I don't know what to do
#316441 - 10/11/07 11:42 AM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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So I had another appointment with gastro. I should also mention that I had all possible tests done in the past to exclude any other serious condition. I told him about the diet and how I thought giving up dairy actually helped me with C a bit. I don't think he really believed this (he seems to be very result-oriented: I tested negative for lactose intolerance, hence I should have no reason not to eat dairy). Well, after I told him about this he suggested I try Activia yogurt to see if my bloating and pain get better! Like I haven't tried that - I used to eat Activia like nothing else prior to giving up dairy! So no thanks  .
Anyway, although I tested negative for parasites he decided to put me on Flagyl to see if I get better. When I asked why do that since my tests were negative he said that basically lets treat me as if they were positive. Well, isn't that the main reason to do these tests - so that we don't have to assume? I really don't know what to do about this Flagyl - I did a search but I couldn't really find any relevant information. Some people said they took it but all seemed to have different reasons (mine are bloating, pain, and a negative test). Anyone here got better (or knows someone) on Flagyl? Did the symptoms come back? I really don't know what to do. I am hesitant to take yet another antibiotic (I had 2 sinus infections this year so had to take ATBs for that) since I don't want to mess up all my good flora again.
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Maybe it's time for another GI Doc? Or, since he wants to assume that your tests were positive and put you on Flagyl, go back to him and tell him that you want to assume that he cares about what you're saying and point him to this website. I'd love to get paid what these guys get paid just to assume. 
Try going to www.askapatient.com and see what others reactions were to the Flagyl and why they were taking it. I don't know, I wouldn't take it because your tests were negative. Maybe someone else can give you better input than what I'm giving. 
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Wendy IBS A thru Z 
Taking it one day at a time...
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I agree, maybe it's time to look for another doctor. Antibiotics can really wreak havoc on your belly! I have taken Flagyl plenty of times but for BV infections, nasty stuff really. If you do end up taking it, do not drink while on it, just in case you ever indulge
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SIBO
#316456 - 10/11/07 02:02 PM
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Syl
Reged: 03/13/05
Posts: 5499
Loc: SK, CANADA
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A percentage of the IBS population exhbits small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO ). A standard diagnostic technique for determining if you have SIBO has not been established. Flagyl (metronidazole) is one of the drugs that are used to kill the bacteria responsible of SIBO. Some GI docs think that one method for determining if you have SIBO is to get you to take a course of special antibiotics to see if your IBS symptoms improve.
Did your GI doc talk you about SIBO?
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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Re: SIBO
#316458 - 10/11/07 02:31 PM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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Wendy - thanks a lot for the website! I'll look at what others have to say. I actually thought about finding a different doc but then I figured I didn't feel like going through all those test again. It's very time consuming and even though I have insurance those copays still add up  ! I'm glad to know that it's nothing more serious than IBS (such as cancer, some sort of intestinal damage, etc.) but I feel that it's so hard to find a medical doctor who's willing to treat this syndrome through diet rather than prescribing pills to relieve the symptoms. I mean I'm sure there are docs like that but they seem to be pretty rare 
jhuggs - exactly, I asked if it's not too many ATBs for my belly but was told that no since they're all different
Syl - I didn't mention this in my original post but I was tested for SIBO earlier this summer - came back negative. So I don't really see a reason why I should take this ATB...
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Re: SIBO
#316460 - 10/11/07 02:55 PM
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K2
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 1191
Loc: Canada
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"so hard to find a medical doctor who's willing to treat this syndrome through diet rather than prescribing pills to relieve the symptoms. I mean I'm sure there are docs like that but they seem to be pretty rare"
Have you considered seeing a Naturopath? I just started seeing one, and it's the first time I have a doctor who is telling me it's not normal to live with these symptoms and that we have to do everything we can to figure out a good treatment for me. Worst case scenario from seeing a Naturopath would be trying something different, and learning about healthy foods (that will also fit into your diet for IBS).
I started going to mine after a round of useless antibiotics prescribed for a non-existent urinary tract infection. I too was getting frustrated with doctors looking me over and shoving drugs at me without trying to get to the bottom of things.
