IBS-C: How LONG did it take?!?!?!?!
#216405 - 09/28/05 04:36 PM
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Lucrece
Reged: 04/29/05
Posts: 150
Loc: Canada
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I feel like starting all over again. I feel like going back to the BTC diet or something. It seems impossible sometimes! I think I made a couple of mistakes ..I must have! I feel miserable right now.
For stable IBS-Cers, how long did it take you to finally be truly stable? By stable I mostly mean: You are off of the BTC diet, and you are finally off of incorporating IF into your diet, and you are eating fine with absolutely no bloating.
Or is there such thing? I know this diet is supposed to be for IBS-C and D as well. But I highly feel oblidged to make a suggestion that there should possibly be a seperate section on this site dedicated to the differences in the IBS-C diet as opposed to the D diet.
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IBS-C
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If memory serves, there were 2-4 months where I was very careful and limited in what I ate. For instance, totally avoiding red meat, eating some IF but the safest kinds cooked, more SF in my meals than usual, and I was also increasing Acacia doses, drinking more water ect...
From my worst to my best was probably a year at least. I saw gradual improvements especially as I increased my SFS and water. As far as eating what I want and no bloat/gas ect...I don't think there is such a thing totally with IBS. I can eat pretty much as I please, but I know not to eat a lot at once, eat a bowl of icecream, eat something super high in fat...or I'll have problems. I'm very faithful about my supplements and water intake, conscious of my diet at all times, and I still have times when I bloat, cramp and have a lot of gas. That's when I start the teas ect...
My husband told me once - because he was totally tired of hearing about my stomach all the time and has a cronic health problem of his own to deal with - that I had to learn to manage my IBS and quit letting it manage me! When I began to look at it that way, it relieved a lot of stress, because it CAN be managed! Not easily sometimes, and not ever totally, but I'm pretty stable and feel better than I have in a very long time, so it is worth the effort! Hope this helps!
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God is Faithful!
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I think the rules for IBS should be split between IBS-D and IBS-C. I was very mislead in the beginning, b/c all I read was how IF was making everyone so sick, and so of course I assumed, it would do the same for me. Little did I know, that there is a BIG difference between Cers and Ders, and that what they need and what I need is VERY different.
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ahhhh. a year?! we're you not doing something right at the beginning of your diet?
I think Im going to start mine over. I'm going to double my exercising, and water intake. It took me over 4 tries to get the BTC diet right! I kept eating bananas and mangoes because they were on the list, but I didn't realize that I was supposed to wait.
I definately thought that I wasn't supposed to eat much IF either. The site is excellent but I would just wish that would be a little more clear. I'm not exactly sure how much IF I should be eating though.
So, will I basically have to keep incorporating vegetables for about a year until I feel better?? Because that's ..a long time.
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IBS-C
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I'm also a Chronic C, pain, bloat person. Sorry to say, I have yet to find any degree of improvement. I just keep trying though. Maybe I'm stupid for trying to do the same thing even though it's not working...but I don't know what else to try. And, more importantly, I'm hoping that I'm just haven't gotten all the pieces of the puzzle together yet. And, lastly, other C folks, like Bamagrl and AstroChick follow this diet and it gives me some hope.
I am trying Acacia now, which is new....and I am hoping that helps things a bit.
I agree, it would be helpful to separate the C from the D, but it was voted down. That's why a lot of people put their symptoms at the bottom of their profiles so that others can tell what type of IBS they have. The C people may be more helpful for you. I don't know. The principles are the same for all...but it's the fine tweaking that seems to help people. I'm not there...so I'm just telling you what others have told me.
You are not alone. It is very exhausting and frustrating. Believe me, I know first hand. 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I think I'm a little different than most folks when it comes to the BTC diet. To me, at first glance, I just knew I couldn't eat that way because I knew I'd feel worse. Even now, bananas I won't touch with a ten foot pole because they always make my C worse! So, instead of trying to follow the diet, I used the principles of the diet....SF as a base, no red meat, low fat, small portions and IF as tolerated, and I ate the things I liked within those boundries.
For instance, at my worst, I would eat a toasted bagel with a slice of deli ham and coffee for breakfast (took my Acacia first though), lunch would be a microwave baked sweet potato (acacia first) with a glass of tea, and supper would be a small portion of whatever I prepared for my family to eat. If I chose to prepare a meal that I thought would bother me more - I would eat toast, another potato, or a bagel and let that be it.
I only did this for a short time - less than a week - and then really tried to just apply those same pricinples to eating what I did before I got so bad. Every meal starts with Acacia (and for me, a cal/mag supplement and an Omega complex) and then I just avoid things that I have learned over time bother me - like bananas and white rice (believe it or not).
I will STILL get miserable if I eat a lot at one time, eat red meat several days in a row (I use a lot of ground beef at home), am stupid enough to think I can eat ice cream..ect.. basically, I eat like I always did and over the course of the year have just learned what to absolutely avoid. I'm not a diet "follower" but a principle of the diet applier. It enables me to eat the same thing my family eats, keeps my grocery budget within normal limits, and gives me the freedom to enjoy food.
