proper, and start your fiber slowly! Good luck. I can sympathize.
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Peace,
Tammy
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