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Kat
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If you only had one stool sample checked for parasites, that may not be enough. Quest - a really big testing lab - says it takes at least 3 negative stool samples to rule out parasites. So your doctor's thinking may be that even though no parasites showed up, your symptoms seem to match up so he wants to assume the test may have missed them and wants to go ahead and treat for them. I'm not saying that's necessarily a good idea - you could always get additional tests - but it may be what he's thinking in which case he's not a total flake.
If you're uncertain about the treatment, I would definitely at least get a second opinion. If your doctor really, truly believes there's a good chance you have parasites, though, I wouldn't just ignore it. So I think you need to find out if he seriously believes you have parasites or is just floundering around trying things.
If you decide to see another doctor - either for a second opinion or permanently - you shouldn't have to repeat all the tests you've already had. Just get your existing records sent to the new doc.
HTH.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Re: SIBO
#316471 - 10/11/07 03:30 PM
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Syl
Reged: 03/13/05
Posts: 5499
Loc: SK, CANADA
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Unfortunately, the breath test for SIBO is known to have a high incidence of false negatives. Perhaps he is trying an alternative approach to diagnosis
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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Re: SIBO
#316475 - 10/11/07 04:10 PM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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I have considered seeing a naturopath but never actually found one. Does anyone know how much they are here in the US?
The thing is, my doctor didn't look like he really thought I had parasites, it was more like "well lets try this". So I don't know, maybe he's just got bad interpersonal skills. The other thing that I forgot to mention was that he said that he would also put me on an antidepressant (even though I do not suffer from depression) to raise my threshold of pain. I thought that was really weird too - I definitely don't want him to mess up with my head. He did say that sometimes antidepressants are used with diabetic patients but that's not my case! That's why I'm skeptical that he's just trying to feed me pills .
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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low dose AD
#316476 - 10/11/07 04:53 PM
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Syl
Reged: 03/13/05
Posts: 5499
Loc: SK, CANADA
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The use of low dose antidepressant to help with IBS pain is quite common. Heather discusses on this web page. There is also a discuss about thier use on this web page
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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Update
#316742 - 10/16/07 10:18 AM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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I saw a different GI today and basically he said that I should not use Flagyl if I tested negative for parasites/SIBO. He said that even if these tests were false negative I would have more likely had D. So I'm happy since I wasn't that happy about taking it in the first place.
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Re: SIBO
#322665 - 01/18/08 09:05 PM
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CJIBSDG
Reged: 12/24/07
Posts: 153
Loc: Idaho
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Zara, I just wanted to let you know that I saw a new GI doc today (for a 2nd opinion). I had a fecal fat test that came back abnormal (the amount of fat in my stool was double the acceptable level) - which is an indicator of SIBO (as well as several other things which we've ruled out). Unfortunately, no-one in my area performs the breath test for SIBO - but both of the GI docs I've seen have said the test is highly unreliable anyway. Also, both have said that when they suspect SIBO they simply prescribe antibiotics, if the symptoms go away within a week or 2 that tells them that the person has SIBO. My doc did ask me if I'd like to start on antibiotics today, but I just need a little more time to think about it (like you, I'm kind of afraid of them - but at the same time, I definitely need to improve my quality of life). Sometimes I feel like we're damned if we do and damned if we don't.
Please keep me updated on your decision and progress - and I'll do the same!!
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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Re: SIBO
#322682 - 01/19/08 05:13 AM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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Jeanette, I wish I could update you but the truth is I didn't really get anywhere. I didn't take that antibiotic because I was afraid of what it would have done to me. I still have pain, bloating, etc. And honestly, having read your post, now I'm thinking if I should have done it differently and take the ATB. Oh, I wish I knew what to do but there's so much contradicting information .
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Re: SIBO
#322686 - 01/19/08 06:48 AM
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CJIBSDG
Reged: 12/24/07
Posts: 153
Loc: Idaho
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Quote:
Jeanette, I wish I could update you but the truth is I didn't really get anywhere. I didn't take that antibiotic because I was afraid of what it would have done to me. I still have pain, bloating, etc. And honestly, having read your post, now I'm thinking if I should have done it differently and take the ATB. Oh, I wish I knew what to do but there's so much contradicting information .
