I need some help....
#279967 - 08/25/06 06:30 PM
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I have some problems that I need help with. I was diagnosed with IBS recently and I would say that I can remember having bathroom problems for about 9 years - since about 7th grade and I am 21 now. Some people on these boards are talking about how they either have c or d. I never have c and rarely have d. I will try not to make this too grose sounding :D My problem is each morning I will have to get up a few hours before I need to leave because in these hours I go to the bathroom a lot. I can go over 6 times in a matter of 2 hours and then it takes for ever to finish going to the bathroom - to get it all out. Then I will be fine for the rest of the day and night - only sometimes I will go to the bathroom a little bit more but usually never until the next day. I know a lot of the foods I can and cannot have. Greesy fatty foods being the worst. I can't have things such as spagetti, mac and cheese, a lot of meats I can't have such as hamburgers, sausage and SOOO many other things. I don't seem to have any problems that I know of with milk and cheese but I still try to not have too much of that. Usually everyday I go to the bathroom a lot but if I eat these foods it will be WAY worse. Still though when I don't eat these foods I still will be in the bathroom for a main part of the morning. It is better later in the day compared to at night. As of right now I take flax pills and probiotics. I try to eat smaller meals. I eat low amounts of sugar. Pepto is a main thing that helps a lot but the nurse said it is bad to take it a lot which sucks. The doc said to take fiber but that makes it worse. I have tried pepperment pills and that seems to make me worse. I tried collidal silver and that makes it worse. I tried 3lac and that doesn't seem to do anything. The doc I just went to didn't help me. He only told me what I already knew..... So pretty much when I go to the bathroom it is normal but I go so much it makes me crazy. I spend way too much time in the bathroom. Anyone have any ideas???? :crazy:
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I don't have much advice, but be sure you get enough soluble fiber. Have you tried different types of SFS? That should help, not hurt. But some are more tolerable than others. And you might want to stop the flax pills...those help you go!
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~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.
 
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"in these hours I go to the bathroom a lot."
You are an IBS-D (in case you want to read about what others are eating/doing to help their symptoms). IBS-D is characterized by having to go often (more than 3 times a day some days).
I suggest reading the information on this website and getting familiar with the diet, trigger foods, soluble vs insoluble fiber, safe foods, and the break the cycle diet.
You may want to try Imodium AD instead of Pepto. Try taking one tablet/capsule first thing in the morning and see if it helps reduce the frequency and urgency. From my experience, an SFS (acacia, benefiber) will help more with forming better BMs so that going is more comfortable and complete.
I also second the stopping the flax pills as they will only make you go more.
Hope this helps,
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Kat
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Anything that anyone writes is very helpful so thanks to those who reply. I wouldn't have known I was IBS - D. What is also weird is as I was reading the part about taking Imodium my mom was saying the same thing that someone said to try that. I feel this way almost every day so how much is too much to take of the Imodium. Also I can't believe that flax pills will make it worse for me because someone said they would make me better so I am stopping those right now. Also what does SFS mean? And my other question is when you all started trying new things how soon could you tell that they were working and can you tell what makes you worse right away??
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Dear Ibs Sufferer,
I had tried everything and nothing seemed to work and I finally found a lady who said she used to have IBS (her name is Francine) and she has been symptom free for six years. I have been in pain since I was 10 years old and I am now 36--for the last 2 1/2 months I have not had bloating, gas, mood swings, constipation, spastic colon, cramping, or had any IBS symtoms for over 2 months and the products worked with in the first week. She coached me on what products to use and it was so inexpensive and I was able to lose 13 pounds!! I am still losing inches and pounds. I have boundless energy and I love life again. If this is something you would like to achieve please email me at greyhounds99938@hotmail.com. I want to help as many people as I can because I know how much it hurts but you don't have to anymore.