I also take a good probiotic once a day along with the acacia, cal/mag and Omega complex. I actually noticed a difference in how I was feeling and the frequency and amount of BM within the first couple of months, but it took me a solid 6-8 months to feel like I was really stabilizing. It is a lifestyle change, and an attitude change toward my IBS that has enabled me to feel better.
I'll always be gassy, always be a bit crampy and bloated at times, but I feel good, can enjoy eating again, and am willing to stay with my "new" routine for life! I've even lost 12 pounds and kept it off for over a year! Hope this gives you a better idea of how things worked out for me.
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God is Faithful!
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I don't think BTC should be used for more than a couple of days, and mainly for D and severe cramping!
It took me a couple of years to stabilize, mostly because I spent a long time being afraid of vegetables and not afraid enough of dairy, red meat, and caffeine. The soluble fiber helped my rumbly stomach, but is not sufficient on its own to fix things! But I was far better off as I went along. Adding soy yogurt and hypnotherapy to the equation were really my final steps to stability.
(Note that I am not a pure IBS-C - I get D attacks when I'm anxious. So sometimes I do go on BTC for a day or two when that happens!)
As several of us IBS-C'ers have said (and Heather summarized in a past newsletter) the keys to fighting C are getting enough IF while still getting SF, warm liquids and lots of them, and exercise. All of this stuff has to be done as consistently as possible: I do best when I drink all day, get IF and SF with every meal, and exercise daily. Taking a day or two off means that I'm somewhat less stable for a week! Consistency is your biggest weapon in the fight against C.
--AC
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consistancy IS key here in C world! I will also occasionally switch to D - stress or a bad monthly will do this to me.
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God is Faithful!
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Separate C Board
#216567 - 09/29/05 12:02 PM
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Sand
Reged: 12/13/04
Posts: 4490
Loc: West Orange, NJ (IBS-D)
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This has come up a couple of times, but has never happened. I can't speak for Heather, but I do remember reading at one point that she is maxed out on the number of Boards she wants to run. (Can't really blame her - this must be a huge undertaking even apart from paying for all the storage.) I remember that someone recently started a Yahoo Group for IBSers on this Board who had had an eating disorder. Perhaps you could do the same for IBS-C people who want to caucus separately. If there get to be enough Yahoo Group spin-offs, y'all could ask Heather to do a sticky post at the top of the Board listing the various ones.
Having suggested a way to get an additional site, I'd also like to make the case against it. I've come to realize that IBS-C people do see themselves as very different and they may be - I'm IBS-D so I can't really comment on a personal level. As far as I know, though, there are only 2 differences between IBS-C and IBS-D people in terms of Heather's guidelines:
1) IBS-D people can get away with not eating IF and fat as far as their bowels are concerned; IBS-C people cannot get away with that. In terms of overall health, though, the guidelines are the same for both Ds and Cs: eat as much IF as possible and go low-fat but not no-fat . Ds can choose to ignore those guidelines and their guts won't punish them, but they'll pay for it down the road in terms of general health.
2) IBS-C people probably need more SFS.
In terms of finding Heather's diet confusing, my feeling is that the Message Boards can be very confusing because they deal with the diet at the margins. Here is where people talk a lot about what parts of Heather's diet don't apply to them individually, both in terms of Heather foods they can't eat (I can't handle whole wheat under any circumstances) and in terms of non-Heather foods they can eat (I can drink wine from time to time). My suggestion is to go back and read the basic information on the Website outside the Boards and see if that makes things clearer.
More specifically, I don't know if you've seen this FAQ. If not, maybe it will clarify things a little. Also, if you missed them, you might check out the 2 newsletters this past summer that dealt with IBS-C.
HTH.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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...that keep me going! I am thankful to everyone who is still stable and keeps logging on to give advice and ecouragement to others.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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...when I really stuck to the diet and did my SFS and everything...and I'm A with D attacks not C! There is no such thing as a quick fix and you're just shooting yourself in the foot expecting there to be one.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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...that alot of the questions being asked get answered by old hands such as Casey and myslef who are NOT C. I've got enough to do w/out there being an extra board so you'd lose feedback.
And the basics of the diet hold true for pretty much everyone with IBS.
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So true!
#216590 - 09/29/05 12:31 PM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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Where would I be without all you old hands who faithfully offer your help!
You guys all rock! 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I used to be a chronic D, believe it or not, and have been able to offer advice/tips to D folks based on past experience.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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As far as I'm concerned, there is no becoming stable. I've had this horrid condition for nearly a year now and have tried all sorts of things with little relief. I'm just waiting now for this to drive me to the point where I kill myself to escape the pain.
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Check out my gallery! http://niomie.deviantart.com/
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That only death will release me from this pain. I believe in a Heaven where my body will feel no pain, and I will be healed.
Are you taking an Anti-Depressant? I started Prozac about a month ago to help with the negative thoughts.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I have been there too. I know exactly how you feel and believe me it will pass. I have had IBS, probably all my life, but only seriously for the last 7 yrs. I have had horrible downs and incredible highs but it seems to change and never balances out. I have found that many of the suggestions on this board are helpful and changing my diet did a lot for me, but remember this IBS is incurable.