Zara, I know exactly how you feel - I just wish the experts really knew more oh and wouldn't it be grand if all of the experts could agree on any 1 thing!! I can tell you this, if it helps at all - I spoke with my daughter last night who is an RN.... She's very concerned that I'm so resistant to take the antibiotic. She's definitely not an expert on the GI system (she works oncology), but she is in the medical profession and certainly has a vested interest in me  I think what I'm going to do is wait for the results of the 72 hour fecal fat test which I'm currently doing (my new GI says it's much more reliable than the 24 hour one which does make sense to me) and if it comes back as high or higher then I'm going to ask my doc which antibiotics he recommends and research the crap out of them and probably give it a shot.... I've also made a post to Heather so my decision could also change based on her feedback. But, my daughter is right in that I have to get some quality of life back (that's not to say that it hasn't improved, but it still isn't good).
I really hate to say this to you, but we're all here to try and help each other (and I'm certainly no expert on any of these subjects), but your new doc has said some things that cause me a bit of concern.. He said that if you had SIBO you'd most likely have D (based on what I've read that is not true at all. According to my readings, It is more common to have D, there are many people who have C with SIBO. They've even defined which antibiotics work best for the individual based on predominiant C or D. I think if I were you, I would definitely request the 72 hour fecal fat test - I know that won't tell you if you have SIBO, but it should give you an indication whether or not you have something else going on other than IBS. The test is certainly not fun especially if you've been following Heather's diet - but honestly, it's no worse than most of the other tests we've been through. But you really need to plan it for a time when you can stay at home for 3 days because you must collect ALL stools in a 72 hour period. Also, if you do decide to get the fat test, I would suggest that you increase your fat intake for 3 days prior to beginning the test. My GIs didn't mention this to me but every site I've found on this test says to do this then on the 4th day you start collecting stools. Here are some links I've found that discuss this test:
cmc
Hope this helps and please keep me posted on your quest...
HealthAToZ
Labcor
permanente
aruplab
I should also mention something to make eating the fat a little easier. The 1.5oz creamy ranch from McDonalds has 22 grams of fat so if you were to pour 5 of these on your normal food, you'd get all the fat you need. I'm going to do that today to make it easier (b/c eating what I did yesterday made me feel a little ill)... But no D yet (which I think is odd) - another odd thing is that I've not had any gas (I can't remember a day without gas).
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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Re: SIBO
#322687 - 01/19/08 08:23 AM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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Jeanette, thank you so much for the info. To be honest, I am a bit confused when it comes to fat malabsorption. I thought that D is definitely one of the symptoms, and I always only have C.
I agree with your thoughts about the second doctor. I don't think I'll make him my "new" doctor just because I don't believe he's very knowledgeable in the IBS area (he said other stuff that kind of raised a red flag for me). I just found out that Johns Hopkins has a satellite location in my town (I live close to Baltimore) and they seem to have a pretty good gastroenterology program. So I'll have to check if they take my insurance but if they do I'll probably try to get an appointment there.
Lately I've been thinking that my problems must be somewhat bacteria related. I tried the SCD but it got so painful that I just had to stop. So once I talk to the new GI I'll decide what to do. I'll ask about antibiotics and about the fat test and see what s/he thinks.
Please keep me posted on the test results and what you decide to do about that antibiotic treatment.
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Re: SIBO
#322692 - 01/19/08 08:59 AM
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CJIBSDG
Reged: 12/24/07
Posts: 153
Loc: Idaho
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Zara, thanks for the update! That is awesome that Johns Hopkins has a location near you - I would definitely check them out. I have a question - what is SCD?
I'll definitely keep you posted on my tests/results.
For breakfast today I had 3 pieces of cheese (total 21 grams fat), 8 club crackers (total 6 grams) and 2 TBS ranch dip (I'm out of the McDonald's so I need to go back and get some) the Lays ranch only has 5 grams in 2 TBSP - but there's 32 of my 100 grams for the day and this combo of food was easier for me than the chicken and ice cream yesterday (but I still feel a little nauseus).
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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Re: SIBO
#322698 - 01/19/08 10:07 AM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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Good luck with all that fat consumption, I can't imagine what it's like!
SCD is Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Sarah and Kim seem to be getting good results with it. Unfortunately I got really sick. Read this thread.