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I agree too that you have a sort of IBS-D. You don't mention exactly what your BM are like so from that it's hard to tell. IBS-C people are prone to get hard, dry BM and IBS-D people are prone to get more or less loose BM. I have IBS-D. For a few years before it got bad last summer I had what I call mild IBS-D with occasional attacks, every few months or so. But even if my BM were ok, i.e. not too loose, it happened pretty often that I went to the bathroom in the morning and didn't feel like I "had to go", but then before breakfast and/or after and/or when I was ready to go out the door I'd have to go. I'd either think I was done or I'd feel like there was more that needed to come out but it just didn't want to come out. This always put me in a really bad mood. This thing with not getting everything out or feeling like you haven't even if you have is very typical for IBS.
About your trying Imodium or some other brand of loperamide here is what I suggest. Look into the different types of loperamide available. If your BM are loose rather than hard and dry then you can probably take regular Imodium as I think that contains loperamide hydrochloride. But start at a low dose and see what happens. If your BM are more sort of hard and dry so you'd be worried about getting constipated if you take regular Imodium then I believe there are other loperamide types to try. I'm not sure about this (it's late and I'm tired and it's been a while since I read it) but I think there are meds containing loperamide oxide (or whatever it's called in English) that is absorbed more slowly and doesn't slow the bowels down as much I think. That type is typically prescribed to people with anal incontinence to help increase the sphincter tone and reduce BM frequency for people who have firmer BM. Check with your doctor to be sure!
Good luck!
And don't worry about grossing anyone out on these boards. I think we're all quite familiar with the topic of BM! 
/Ulrika, IBS-D
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First off, welcome to the site - you'll find the answers to just about all your questions here! Also, we've all been there - so never worry about asking questions or being "gross"... 
With regards to Immodium, it is a lifesaver to thousands of people with IBS-D, myself included. You can also use generic Loperamide - which are exactly the same, but usually cheaper. (Usually the only difference is that generic branded stuff has some lactose in it, which some of us don't tolerate particularly well - but it's in microscopic amounts, so doesn't usually cause a problem).
With regards dosage, it varies more than you could ever imagine! Basically you start with 1, and if that doesn't work then 2, and so on and so on. And don't worry about taking too many - it's impossible to 'overdose' on Immodium, many people take many a day for their entire lives. The key thing is to take it slowly and figure out how many is right for you - i.e. enough to stop you pooping, but not so much it constipates you. (To give you peace of mind - thousands of people take 1, 2 or 3 a day to help control D, and many take much more. My GI, who's the foremost authority on IBS in the UK, has patients who take 15 a day, and probably will do their whole lives! Now that's an extreme, obviously, but many of us on here take lots as we need it to - I tend to take between 2 & 4 a day when I'm not doing so great, and when I need to leave the house I can take as many as 8 - 12, depending how bad my tum is. Natalie1985, who posts mainly on the Living Room board, can take 12 - 15 to stop her D, and like me after 12, can poop fine the next day 99 times out of a 100.)
So the key message is not to panic, and find your own limit! Good luck, and keep us posted
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http://ibsblondie13.blogspot.com/
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Hi there,
I think everyone else has given you some good advice and have given you some good things to try.
I wanted to answer one of your questions in a reply, which was that "SF" stands for "Soluble Fiber". An SFS is a Soluble Fiber Supplement (like metamucil, prodiem, benefiber, acacia, all that stuff).
On that topic, I know you said that it made things worse but how long were you on it for? And did you start out at a small amount and gradually increase? If you just jump in with both feet by taking too much too soon, then you are bound to feel worse and likely to give it up. I would try again, taking a small amount before you go to bed and increasing the amount very gradually. This should help bind stools together for the morning so that maybe you won't have to go quite so much.
Also, you said you have no problems with some of the iffy foods you mentioned but that you are still getting sick almost every day so I have to wonder if you are still eating things that are bothering you. Especially because for a lot of people, the reaction to trigger food is delayed. For me, for example, if I eat ice cream or something I feel fine until the next day and then I am sick as a dog. I'd try keeping a food/symptom diary and see if maybe some foods you eat are still bothering you.. later on.