I have not figured out yet if this is a genetic problem or is it an environmental problem??? IBS is such a crude and harsh disease that it is not talked about. In my own opinion I think it is a combination of both, genetic and environmental. Does anyone know more???
I hope you better days and wish for you to have peace of mind, through the Creator may your days be better.
Blessings and sunshine to all,
Lummibeader
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Honor the Creator... Seek peace!!!
Lummibeader
IBS-D with pain
and bloating
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I'm not currently taking any anti-depressants. I just haven't been doing well at all lately. I've eaten hardly anything and have had trouble sleeping for the past 3 days now. My whole body just feels like its shutting down both mentally and physically.
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Check out my gallery! http://niomie.deviantart.com/
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I feel your pain! I'm extremely nauseous right now and it's even tough for me to sit here and type without feeling like I'm going to throw up......There is no hope, it seems like......I have been like this now for two months and it's very frustrating that I cannot get it under control!!! Uggggg!!!!!!! Hang in there, you're not alone!!
Michelle 
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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I'm tired...my mind and body are tired of fighting this...for looking for answers...tired of hurting...tired of not getting anywhere.
I have been ill with this for years- half my life! This is the worst it's been I think.
What are we going to do?
I have lost about 13 pounds in the last few months too.
I do think the Prozac is starting to help with the depression, though. Do you have anything against going on an A.D.?
Are you taking anything for your IBS besides the diet? Like magnesium, triphala, flax meal, probiotic, fish oil or flax oil capsules, an SFS?
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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I have nothing against ADs unless they will make my C and bloat worse than it already is. I am taking magnesium pills (I took 3 last night hoping it would finally move something but along with the Miralax, Milk of Magnesia and Citracel, this did far less than usual). As for SF's, I'm taking Citracel.
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especially what you said about the boards being the margins of the diet - that's so dead on. I find that when I'm struggling with anything, before asking a question on the borads I go back and read the site and EFI - I've read through EFI so many times. You really do need to read this stuff over and over again!
This is of course not to put down the boards - I love the boards!  But the basics of the diet are the backbone of managing IBS and sometimes it's easy to get confused, forget about those basics etc. with everything that gets discussed daily on the boards.
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I understand how you feel, we all have been there at some point. I have been stable for 14 months. By stable I mean I have a bm twice some times 3 times per day. The bloating and gas are less intense and I feel better about myself.
I suffered one full year before I felt this good. IBS is incurable, but it can be controled with diet, exercise, SFS and a desire to get better.
Hang in there, your day will come as well.
BIG HUGS!!!!!!!!
Lene
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God never promised life would be easy, but he did promise to provide a way out!
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feedback, and the excellent advice. bless you all. you always manage to somehow put up with my constant ramblings!!!!
I am definately giving this diet an honest shot, but I just really wanted to know how long it will take once I begin to incorporate IF into my diet. 6 months or a year is definately a loong time. It will be quite difficult to remain consistent with this plan.
Augie , I exercise for about 1 hour each day. If I'm lazy or if I'm not feeling up to it, sometimes I go easy on myself and only go for about 40min.
Linz, I know your an IBS-D, but your suggestions are usually dead-on. BTC diet for no more then 3 days!!! I will always remember that very important piece of information. I always used to stay on it longer, and wonder why I wasn't feeling better afterwards.
Lynx, you poor girl. I would often feel that way as well. Some days I would have extreme highs and lows. I would feel as if I had a bipolar disorder or something. I still feel like that, actually. I remember staying home one night, sulking, wondering what my chosen method of self-destruction would be. But I'm still here. Still trying. And still failing. But guess what? Tomorrow I'm starting it all over again, and I'm not going looking back at my mistakes.
Sometimes I find it easier to occupy my mind while starting out on the diet. Continue with my hobbies, etc. That way I can only make instant decisions on what to eat, instead of allowing my menacing mind to wander, eventually locking my interest onto other types of food I cannot have.
Wish me luck! And same to you all. I will be around the boards asking questions, as usual. Feel free to email me. Thanks again.
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IBS-C
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What do you think, causes the symptoms to change? Sometimes I'd rather be a D though. But from your past experiences, which do you think is more difficult to deal with or more depressing??
I would just like for my bowel's to move sometimes. I used to have a lot of D in the mornings as a child, and when I became nervous. Wasn't fun. But neither is this.
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IBS-C
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I have gone years with issues and years without. There has been a stretch of at least 10 years where my suffering was minimal and I have had a time off and on for eight years. I was finally nice and stable...had an argument with my spouse and suddenly my stomach is in knots.
I will not let it get the best of me...IT CANNOT WIN...I will not let it get me down. Tomorrow is another day...hopefully with the bloating and cramps gone.