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Re: SIBO
#322712 - 01/19/08 04:21 PM
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caputsky
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 256
Loc: Baltimore, MD
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Hi Zara,
I couldn't help jumping in here because I am also located in Baltimore. Anyway, I have a terrific GI doctor -- he has Crohn's himself so he really understands what I'm going through and he is very open to any new ideas/suggestions that I want to try. The office has several specialists in it; my GI is actually a physician's assistant and I've worked with all of them and like most of them and they are very supportive. It is located in Towson, at the GBMC hospital. If you would like the information for the office, just let me know and I can give it to you. I don't know what insurances they take, but it's worth a shot
Julie
IBS-D, GERD, lactose intolerance
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"We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."
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Re: SIBO
#322714 - 01/19/08 04:31 PM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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Hi Julie, thank you so much for the offer, could you send me the info to xxx To be honest I will probably try to go with the Johns Hopkins one first because their location is so much more convenient for me (I live in Columbia and they have a location here) but I would keep your GI doc's office in mind in case I'm not happy with them. Thanks!
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
Edited by Zara (05/14/08 10:07 AM)
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So I just called that Johns Hopkins location I mentioned above and the earliest they can take me is early April . Why does it always take so long . I'm losing all my hope; diets don't seem to work, my old doctor is of no help either. Do you guys ever feel like nobody cares that you hurt (not meaning family, I have a lot of support from them).
Also, I'm thinking, should I go back to the original GI and ask for that antibiotic treatment (I ended up not doing it originally)? The prescription I got was for Flagyl but I was reading on the internet that Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is more effective. But I feel like if I suggest that one he'll be like "oh, who are you to know which antibiotic to use"? You know, doctors often hate it when you suggest something to them. I'm so lost with this whole IBS thing...
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Hang in there...a lot of us are in a similar boat, but if God gave you this Cross I am sure He knows you can carry it.
It isn't easy, but Prayer helps. If things are getting you down tell your Doc. Talk to family aswell. I know they don't always understand but it feels better talking about it.
I too mention the name of meds to my Dr that I have heard may help me. If they get all affronted then find another Dr.
Maybe see if Heather's books/dvd work for you and if they don't, try some elimination diets but do so with your Dr or a Dietician fully aware of what's going on.
Please know you are NOT alone. I will keep you in my Prayers. You must be really tough to have had this put on you.
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Jeanette
#325090 - 02/20/08 01:21 PM
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Zara
Reged: 06/07/06
Posts: 883
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Jeanette, did you ever take the antibiotics? My doctor (my old one) wants to try me on doxycycline so I'm trying to do a little research on it beforehand.
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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No, I haven't tried the antibiotics yet. My new GI gave me a month supply of Align and I was hoping that I would get the same results from it that I got from Udo's Choice (I started Align on 2/11/08) last week was pretty good - had a normal BM almost every day, but this week I'm back to the days of C followed by days of D and constant gas. I think I'll do another round of Udo's choice b/c I really noticed improvement with it. If that doesn't work, then I'll consider an antibiotic. What I am finding is while Heather's diet does decrease the number of days/week that I have D, it really isn't improving my quality of life b/c I'm in a constant state of either C or D. I have to say that I do follow the diet very strictly (mostly just soluble fibers ,fish, chicken, turkey and applesauce). There is absolutely no UNSAFE foods in my diet, but yet I have constant problems - getting very tired of it.
Anyway, now that I got my pitty potty out of the way, I strongly urge you to try Udo's Choice for a month before doing the anti-biotic. But on the other hand, my daughter who's an RN thinks I'm nuts for not trying it.
I'm sorry, I can't be of more help. Please keep me posted.
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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Jeanette, thank you for your fast reply! I'm taking VSL#3 right now and after I finish it I'm planning on Align because I also got it from my doctor (1 month supply). I'll have to research Udo's choice, I wonder if it's similar to VSL3. I'll research it and try it if it's really different from the one I'm taking now.
I really have to think about the antibiotic. On one hand I don't want to take it because I'm afraid of what it will do to my digestion. I feel like I've been trying to replenish my good bacteria with probiotics form the past couple months and the antibiotic would kill them all. On the other hand, what if it is that easy? Just take it and be so much better? I wish there was a way of knowing other than playing my own guinea pig .
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Isn't the VSL#3 helping you?