I would also try taking some immodium, maybe before bedtime or first thing in the morning.. A lot of people take immodium every day, so you don't have to worry about that at the moment. If taking it helps, take it - the Gi doc I saw said there was no problem with taking immodium every day.
Good luck!
Steph
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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.
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Quote:
You can also use generic Loperamide - which are exactly the same, but usually cheaper. (Usually the only difference is that generic branded stuff has some lactose in it, which some of us don't tolerate particularly well - but it's in microscopic amounts, so doesn't usually cause a problem).
That's strange. According to FASS (the Swedish reference source for drugs) Imodium contains lactose too (in the form of lactosemonohydrat) and more than my brand which is Dimor.
About overdosing, there is a maximum limit given, typically 16 mg a day = 8 pills and I guess there is a reason for that. It could of course be that if that amount doesn't help then maybe you should try another approach. It might be a good idea to ask a pharmacist or doctor about that. The main thing is to take it gradually and see how many pills you need, since there is a risk of a really serious condition if your bowels slow down too much (don't remember what it's called in English but it's listed among the more unusual side effects).
/Ulrika, IBS-D
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"Lactosemonohydrat" doesn't show up in the list of ingredients in the Imodium I have or on their Website. Perhaps this is another country-dependent thing or I suppose it could be hidden under another name: web page
I know there are people on the Board who take a lot of Imodium every day, but I prefer to be cautious with it myself.
My advice is to use Imodium as a preventive to start, taking one tablet every morning or perhaps one in the morning and one at night. While the Imodium is keeping your tummy calmed down, I second K2's advice about trying Heathers's dietary approach and Stephie's advice about trying an SFS and cutting out trigger foods, even those you think aren't bothering you.
You can read about Heather's approach on this Website - click on "Home" in the left hand column to get started. As for SFS, different ones seem to work for different people and you do need to start at a low dose of whichever one you try. Also, a lot of people try Metamucil as their SFS and this is not a good idea for people who are IBS-D. It has both soluble and insoluble fiber in it. For D, you want just soluble fiber.
You might also want to talk to your GI guy about an anti-spasmodic. I like Donnatol, but it will make you a little drowsy.
Heather's approach has worked wonders for me and I hope it will do the same for you.
Welcome to the Boards.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Quote:
"Lactosemonohydrat" doesn't show up in the list of ingredients in the Imodium I have or on their Website.
You're right. In Sweden they only sell Imodium as white pills and these seem to be colored caplets, right? The pills have lactosemonohydrat in them at least in Sweden.
Quote:
I know there are people on the Board who take a lot of Imodium every day, but I prefer to be cautious with it myself.
My advice is to use Imodium as a preventive to start, taking one tablet every morning or perhaps one in the morning and one at night. While the Imodium is keeping your tummy calmed down, I second K2's advice about trying Heathers's dietary approach and Stephie's advice about trying an SFS and cutting out trigger foods, even those you think aren't bothering you.
I agree, that of course it's good to see if you can do without drugs, but it can also be a help while you do try to chance your diet. It can help you have a better life in the process so to speak and that will give you more energy to work with other approaches. And then if diet makes a major difference you should be able to cut down on the medicine after a while.
Personally, I think my IBS is more sensitive to stress and too little sleep than food. But I still try to follow the IBS diet since I figure that is the best way to avoid adding potential triggering factors on top of daily stress et.c. And I do know that I am very sensitive to IF foods. Still I need my 2 daily doses of loperamide to stay stable.
So if you need loperamide you should of course use it, but of course it's a good idea to cut out all possible triggers anyway. In that way you really minimize the risk of problems.
/Ulrika, IBS-D
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On the ingredients, maybe it is different in Sweden? It is definitely lactose free in the UK, and also I think in the US too, as we've had many conversations about it on here, wanting all the generic ones to follow their suit.
(Imodium made a big thing about it when they made the change, about a year ago I think). But it is definitely lactose free, and therefore for anyone with lactose intolerance, or even just a sensitivity to milk (like myself) these are the best option. Though, again, he confirmed that such microsopic amounts are used it is unlikely to cause a problem to many people.
