Why cannot I tolerate acacia?
#237175 - 01/10/06 10:35 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
I tried acacia using all the the guidelines. I got terrible gas using just 1/2 teaspoon once a day. I tried this over a period of time. I could not tolerate foods while taking it I can usually tolerate. I had an extensive work-up by a good gastro. The only difference is that I had mega scoliosis spine surgery and perhaps my wiring is worse than usual. I can use Benefiber one tablespoon(properly measured) twice a day with no problems.
Am I unusual?
crnakaren
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
There are several others here who had severe reactions to this. Just use the Benefiber.
--------------------
God is Faithful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I love my Acacia and do alot better on it than my old SFS but some people are just intolerant of it.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
I Can't Either
#237194 - 01/10/06 10:52 AM
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Are you unusual? Perhaps. But, if so, I'm "unusual" too. I can't tolerate it either, not even a tiny bit, nor can I tolerate ANY SFS at all, including your Benefiber. I get extreme URGENT "D" at the most inopportune times, leaving me confined to my home. I had to stop taking it all together.
If you can tolerate Benefiber "with no problems," you're good to go! Stick with it.
Bev
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Oh Bevrs! I thought I was the only person who couldn't tolerate an SFS. Everytime I try them no matter how low the dose I begin with or how long I keep at it, I get bad bad bad D and painful gas. I'm doing great without one, though, but still...sometimes I wonder if I should give it another go.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I couldn't tolerate it either. I thought something was wrong with me... I know it's a fantastic product - that helps a lot of people. For me - Citrucel tablets is what works best. Think of it this way - we are all individuals - and there are going to some things that are just not going to apply to all of us no matter how hard we try. Just use what works for you and feel good about it.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...that SFS are really bad for IBS.  Said they just cause more problems and bloat and gas. I'm totally confused because his nurse told me to try and get up to 30 grams? I need to get some explanation. They need to get their stories straight.
Has anyone else's doctor told them to not take and SFS?
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I've been treated by 4 GI's in three states...first word out of their mouth was FIBER!! You need a doctor who understands this problem better!
--------------------
God is Faithful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I use Citrucel clear. I tried Acacia twice and it made me feel HORRIBLE!! I think I might be allergic or something. I don't know. I couldn't continue taking it. It made me feel, like, physically ill.
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
never actually said the words "you have IBS", but he said he thought it would be great if everyone took Benefiber for their whole lives! That seems odd to me that your doctor would say no SFS at all.
--------------------
 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I was like this, too, when I started taking the Citrucel but I kept at it and about 2 months later, my body finally adjusted to it. Sometimes, it can take a long time for someone's body to get use to it...if you can wait that long. I almost gave it up AGAIN becuase I didn't think my body was ever going to adjust. But, it finally did. I just had to be persistent.
but, like Bevvy said.....some people keep taking it and taking it forever and their body never adjusts. So, it's kind of like....uh....."your call!"
Good Luck!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, Are you talking about Dr.J and Margo or your previous
GI doc? -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
It's weird..I was listening to some old messages on my answer machine and there was one on there from Margo telling me to go from 10 grams to 30...but then Dr. J told me it is harmful for IBSers when I saw him Monday. He also told me that Margo should not have mailed me those "sample fiber diet" supplements because fiber can cause havoc for IBS.
They need to communicate more so they can give the same advice! I am going to email Margo and ask her what the deal is! (with food and with SFS).
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Really?! Did he say harmful for *all* IBS'ers, because I
recall from last May, he said that he thinks that there is in
fact a variety of different types of IBS requiring different
treatments. At my last appt. he in effect reaffirmed that by
saying that with hypersensitive rectums,the nerves are send-
ing false messages to the brain, and that I didn't have that
at all. He thought that my IBS is more of the STC type and
that the MRI Defacography test should detect that. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, Oh, by the way, did you ask him about having the MRI
Defacograhy test? -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I don't know, Bob. I emailed Margo and this was her response
"In your appt on Monday 1/9/06 with Dr. Jones he suggested you to stop supplementing with fiber at this time; fiber is aggravating for patients with IBS as it worsens bloating quite a bit".
Do you guys think this is wrong advice? He is the head of the GI department at Northwestern Hospital. 