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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I have swung back and forth several times. I go from one extreme to the other. Sometimes in a matter of days, sometimes months, sometimes years. I NEVER know! It's frustrating when you're in the middle of a flare up. (like I am now)  I just keep praying that I don't run out of sick days this year (I did last year) because I can't afford the salary cut. I have gone years that I have little or no symptoms whatsoever. I can eat anything I want with no ill effects. Then suddenly....I can't even eat fat free saltines and water for months on end!!!! It's frustrating, but it's nice to have somewhere like this where you know you're not alone!
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I have to say you have a point there. I stay constipated and when I hurt I am afraid to take a laxative since I sometime hurt more. I will try to use the soluble fiber but it will take a while and may or may not help. I'm betting the diet that Heather has put together will really help, though!
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I like the idea of a separte board for IBS-C because I sometime feel out of the loop. When I have spasms but no results, do I take a laxative and risk being in more pain. Hopefully when I am on the diet longer...it will make a difference in the constipation since I am using the soluble fiber mix.
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I have no idea why our symptoms change.  I do know that I prefer the D to this C, though. C is very painful and I, personally, find it harder to deal with. It is also more depressing for me. I wasn't praying to God to "take me home" when I was D.
I'm sorry you are struggling too. It hurts emotionally and physically. Constipation hurts. I just want my bowel to move too! 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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One year...or even a few years...of struggling to control this DD is alot better than a lifetime of suffering!
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Lynx
#216684 - 09/30/05 01:34 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Go and see your doctor ASAP and get started on some AD's...also see if you can get counselling. If one AD doesn't work for you, then try another. It also sounds like you could benefit from the hypno CDs. There is no need to feel as you do! ADs really helped me cope when I was really ill.
Btw, what dose of Citrucel are you on and have you tried any other SFSs?
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These thoughts are not good.
You've got to give the ADs and Acacia time. You haven't been on the Prozac long enough to feel the benefits and the same goes for the Acacia. Why give up now?
And sweetie, did you ever do the hypno?
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Michelle!
#216686 - 09/30/05 01:38 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Come on girl, stay positive. To be honest, 2 months (tho it may feel like forever) is nothing in the IBS scheme of things so there is PLENTY of hope for you.
What are you doing for the nausea?
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And, like you, I've had years with symptoms, years with little or no trouble and years of everything in between! I've gone from D predominant to C predominant, and stress will still send me running back as a D!
IBS can be managed! The bad times are just that...bad. But it will get better and there will be good times. IBS is just part of who I am, it certainly does not define who I am!
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God is Faithful!
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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I have felt the same way, and Antidepressant did nothing for me. When you have real pain and hopelessness that is true and not in your head they do not help. Because (I have tried prozac and effexor to name a few, but nothing will ever do. Because nothing will ever take away this sadness but putting an end to this intestinal madness. Some people resort to praying on bended knee, I pray in the office lavatory. God please make it stop make it go away so I don't have to take another sick day. Hang in there, I feel the same way, but love my family too much to do that.
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I know, girl! It's just been two months (so far) this year. Last year I was sick for 9 months. So, I didn't even get a really good look at being stable before I became unstable, again. I don't know what to do about this nausea. I tried Ginger and it made it worse and peppermint tea works pretty good but it gives me bad heartburn because I have acid reflux. Linz, help!! Do you have any suggestions???? I don't know what to do. But, .....as bad as I felt yesterday I had somewhat of a normal BM this morning. I just hope I don't keep going....there just might be hope for me, yet.......
Michelle
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Re: Lynx
#216747 - 09/30/05 08:46 AM
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Lynx
Reged: 04/21/05
Posts: 160
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I'm taking my Celexa again. I thought I didn't need it anymore for depression but I guess, over a year later, I do. Hopefully it'll help regulate things a bit for me. The hypno CD's cost too much and my dad doesn't belive in them anyway.
I'm currently taking 6g of citracel a day. Other SF's? I tried FiberCon. I don't know if that really helped or not. I didn't notice any difference.
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Check out my gallery! http://niomie.deviantart.com/
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I consider myself fairly stable, as in I rarely have attacks. I still get a bit bloated at times, basiclly if I eat something I know I shouldn't, but for the most part I can eat a varied diet, and don't even need a SFS anymore I'd say looking at my registration date, it took me a year and a half at this web site to get to this point.
When I first started out, I could eat MUCH less variety, I was getting attacks almost everyday, and couldn't even tolerate 2 tablespoons of hummus without getting symptoms. It was frustrating at first, it seemed like everything I tried gave me attacks...most soluble fiber supplements, even Miralax. Following the diet definitly helped in cutting down the attacks a bit, but I was still very constipated(which in itself caused symptoms and attacks) and could only go once a week on my own.
What helped me is taking Colace(NOT Pericolace) everyday, and starting Metamucil. At the time I knew it was considered not good on this board, but I figured may as well give it a try. I was very surprised when suddenly I could eat things that normally would give me attacks, yet I was totally fine! The metamucil very much helped me be able to widen the variety of foods I was able to handle, but I needed the combination with the Colace to help me go everyday/every other day. So as I took this, I tried to add more and more fiber, but being careful not too much. Slowly I started being able to handle more and more things with insoluble fiber.