As for the dosage I'm afraid you're wrong. Yes there is a "maximum limit" given on the box (which in the UK is x6 2mg capsules p/ 24hrs), but this is NOT for those with IBS who rely on them, or for thoe with many other illnesses that neccessiate higher usage for symptom control.
If you look on the box / on the leaflet they also say that Imodium should not be used preventatively, should not be taken in 2's other than for the first dose, and should not be taken long term - this is all non-applicable when it comes to those of us with illnesses such as IBS that cause chronic diarrhoea.
I have had this confirmed both from my GI (again, who is the leading authority on IBS in the UK, and respected at such the world round), and also from the company that makes Imodium itself - I spoke to them both by phone & email when I was looking for all the answers myself.
As confirmed by the makers of Imodium, the maxiumum dose stated is only for those using it the 'typical' way - i.e. once every now & again for a stomach bug, an attack of nerves before an interview or an upset stomach on holiday. The comment RE long term use is also directed at those same people. They have to state both these things because of liability to legal action if those NOT suffering with chronic illness misuse the drug.
So you are right in that "there is a reason for" the maximum dosage given / usage instructions, but wrong also, in that it does not apply to those of us on here.
It's important to get the facts right on this one, as many newcomers look to this site for info, and Imodium/loperamide can literally be a lifesaver for many of us, and sometimes needs to be taken in large doses.
(Again though, I re-state that every person is different, and they need to find their own limit - for this I refer you back to the examples I have given of those of us who use large quantities with no negative consequences. Working with your doctor to find this ideal dose is also preferable, though not every doctor completely understands IBS & it's treatment options, so you are of course better dealing with a good specialist.
Specialists familiar with IBS are happy to recommend long term Imodium use, as well as higher doses if absolutely necesssary, as it is the only drug that works specifically & independently on the stomach alone, and as such can cause no other side effects. All other drugs that can be used to treat or manage D - such as Lomotil & AD's - can cause side effects, often serious, and can affect the brain & central nervous system if taken for too long or at the wrong dosage.
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http://ibsblondie13.blogspot.com/
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I tried the metamucil and I started off at 8 oz of water with whatever amount they say to put in it??? Am I supposed to start off even with less of what they say. It has been a while so I don't totally remember.
Edited by lilolme34 (09/01/06 10:24 AM)
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Do you want to take Meta. if you have IBS D or is there a better product to take??
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FYI re: lactose
#280681 - 09/01/06 04:14 PM
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Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
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You can do some searches on the site about lactose in Imodium (only one m)-- it's been discussed before. 
It seems outside the US, they put in lactose as a filler. If you can find it without, please post because I know there are a lot of people in England in France who are looking for it with no milk products.
Seems counter-intuitive, but there you go.
~nelly~
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Re: Nelly
#280726 - 09/02/06 05:56 PM
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Blondie13
Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 641
Loc: Sheffield, England
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Imodium has no lactose in the UK, hasn't for a while. I think it's just Europe now that has the old version
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http://ibsblondie13.blogspot.com/
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Natalie1985
#280750 - 09/03/06 11:56 AM
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Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
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This is something i know from first hand, but no reason to take my word from it, as other board members know as well.
I visited Natalie1985 in Liverpool last year (March 05), and she showed me her Imodium which had lactose in it. I was in Ireland in August 05 to visit Nat and Cailin from the boards as well, and bought Imodium, which I found contained lactose in it as well. Nat, Cailin and I all lamented the fact that there was lactose in a lot of pills over there when we met up in August. 
Also I was in France in October 2005, and was prescribed Imodium which had lactose in it. I have dual citizenship (US and France) and I get free medical care in France, where my family is from. Tho I was there for my aunt's funeral, I see the doctor when I'm there, and got perscribed pain management (which had lactose), Imodium (with lactose) and anti-spasmodics with lactose as well. I had to go the liquid rout at the pharmacy (no lactose, but alcohol in the pain stuff)! Oh well, if it's not one thing, it's another.
~nelly~
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