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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I have yet to see improvement that I could attribute to the VSL3. Maybe I would need to take it long term before I see any changes, who knows ;
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Re: Zara
#325584 - 02/26/08 05:06 PM
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CJIBSDG
Reged: 12/24/07
Posts: 153
Loc: Idaho
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Well, I gave up on the align. I seemed to be a little better after the first couple of days on it but nothing like the improvement I had seen with Udo's choice. I bought another supply of Udo's and have been taking it for 3 days now - too soon to really say, but I am noticing some improvement. BM becoming more regular (still not daily), and less gas. I've also been consuming some really UNSAFE foods the past few days (fried chicken and diet coke) and they've not bothered me so far. I've also considered trying VSL because it's cheaper than Udo's, but if this works I think I'll just bear the cost burden - I'm just getting really tired of trying different things with no success so if it aint broken, don't fix it
I know what you mean about feeling like a guinea pig. Wouldn't it be nice if there were some concrete, steadfast rules?
Are you getting any results from the VSL yet? I'll keep you posted on the Udo's.
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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Re: Zara
#325585 - 02/26/08 05:11 PM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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just fyi, when I started align it took me 6 full weeks to get the benefits. I had loads of bloating and a general bad feeling, but it helps me SO much now, so I'm glad I stuck it out. Sometimes probiotics can take a long time to get used to. Just fyi, take it or leave it!
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IBS-A
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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Hey Zara, how are you doing on the VSL now? I've been back on Udo's choice for 9 days now and am very happy to report that I have not had a single incident of C or D in 9 whole days!!!! I do still get a little too much gas on occassion, but gastrizyme clears that up immediately. I've been having 1 to 2 NORMAL BM every day or two. As you know, this is my 2nd time trying Udo's Choice. I took it for 4 weeks and saw significant improvement, then went off for 3 weeks and immediately started in with the C and D, then tried Align for a week some improvement but not enough. It's going to be Udo's for me from here on out! My doc did say that I'll probably need to take a probiotic for life. It is very expensive, but my plan is to cut down to 2 pills per day after taking it for a full month and see how I do. If I do well with 2 pills/day for a full month, then I'll try just 1/day. If I can maintain a good balance with 1/day it will only cost $30/month which is reasonable.
Oh, I should also mention that I've been eating some very bad foods this past week (mainly just to test the waters b/c I'm really beginning to think that most of the foods I've eliminated probably won't bother me as long as I'm taking Udo's). Some of the things I ate last week are: Chinese food (3 days in a row), fried chicken, several diet coke's, raw carrots, raw cauliflower, raw celery - NO PROBLEMS (aside from some pretty foul gas from the chinese - which I cleared up immediately with gastrizyme). I'm so sold on this probiotic
I'd love to hear how you're doing on VSL - I hope well!
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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i have sibo... antibitics didn't do a damn thing... my main problem is gas... if i live on chicken rice and oatmeal i am ok.. but when i slip up and eat real food i pay... what is this VSL? where can i buy it?
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Pud
Long Island
IBS-D & SIBO - main symptom GAS
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Have either of you guys tried Digestive Advantage?
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Hi,
I took Flagyl when I was diagnosed with C-Dif, which is something like E-Coli and it helped alot. The C-Dif had made me so sick - diarhea, throwing up, couldn't keep food down - it was just so much more than my usual IBS that I did go to the Gastroenterologist and he made me do blood work, where the C-Dif showed up. If nothing showed up in your blood work, why would your Doctor tell you to take Flagyl? It is the quintissential drug for C-Dif and other disorders like it. Anyway, it didn't bother me and I got over the C-Dif and just returned to my regular IBS issues.
Don't believe your doctor when he says you are not lactose intolerant. If you read Heather's book, IBS folks can't tolerate the whey, cassein and other components in milk products not just the lactose. It is appalling how ignorant doctors are about IBS. Just be glad we have Heather and her book. Her ideas work. 
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Joaniebird
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I have.. it didn't do anything for me
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Pud
Long Island
IBS-D & SIBO - main symptom GAS
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I've been taking it for about 2 weeks now. I'm surprised at how well it seems to be working - my stomach isn't as shaky as before. It doesn't seem to help with bloating though. How long did you take it for?