Finally I got to the point where I'm at now. One week I got really lazy with the Metamucil, and I realized I could still eat the same without symptoms! So I stopped taking it. Then I randomly started getting a tiny bit D, so I cut back on the Colace which fixed it, so now I just take one pill a day I do still try to eat semi-low fat, I cannot have whole wheat things...aside from that I can eat fairly normal. Although things like meat and dairy I don't eat anyway so I don't really count that.
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IBS-C
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I also have the same feelings and am not sure that the antidepressants are even a little bit helpful. I think it raises your mood chemically and still you have to deal with the sadness of IBS. I feel that when I am sad, it is because my life has been altered so much and changed so drastically that I know there is no way back to what I had before.
Before I became ill with IBS I was a hefty 190 pounds and I am only 5ft 6in, and I wore a size 18-20. I always thought I was too heavy and wanted to lose weight. I was always smiling and most of the time happy.
Then I got so sick I could not even drink water. During the past 7 years I have lost nearly 100 pounds. I know wear a size 8, and that is on a bloated day. I am now 54 and did not really want to wear small skimpy sexy little clothes at my age.
I look great for a 54 yr old woman, but I dont feel the part. I understand what happens when your IBS kicks in. Any weight that I might have gained, I lose during an IBS flare-up plus more. So I may never have to worry about getting fat again, but that is not a blessing.
I just say as far as diet???? I dont have any ideas, but wanted to let you know I have been there and am here to help in any way I can.
Lummibeader
IBS, PTSD,
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Honor the Creator... Seek peace!!!
Lummibeader
IBS-D with pain
and bloating
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I don't think I can do this for a year. I can't. I know I can't. Not for an entire year. I've a;ready had this for three years. Since I was 14. It's not fair. I'm too young to have to do this.
I'd rather have IBS-D. How long does that take. ..Like, 3 days? Yippie..
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IBS-C
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I am sorry but I think we are all here trying to help each other. I don't like it when people who are C say they wish they were D and vice versa. We all suffer equally that is why we are here. By minimizing the suffering of those with IBS-D you are doing what the rest of the "outside" world does.... oh it is only diarrhea can't you just suck it up and get dressed and come along, its not that bad. I understand that you are frustrated... I am too. There are people on here who have suffered for over 15 years who are just now finding relief. That is what this website is for, so we can all share knowledge so that your 3 years don't turn into 13. There is no set timeframe for when you will feel better, it depends on each person. But for me, even if it took a year or maybe even two to feel better, it would be a whole lot better than the last 10 I have spent in agony.
I hope you find relief soon, because trust me I know how you feel.
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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...IBS-D does NOT take 3 days.
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Re: Lynx
#216944 - 10/02/05 05:39 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Are you working on increasing your Citrucel dose? (Btw, I'm assuming that you meant 6g of pure SF from Citucel). 6g is NOT going to do alot.
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Re: Michelle!
#216945 - 10/02/05 05:40 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Well eat SF really frequently, get plenty of fluids, suck on candy, try OTC travel sickness meds, try homeopathic meds...
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I was constipated, yesterday! How wierd is that!! I think my AD that I have been on for 3 1/2 weeks now, is starting to switch me to IBS-A. I will just have to wait it out and see.....I don't know. There's definitely a change going on because it's not my "norm".
Michelle
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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But does it take a year? I will probably never see myself without the bloating symptoms until the very end of that year too.
Don't get mad at me or anything. But how many IBS-C people do you actually see around here who are completely stable? Two? Maybe three.
I had the D too during my childhood. Honestly, I couldn't even leave the house sometimes.
I don't know. I just feel like garbage. I don't feel better at all.
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IBS-C
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The above reactions lead to one conclusion. It's about time
the freakin' medical community took damn *disease* seriously,
and finally do something about it!!!!!! Particularly GI doc's
, they've got to know by now, this ain't no common cold! I
remember when my GI doc said,"Oh, don't worry it won't kill
you", and was thinking yeah it's just going to totally dehab-
ilitate me and cause me to lose my job. We should at least
be able to qualify for disability because it's so serious.
-Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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How are you doing Bob? It doesn't sound like so good. What's up with your diet and supplements?
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Hi Beth, Oh, not too bad. My BM's hadn't been as good last
week, but I was eating regular yogurts before that because my
food coop forgot to order my soy yogurts. I didn't notice
anything bad when I was eating the regular ones,except on
the last day I had one, the BM's started not being as good.
I've been taking one extra 200mg mag citrate each day, that
seems to be helping a bit. Today, I tried Astrochick's
advice on drinking hot liquids, I drank about 12oz of hot
decaf coffee at 930, and at 1015 I had three reasonable
BM's within a half hour. Other than switching back to soy
yogurts, I haven't changed my diet any. I did run out of
triphala today, but I'm supposed to get another bottle by
tomorrow or tuesday. Hope you are doing better! -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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Hello friends,
I would like to express that I agree Betharoo, all of the problems with IBS are very real and serious to all who suffer with this disease. It is the most frustrating situation that I have ever had to endure. I have been trying to find relief like all of us for the past 7 yrs. If it had not been for this website and Heathers book I would still be suffering big time. I understand more about my illness than I ever thought I wanted, but the does not mean that I am better. I am a small amount better, I have good days and bad days and now the good days outnumber the bad days.