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Or is it because you have had such great luck with it? Why is he so pro-Benefiber?
Thanks for your thoughts. I am getting contradictory advice and it's hard to know what's right to do. I just want to feel better and poop!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
there is no indication for me to have an MR defecaography.
I have constipation prone IBS.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
UGH....
#237638 - 01/11/06 12:21 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
|
|
|
I thought he did. I'm so confused. I hate this guessing game. I don't know what to do. 
I'm glad you have found it to help you and don't have any questions about it!
Thanks!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
For a long time all I wanted to do was poop regularly! Did I tell you...I have been slacking on the Benefiber but still I've been going regularly with no trouble. Haven't figured out why but I'm not complaining.
Anyway, yes he liked Benefiber the most because it's "just fiber" as he said. But if I mentioned the acacia to him, he'd probably say that was good too. He told me to mess around with the different forms: tablets, powder, etc. (I do well on both).
I cannot for the life of me figure out why acacia didn't work but benefiber did. It's a total mystery! I think you should mainly go on how YOU feel.
--------------------
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Beth
#237666 - 01/11/06 01:27 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Sweetie, forgive me if this question is "elementary," but why not try different SFS, just a little at a time, until you PERSONALLY find one that works well for you? If none of them do, then you know to eliminate them from your diet. I think this is pretty much what we've all done. Some of us tolerate the stuff, some don't. But it just seems to me, if you're a "C", it's almost imperative.
My GI had a big display of FiberCon in his front office, with samples for EVERYONE to take. I found that a little strange for people in the waiting room who haven't even been diagnosed with anything to just help themselves to this strange stuff, as if it were candy or popcorn. It's like saying to anyone and everyone, "Here, have some fiber, whether you need it or not!" I don't know about others, but I know for me personally, that's the worst thing he could have offered me.
Bevvy
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Beth
#237674 - 01/11/06 01:48 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
|
|
|
It doesn't sound like my Dr. thinks any SFS is good for me now. He just says "it will cause more bloating and discomfort". Period. Not to try others at all.
Stupid IBS. Stupid doctors. Stupid bodies. Stupid inconsistencies. I like my black and white rules to live by! 
I thought being a chronic, severe C, that SFS would be very important for me.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Huh? Well, then What did she say that I have, or might have
whichever? -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
I'm not sure
#237870 - 01/12/06 06:21 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
|
|
|
Why don't you shoot her an email...you can ask about the SFS for yourself and find out how your test came back too.
I know you have faith in Dr. J...but I don't get this no SFS thing myself. When I read the other replies...seems like Dr. J is in the minority....which isn't always bad. Did he say anything to you about not taking an SFS?
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
He said, no problem, you don't need it.
Oh, Did Margo say my results were in? -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I honestly don't know if I trust him, Bob. Doesn't that advice concern you? The fact that all the other doctors (not to mention Heather) supports the use of SFS?
But, he's such a smart guy!
Nobody told me you're results were in...I was just asking.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, There's absolutely sensible reason not to trust him.
There's no reason on earth for him to deceive you. No, his
advice does not concern me, and it's not just because he is a
fellow Confederate reenactor. It's for the following reasons,
1) I'm feeling a whole lot better. So much so, I'm tempted to
post on the semi-stable list. 2) He thinks, as some other
reseach GI docs think, noteably John Gershon of Columbia
Univ.in NY, that there many varietes of IBS, and for the
type I have SFS has not done me any good. For some reason,
which I admittedly do not understand at this point, it was
plugging me up. That lead me to pounding too much water,
dancing around to generate the BM's and ultimately lying
on a bathroom floor with a stroke. Back in May, he said
that my anxiety was one of my main problems, and not to
worry as much. When I told him my rehab doc decided to up
my Paxil dose, he said, good idea. He even remarked that I
seemed much more relaxed now than back in May.
Also, yesterday I found out that my GI doc here quit and
went elsewhere and they wouldn't tell me where. Thus, as of
now, I'm going to ask Dr.J to be my regular GI doc. The
travel won't be a problem because once I can drive, I
can fly standby on American Airlines from Marqette,Mich
to Chicago(often directly) essentially for free, because
my Dad used to work for the airline.
-Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
There is a correction, there should be a 'no' after absolutely
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well, the majority of doctors and dieticians push SFS for IBS...so it's hard to hear my doctor say not to take it. It goes against everything I've read is suppose to help.