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hello JHuggs, I'm not sure who your question was intended for but I'll respond :-)
I've never tried it and have never heard of it. Can you tell us about it? Thanks
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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It's a probiotic. It's called Digestive Advantage IBS and I bought it at Wal-Mart for about $8. I've been taking it for about 2 weeks now and have noticed a huge difference in my symptoms. I haven't had an attack since I've been taking it but I've been pretty stable lately anyways, as long as I don't cheat. But I can say that my stomach hasn't once felt "iffy" since starting it. Before I started this I could always feel gas bubbling in my belly but this seems to have cleared it up! I have noticed that it hasn't done anything for bloating but I can live with bloating! Like I said, I've continued taking my Acacia, Peppermint Caps, and have stuck to the diet. You can check their website out at www.digestiveadvantage.com. They will send you a free sample and a $2 coupon. I will continue taking it! Let me know if you try it out, it's worth a shot! Good luck 
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Thanks for the info Jhuggs. I have to admit, I'm a pretty nervous about removing Udo's Choice and trying something different (I'm sure you know how that goes, you suffer daily for so long that when you finally find something that helps, you cling to it like a baby to his blankie). I do appreciate the info and will keep it in mind for the future, right now I'm just enjoying feeling good and don't want to rock the boat yet :-)
That's fantastic that you were able to get so stable with just the diet and peppermint caps - Unfortunately, that hasn't been the magic bullet for me. The diet certainly has decreased the number of days per week that I suffer from D (I went from 5 days per week down to 2 days). But 2 days of D every week is 2 days too many!!
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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I wouldn't call myself too stable yet! I had been doing really well with this new probiotic and the diet until last night,I had a painful D attack I was under alot of stress the day before and last night it decided to rear its ugly head but I'm going to keep taking it!
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Quote:
Hey Zara, how are you doing on the VSL now? I've been back on Udo's choice for 9 days now and am very happy to report that I have not had a single incident of C or D in 9 whole days!!!! I do still get a little too much gas on occassion, but gastrizyme clears that up immediately. I've been having 1 to 2 NORMAL BM every day or two. As you know, this is my 2nd time trying Udo's Choice. I took it for 4 weeks and saw significant improvement, then went off for 3 weeks and immediately started in with the C and D, then tried Align for a week some improvement but not enough. It's going to be Udo's for me from here on out! My doc did say that I'll probably need to take a probiotic for life. It is very expensive, but my plan is to cut down to 2 pills per day after taking it for a full month and see how I do. If I do well with 2 pills/day for a full month, then I'll try just 1/day. If I can maintain a good balance with 1/day it will only cost $30/month which is reasonable.
Oh, I should also mention that I've been eating some very bad foods this past week (mainly just to test the waters b/c I'm really beginning to think that most of the foods I've eliminated probably won't bother me as long as I'm taking Udo's). Some of the things I ate last week are: Chinese food (3 days in a row), fried chicken, several diet coke's, raw carrots, raw cauliflower, raw celery - NO PROBLEMS (aside from some pretty foul gas from the chinese - which I cleared up immediately with gastrizyme). I'm so sold on this probiotic
I'd love to hear how you're doing on VSL - I hope well!
Hi Jeanette, I'm still not so convinced about the VSL. I have been feeling a bit better (except for today) lately but I think it's because I've been really careful with my diet. I have no idea why I got sick and bloated today. I'm glad to hear Udo's working for you, I think I'll try it after I'm done with align (will start next week).
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Hi Zara,
Can you let us know how the Align works for you?? Thanks!
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Zara, if you can't find Udo's locally, here's a site that says they ship it refrigerated:
http://www.iherb.com/ProductsList.aspx?c=1&cid=365.
Let me know how it works. I'm on day 12 and still doing remarkably well (even with all the "bad" food I've been eating). I can honestly say I've not had 12 symptom free days in over a year until now - so I'm on cloud 9!!
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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jhuggs, sure, I'll report on it. I plan on starting it next weekend.
Jeanette, thanks for the link! How many caps do you take per day?
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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I'm still taking 3 per day (1 with each main meal). I plan to drop to 2 per day in 2 weeks and stay on 2 for 1 month and see how it goes. If all is well then the next month I'll try 1 per day - if I have problems I'll bump it back up. Never take it on an empty stomach - I did yesterday b/c I forgot to take it after lunch. I had lunch at 11:30 and nothing in between then took a pill at 4:00, my stomach was upset today and I think that was the cause. It does say to take it on a full stomach.