I understand also why you are frustrated and tired of this but Betharoo is right. It takes a long time and alot of work to get to where you are stable. I count my stable time by days, because now I have somedays that are stable. It is your life and if you want to get better you need to understand that changing your diet is a permanent change and will come back if you go back to the way that you were eating before. This is not just a simple food allergy that you can just stop eating one thing and all will be better. I want my old life back too, but I have come to realize that my old life is a closed chapter and I am on a new one.
As for the need for a new or separate board for either IBS-C or IBS-D, I have both the C and D so I get help from all of us together. I like the support from everyone here and feel that we would be losing out on valuable information from others experiencing.
Please anyone who knows more by experience, if I am wrong please feel free to explain to me. I am not an expert, just a sufferer who is learning. I hope and pray that we can all find better health and peace.
Lummibeader
IBS, Unstable
--------------------
Honor the Creator... Seek peace!!!
Lummibeader
IBS-D with pain
and bloating
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I dont know where you live but I get disability for my IBS, and for my PTSD. The VA pays for the PTSD, and social security pays for the IBS.
I am sure that it is not the same in all other countries. I live in Washington state, in the USA. Actually I live north of Heather and nearly everyone else in Washington.
Lummibeader
IBS, Unstable
--------------------
Honor the Creator... Seek peace!!!
Lummibeader
IBS-D with pain
and bloating
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I agree with everything you've said and thank you for explaining it so well. I'm glad to hear you're starting to have more good days than bad. I've had IBS since I was 17, which is about twelve years now, and throughout that time I've struggled with the diagnosis, the limitations, making the necessary changes. So when you said that your "old life is a closed chapter" and now you're on a new one, it really hit home. It's not easy being stubborn and having IBS--but I think I'm starting to accept this new chapter in my life (and what feels like a new body) and to learn how to live with a chronic condition!
Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that we're all in this together.
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I found this web site abouta year ago. I remeber being like you. VERY frustrated and VERY jeslouse of those who had already gotten thier act together and got stable. I couldn't believe it would take me such along time to get there. When you are suffering a year can seem like an eternity. Fast forward to one year later and let me tell you it was not really as bad as I thought it would be.  First of all, if you do the diet - I mean really do it. you will begin to feel relief within a week. The only difference between now and 10 months ago is that I'm so used to this diet it seems like second nature to me and I don't really have to think about it as much.  Once you develope routines in food prep, and learn what to look for on product lables, it will get MUCH easier and seem less ovewhelming. Two things that really helped besides the diet were supplimnets (I take fibercon and a probiotic - but you might find that something else works better for you) and the support of my friends and family. I finaly bit the bullet and told my friends and they are so amazing with emotional and moral support.
Also try to stay away from too many white rice products at first. They can cause C if you over do it.
Lots of luck.
The year is shorter than you think.
Chany
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As a few others have pointed out, the discussion here tends to dwell on the aspects of the diet that for some reason don't work for particular people. Have you read IBS: The First Year? Heather lays out every stage and explains the diet so thoroughly. I read the book first and started applying the principles before I found this site, and I just use it as kind of a backup when I have a random question. I didn't try to sort out the principles of the diet here -- the last thing you want is a thousand conflicting answers.
So, if you haven't read the book, read it. If you have, then read it again. I think you're about 17, right? Can you have one of your parents read it too, so they are on top of it with you and can help you? I was 22 when I first started the diet and was living on my own, but my mom read the book too so she could understand what was going on with me and how to help me. Now my friends and family know my basics -- low fat, no red meat, no dairy. Everything else I can pick off or eat around!
I think I am luckier than most in that my family is ridiculously supportive (My sisters-in-law even make me special separate meals sometimes when I eat over there, without even asking me if I want it!). But, if you give yourself and your family the tools to help you, it will get better.
The first month was awful because I felt like I was really sacrificing a lot with the diet and not feeling much better. Then, it got better a little at a time. I was D when I started, and since then have wavered through C and A. I'd say now I'm mostly A, but I know how to control it. When I have an unstable couple of days, I know it's because I drank too much beer, didn't get enough sleep, or have a big exam. (By the way, even "normal" people get very upset stomachs when they are stressed out, so that's probably not something we'll ever eliminate. The hypno CD's helped me a lot with that though).
I feel like I'm rambling so I'll end here. I hope I've been helpful. Good luck.
Amanda
--------------------
Amanda
I live in the Big Apple, but I don't eat the skin
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IBS: The First Year is a great book that deals with many aspects of managing IBS beyond the diet. There's so much useful information in there that I've reread it a couple of times and still use it as a reference guide. I also read it before joining the boards. If you're still not sure about buying it, I've found it in most libraries I've visited.
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Re:
#217023 - 10/02/05 03:11 PM
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Lucrece
Reged: 04/29/05
Posts: 150
Loc: Canada
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First of all, I never meant a seperate C board, I meant just one or two different pages or sections on this website that explains how IBS-C and IBS-D are different. You won't believe how many times I screwed up on the diet and had to start over.