Plus, I think I may have a different form of IBS than you. That's why he didn't order the two tests he did on you for me.
I want to trust him...but after 3 bad GI docs, I tend to be skeptical...especially when so many people have found a new life again because of their SFS. Plus, it helped me get in some SF as my buffer before eating IF foods. I don't have that good amount of cushion anymore.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Beth, Yes, a majority of doc's do order SFS. However, in
many cases, it's because they're not eating enough SF in their
diet. Right now, I'm making sure I get plenty of SF in my
daily diet.
You may well have a different form, but he still may order
the MRI def. yet depending on how your symptoms are, and what
they are like. I think your gallbaldder could possibly be
playing a key role in your IBS. I just read an article by
"Dr. Donahue" this past weekend in our local paper that I
could send you. It details gallbladder function and the
lack thereof, and results of it's removal.
Why don't you have a good SF cushion anymore?!
-Again, sorry about getting upset. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Regardless, Dr. Jones doesn't want to remove it even though it doesn't work. He doesn't think the gallbladder is causing my problems...but how can they be so positive? Who knows...obviously it's not working so isn't that a problem?
My SFS was my SF cushion...and now I dn't have that. I get too full by eating SF food before IF all the time. My GF breakfast cereal is basically IF (brown rice, corn, sorghum, and buckwheat), plus I also put blueberries and flax in it! Acacia use to be my pre breakfast buffer. I'm just too full to add another food to breakfast.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, OK, then just email me your address and I'll send it
to you. There are three kinds of Gallbladder failure, it
depends which kind you have. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have a non functioning gallbladder! It only works at 4%. 5 emails to Margo...what the heck did you guys chat about? Any new plans in the treatment?
Oh, I'll email you...that would be great Bob! 
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I thought you also had gastroparesis? Wouldn't this be why a SFS wouldn't work for you - since fiber isn't digested and may stay in your system for too long causing more problems? Sorry to butt in, but I'm also wondering if this is why the IBS diet hasn't worked for you.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
is when the gallbladder doesn't function or just "sits" there. They say, SFS is bad for this, because of exactly what you said...but I have found that now that I have stopped the Acacia and I'm only doing Miralax, I'm not going so well.
My doctor thinks this is not a permanent condition and that eventually it will start to work again. One of the causes is Anorexia...which I had. We are hoping that as I gain weight and eat more, the Gallbladder will start functioning again.
I don't know if this is the reason the diet hasn't worked for me. I don't know if it will ever start working for me or if I just have too many other things wrong with me to compound the problem. Sometimes I think I should abandon the diet because it will never work for me because of all the other stuff going on...and other times I feel like it just needs more time. Any opinion on that one? Do you know what you would do?
And your butt is always welcomed in. You always have some insightful things to add!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Beth, actually, it was just four, I miscounted, like I told
AC I was never good at number theory<laugh>. I'll just foward
you the exchange. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I started the Acacia a few weeks ago and just wondering if anyone has had the same problem I'm having. I was predominately IBS-D and since started the Acacia seem to have become a C. Is that strange? I'm really getting frustrated. I feel like crap all of the time. I tried not taking the Acacia for a couple days and went right back to the D.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Did you increase your liquid/water intake when you increased your acacia?
How's the rest of your diet? I'm a D and find that when I do get C it's easier to resolve by increasing the amount of IF foods I'm eating.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
If you don't have adequate water and IF, you will get C. It is a true balancing act. Feel better soon!
--------------------
God is Faithful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I did have problems with that -- and terribly smelly gas as well. There are other fibers you can take though. I tried Citrucel and that worked for me. Others use Benefiber -- you may just not be able to take Acacia. Don't give up.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm D and could probably go my whole life without a bite of IF and do just fine IBS-wise. If I take my Acacia and don't get enough fluid, though, I'll start to swing C - and, yes, it's miserable. I feel best when I get about 90-100 ounces of fluid a day. For me that's 32 ounces of water (it's what I mix my Acacia in) and 60 ounces from herbal teas (one 12-oz mug or glass 5 times a day).
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks for the advice everyone. I did increase my fluids some but maybe not enough. I'll try that and see if it gets better.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
