Take SFS or not
#121521 - 11/13/04 02:30 PM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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I have read many articles that say that SFS may actually hurt up to 50 % of the people with IBS. Meaning, their symptoms get worse. Are there any people who do not take an SFS and still became stable?
Has anyone had a positive experience after stopping the SFS or is everyone pretty resigned to being on one. I'm having problems with mine
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I dont know about anybody else, because I know most people who use a SFS say that is the best thing for them and that even though it takes a long time for your body to adjust , you will eventually feel much better...it just depends on how you react to certain SFS, everyone is different and some seem to work better for people than others...Ive actually found that the only times Ive been able to stabilise this year have been when I havent been using the acacia that I order from heather. Im going to start off really slowly again soon and try getting used to it...but I have been able to stabilise for a while on diet alone. Hope that helps xx
-------------------- Natalie
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from a theoretical perspective, I really believe in the SFS approach. the only one I have tried is acacia...I started with 1/3 of a tsp and got awful diarrhea (I am mainly ibs c) and moved down to 1/7th of a tsp and had terrible nausea etc. I had to stop after 4 days. but I AM going to try other brands because of my belief in it. the only way is to try, but there are those that react so extremley that they cannot use them or even give them time to get used to.
-------------------- Feel the fear and do it anyway!
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I would have been int he symptoms get worse group UNTIL I tried one that wasn't psyllium and had no additives.. citrucel orange flavor (has sorbitol) and Metamucil- plain or orange, both made me MUCH worse and I had written off supplements until I found this list and someone suggested I try benefiber or acacia.. I've done wonderfully on both... and spokent o my GI so she doesn't recommend either of the other 2 to her patients anymore... some people are ok on plain citrucel, but it has to be the plain stuff- NOT the orange flavor!
-------------------- Dietetics Student (anticipating RD exam in Aug 2010)
IBS - A
Dairy Allergic
Fructose and MSG intollerant
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It is hard to speak for everyone but I think the SFS is the best thing to do because it increases the size of the stool, which lessens the spasms in the colon. But it takes time to settle things down. With the increase in bulk in the colon, you will go more often if you have small infrequent stools and it will bulk up the too frequent stools so you go less often because it will cut down on the spasms. I got worse when I started it also but continued to increase slowly and beleive me, I will never go off it again because I tried a few times and eventually the spasms came back.
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I think it is essential to take one. The problem is in finding what works for you. I have little empathy for this step since I have been on Fibercon for so many years I can't remember what it was like to start! But I have increased the dose a lot this year and did just fine.
-------------------- IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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You need to find the right SFS and the right dose for you. Then most people find the SFS REALLY helpful. I wouldn't do without mine now!
Unfortunately, a lot of the better known ones (therefore the ones usually suggested by doctors!) have sweeteners in and are generally psyllium or inulin based, BOTH of which are hard to take and have more side effects. The one my doc first put me on (before I discovered Heather and Acacia) was psyllium based with sweeteners and all kinds of additives. It made me so bloated and gassy, but it STILL helped my D and pain.
Acacia seems to be one of the gentlest out there, unless of course you seem to be allergic to it like poor Dalia!
Edited by Linz (11/13/04 11:18 PM)
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For me anyway, I would have to eat sooooo much food in order to get the needed amount of soluble fiber in my diet to control symptoms that I would gain much weight. I don't mind paying the money for the fibercon I take, because I would spend that much on food to get the same results. I would have to eat a loaf of bread a day
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daliatree
#121873 - 11/15/04 09:58 AM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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That scares me as I am just about ready to order some acacia! Now I am confused! What brand are you going to try next? Augie
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Natalie
#121875 - 11/15/04 09:59 AM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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Why would you go back on it if you've been stable off of it?
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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