I never realized this post would become so acknowledged. I deeply appreciate the concern, support, and opinions I'm recieving.
What I am trying to wrap my mind around, is the fact that it is taking an inconcievable long period of time to eat exactly as the site recommends, and for it to take a year or more? I remember reading on this site that it should take no longer then several weeks.
Casper, thank you for your post. I'm young. And yes, frusterated. ...I've been doing everything exactly right.
The medical researches have overlooked us. It's quite a shame. Too bad scientists are spending money on how to grow fruit without seeds, and studying weither or not there is an existing afterlife, instead of curing internal complications that significantly reduce our quality of life.
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IBS-C
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Quote:
it is taking an inconcievable long period of time to eat exactly as the site recommends
You really are not going to see total results just from following all the posts on the board. The book is an incredibly valuable resource and should be your PRIMARY source of information. Think of the boards as a backup. I swear it will help.
--------------------
Amanda
I live in the Big Apple, but I don't eat the skin
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I know I'm a downer...but I've been at this a year now and I am still in pain, constipated, bloated, and worn out. I thought maybe the diet only worked for D...but if C people are saying it works, then something is not right with my body...or my mind...or both.
I don't think anyone can promise the end result will be relief...it just doesn't happen all the time...or maybe it just takes even longer than a year for some. I still have to hope that one day I will get relief using these principles, along with some hypnosis, but I'm tired of being in the "frustrated, jealous of others' stability group"!
sorry, just my vent. Lucrece, we have no other choice than to keep trying...otherwise year after year will go by and we will be gaurenteed to still be sick if we don't try something. I think I am the exception to the rule. You have to give it at least a year. Like I said, if you don't at least try and stick with it, you definitly won't feel better.
Keep posting. I appreciate your honesty and can feel your frustration. You are never alone here. There is someone else who is still suffering.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Dear Beth - Please, don't blame yourself if the diet hasn't worked for you. I don't think anything's wrong with your mind! Didn't you once say you had another condition in addition to IBS? Couldn't this other disorder be what's keeping you from getting any relief?
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Beth, don't you also have other isuues that aren't exactly helping (what's the one where you feel full all the time???  and STC also wasn't it)? Anything like that makes it harder to stabilise the IBS.
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I think people need to remember too that Heather does NOT recommend to eat no/low insoluble fiber for C! It's more about finding that balance that your body can handle. Like I know that when I eat whole wheat bread I get symptoms, so I don't eat it. Or if I eat too much grapes that can cause symptoms. So I just eat a little. Always try to find that maximim limit of insoluble fiber that you can handle, cause not enough and you won't go! I know a lot of people here are terrified of adding insoluble fiber, but you really do gotta try adding more a bit at a time(only as much as your body can handle, obviously if you get an attack you need to eat less), or else you won't be able to fully stabilize. I try to eat as much fiber as I can, this means that often I'm a little bit bloated, but nothing unmanagable.
So yeah, Heather's diet is very good to follow, just remember C's can tolerate more fiber then D's, and you gotta have it!!
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IBS-C
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Chany?
#217140 - 10/03/05 08:15 AM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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If you say to stay away from white rice for a while, what did you use as your SF base for meals?
How much Fibercon is your maintainance dose and which probiotic do you take? Have you ever tried Magnesium? I guess you wouldn't need it if you are stable though!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Hi Lummibeader, I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,and
I live on a peninsula of the UP which sticks out into Lake
Superior which gives us tons of lake effect snow in the winter
which makes us the snow capital of the US. On average we get
250 inches of snow per winter. I have lots of fun shovelling.
.
Did you have a federal government job? I saw one post
a while back by a woman who was an Air Force mechanic
and she said that she got full disability when she had
to get discharged because of the IBS. I just figured it
was because she was an Air Force mechanic, i.e. a federal
job, or maybe just the military services only grant disa-
bility for IBS. If anyone can get it from Social Security,
it would be nice to know. I have seen several posts where
people have had to quit their jobs, the latest being Mich-
elle from Mississippi, I'm sure she would like to know if
she can collect disability. Thanks for bringing it up!
-Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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I do have a slight delayed gastric emptying. The doctor says it's not enough to effect me that much and more likely do to my low weight. But you guys know what I think about my doc!
I also have gallbladder dyskinisia, which again, the doctor does not believe is causing my constipation and pain.
There is no diet recommendations from him for either of these conditions. Just to gain weight. Well, it's hard to gain weight when I hurt and know that food will cause more pain.
I don't know. He said to exercise and to take Citrucel. I didn't mention this diet because "anything on the internet is bogus" in his thoughts! He thinks people who need to turn to an on line support group are obsessed with their health and that keeps them sick. His words, not mine! That's important to emphasize!
I shouldn't have posted such a downer post. Sorry.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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He told me to stay off of the internet and eat steak, eggs and potatoes and forget about the pain!! He doesn't think food triggers IBS at all!!!
That's funny! He would be seriously ill with me if he knew I was on this board everyday!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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I just had to quit my job, too, but I'm Michelle from Georgia!! hehehehe.....I need some income!!