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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first of all i am sorry you are feeling this down
i hear ya!!!
sometimes i just want to give up and not eat a damn thing!
i very well may have missed a post where you may have mentioned what your diet consists of but.. here is what my case is.. long story short
as a kid up until about 19 or 20 i was running to the bathroom with the big D just about every day.. it was terrible..
for awhile i thought i was celiac.. not the case..
i was getting D maybe once or twice a week but my main problems was the gas and bloat!!
nothing helped
went to a new doc and tested negative for lactose and dairy allergy but i still avoid milk
tested positive for sibo
antibiotics didn't work either
what seems to work for now is diet
it may not be a very healthy diet and i have horrible will power and fall off the wagon a bit buut
i live on
real oatmeal.. not the packaged flavored junk.. i add a little bit of cinnamon and brown sugar
sometimes i have rice kispies.. not the real brand name one.. i found one at pathmark that does not have HFCS.. with some original rice milk and a chopped up banana
for lunch i often have grilled chiken and rice
or even chicken rice soup from the local chinese restaurant
same goes for dinner
once in awhile i'll have a potato or sweet potato
rice pasta with some olive oil and salt
i just found some gluten free dairy free lowfat cold cuts that are great.. made by applegate farms..
it gets pretty boring and thats where i fall... but i felt soooo much better!
give it a try for a week and see how you feel..
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Pud
Long Island
IBS-D & SIBO - main symptom GAS
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Pud, you mentioned that you have SIBO. We suspect that I too have this but haven't confirmed with the breath test - that's a long story I won't bother you with. But, I'm wondering if you had any success at all with antibiotics? I've read that people often have good success while they're on it, but it doesn't help all people long term.
I'm also curious to know if you've tried any probiotics. You may have seen my posts about the Udo's Choice I've been taking and getting fantastic results. I seriously doubt that it's going to make all of my symptoms disappear permanently, but so far with the diet and probiotic, I finally have quality back in my life.
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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The antibiotics didn't do anything for me.. and I am scared to try probiotics because of the milk lol... but is it such a small amount that i shouldnt worry?
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Pud
Long Island
IBS-D & SIBO - main symptom GAS
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The one I take states that it "contains traces of milk and soy". Traces indicates to me that the amount would be so minimal that it should not bother you. I do suspect that I am lactose intolerant but I've not had any problems with it. Also, it does contain something that is supposed to help people with lactose intolerance - I don't remember what it is exactly, but I read something about it. http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=3705630389853301316&at=0
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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expensive and i didnt even check the price of shipping!
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Pud
Long Island
IBS-D & SIBO - main symptom GAS
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If you ever try the Align, let us know how you do!
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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Hi Jordy, hope you're doing well!!! It's been a long time since I've posted my progress and finally decided that I need to get at it :-) So, I've been back on the Udo's choice for a month and a half or 2 months and am doing absolutely FANTASTIC!!! I have not been following the diet well at all, I've been eating out alot and drinking a diet coke a day (I know, that's just plain bad with or w/out digetive problems) but that's what I do when I have a lot of stress in my life. In fact, I'm sitting here eating a Toberlone chocolate as I write this :-(
Anyway, I have not had more than 3 BM in a single day nor have I gone more than 1 day without having a BM. I cannot stress the difference it has made in my life. This past month has been extremely stressful for me, so I keep waiting for the digestion problems to re-occur but so far so good. This stuff is definitely the bomb!! I'm now taking 2 pills per day so it's costing me $60/month, and next month I'll try dropping it to 1 pill/day. I've had so many people recommend other probiotics that are much less expensive, but I haven't felt this good in so long and have no desire to rock the boat. I did try align a couple months ago with no success, so I'm done trying others - If it ain't broken, don't fix it is my motto.
So, how about you? have you tried any probiotics yet? If so, please let me know how it's going. Take Care
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Jeanette IBS-D, then switched to IBS-A, now stable with Udo's Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic
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So glad to hear you are having such great results....and even with "cheating" on the diet a bit (or is it a lot )
Actually, I just started this probiotic today. I bought enough to take 3 a day for a month. Very expensive, so maybe I'll just take 2. I hope and pray it works for C as well as it worked for you with D. It seems like things that D usually don't have a positive effect for someone with complete opposite problem 
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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...and so far all I've had is worse C.
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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