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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Hello everyone,
In response to Bob K. regarding disability for IBS, I wanted to let others know that you need to contact your local social security office. You work and pay out stuff like taxes and social security, so that if you become disabled or when you retire you will still have money coming in. All I did was go online and request information on the disability paperwork, the social security office then contacted me to help with the paperwork. Of course you can print out the application and fill it out and take it to the office, fax it, or even mail it. Then you just do what they tell you and fill out everything.
So if you are in the USA and you can not work, or afford to not work, then apply for the disability and take control. I know that you will hear stories about those who did not get disability but each case is considered on a case by case basis. Hopefully, this will be helpful for all involved.
Oh and by the way, Bob K. I used to live in Columbus Ohio and have been to your area. That lake effect snow is outrageous. Also, yes I am a military female veteran and the VA only gives you a 30% rating for IBS. But if you are not able to work, then you need to check out options like disability.
Lummibeader
IBS, Unstable
--------------------
Honor the Creator... Seek peace!!!
Lummibeader
IBS-D with pain
and bloating
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<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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I'm sorry this has nothing to do with the diet.......but in response to your post, just really quick, I'm a Navy veteran and I was discharged at 10% disability for things that eventually caused my IBS, one month after I was discharged. Should I contact my VA office and let them know this?? Maybe I could get the 30%.......
Michelle
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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Hi Michelle,
You can go the VA and tell them and then go to all the appointments and get everything put in your record. File a claim and you are on your way.
When I first went to the VA, I was very ill. I was also frustrated and depressed and so I told them "I want my life back, this is not it!" They immediately set me up with an appointment with a shrink. Little did I know but I also have PTSD, from being sexually assaulted in the military.
I hope that this information is helpful.
--------------------
Honor the Creator... Seek peace!!!
Lummibeader
IBS-D with pain
and bloating
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Okay Amanda, thanks.
I will try and get it as soon as I can. Is it available in the bookstore called 'Chapters?' I don't know if that's a national store or not though..
--------------------
IBS-C
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Yes, your right.
But we at least we can complain together! I think we've always been the unstable ones around here. We usually have similar questions, because I'm always reading your posts to answer questions of my own that you have asked.
I'm starting to think that the diet is not entirely for both. You know, those with IBS-C can eat egg whites, fish, and chicken breast during the BTC diet, and still feel fine.
I don't think this diet is for both. I apologize, but I don't. Some things stated are perfectly right. But it is obviously aimed towards those with D. Which would make sense. Because Heather's a D.
This is my first day off of the BTC diet. This time, I'm not feeling better at all. I'm sick of doing it. I might go ahead with the IF incorporation anyway, but ..I just feel down, because I can almost garauntee it won't work this time.
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IBS-C
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Quote:
I don't think this diet is for both. I apologize, but I don't. Some things stated are perfectly right. But it is obviously aimed towards those with D. Which would make sense. Because Heather's a D.
This is funny because at some point I was insisting that Heather was a C and was told by people who'd been on the Board longer that she was a "P".
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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IBS-C
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"P" means pain... Heather has pain predominant IBS. And just to set the record straight for anyone who's struggling with the diet and has C... coming from a C's point of view, the diet works just fine! Patience is a virtue!
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~ Rachel (IBS-C)
If life hands you lemons, make lemonade!!
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Re: Chany?
#217204 - 10/03/05 11:43 AM
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Casper
Reged: 10/16/04
Posts: 407
Loc: Memphis, TN
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Mainly white bread & some rice cakes but not as much as usual. I take Fibercon 1 tablet each morning and I also take 1 tablet of Florify. Both follow my morning breakfast which is usualy cereal with rice milk.
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apparently it's made with brown rice so it's OK. I wouldn't go off rice completely, just cut down on white rice products.
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--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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Quote:
This is my first day off of the BTC diet. This time, I'm not feeling better at all. I'm sick of doing it. I might go ahead with the IF incorporation anyway, but ..I just feel down, because I can almost garauntee it won't work this time.
Honestly, the BTC diet is not going to do amazing wonderful things for you if your main complaint is chronic C. I can't emphasize enough that you have to seriously crank up IF for C, if only because I had an irrational phobia about fruits and veggies that I projected onto the diet when I was first starting. (This came from eating them without SF, which can lead to nasty cramping consequences.)
To repeat: you need to keep your SF high and constant, you need to increase your IF as much as possible, and you need to keep drinking lots of warm fluids and exercising. If you do that, you might not be immediately and completely stable, but you'll feel better. Beyond that, there's lots of tweaky stuff like probiotics, hypnotherapy/relaxation, yoga, etc. But the secret sauce is really getting lots of SF and IF together at every meal.
--AC
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Good idea. I've never heard of Chapters, but it is available right here on the website under Shop for IBS, and also available on Amazon. I've seen it I think at Borders or Barnes and Noble as well.
--------------------
Amanda
I live in the Big Apple, but I don't eat the skin
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I am Canadian as well Lucrece and I bought both of Heather's books at Chapters
--------------------
Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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