Colonoscopy results and zelnorm
#3353 - 03/19/03 03:24 PM
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I finally got my results today--and I'm an IBSer alright!  So my doc wants me to start zelnorm. he seems to think I should be able to eat meat, dairy, etc. just fine. What do you think? Anyone know anything about zelnorm? He says I should still exercise and he thinks hypnotherapy might be a good idea--my question/concern is: Will all my symptoms just go away from this medicine? What can I expect? the doc said my bloating and constipation should disappear and I should be able to eat anything but broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc. If anyone knows ANYTHING about zelnorm and what I can expect PLEASE write me back!
I'm happy to be a member of the IBS club  especially with such a great support group here! Thanks to everyone on this board--you're all amazing--I couldn't have gotten through the past week without you! It's WONDERFUL to know for sure that it's IBS (and nothing worse!) I had a hunch all along since I bought both of Heather's books about 4 months ago that it was IBS--and here I am! *phew*
Heather, thanks again for always being here for us!!! You're AMAZING!
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Hi Ruchie - To get really accurate, detailed information on Zelnorm, go to your local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for the clinical insert that comes with the drug. It's a big piece of paper folded very small, with tiny writing, but it has all of the hard-core medical and scientific information about the drug - risks, side effects, mechanisms of action, research study info, etc.
Because Zelnorm is brand new, there are no long-term studies of yet, and no one really knows if there are any long-term risks. The drug is actually only approved to be taken for so many weeks, not indefinitely.
I've heard from just a few folks so far who have tried Zelnorm, with not so great results. But this is literally just 3 people or so, so that's definitely not enough. Hopefully some folks on the board who have Zelnorm experience will post.
I honestly think your doctor is nuts to tell you to eat meat and dairy and everything else if you're taking the drug. That's akin to telling a patient with high cholesterol to just keep eating the meat and dairy since they're being given a statin drug. Drugs can't (or at least shouldn't) compensate for a healthy lifestyle, though they can be extremely helpful additions.
I'd keep doing what you have been to try and manage symptoms, and certainly consider hypnotherapy as well. See what info you can get about Zelnorm from the pharmacist (and ask your doc if he has any printed materials) so you know what to expect. And hopefully, if you decide to try it, it will work really well for you!
- Heather
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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Heather,
I meant to get the medical insert since you mentioned that to someone else in one of your posts--but I got the directions instead!  Hopefully I'll get the chance to do that tomorrow.
I thought my doctor was nuts too! I plan to stick to your diet--first of all, I think it's VERY healthy--second of all, I'm hard pressed to believe in a "miracle drug" that will just make it all better! Hopefully it will help with the bloating and constipation! I'll let you know how it goes 
Thanks so much for getting back to me--and for always being here! (My husband thanks you too!)
All the best,
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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I tried zelnorm for 2 weeks, and I don't mean to sound discouraging, but it did not do one thing for me except give me headaches. It never made me go to the bathroom or did anything to relieve any of my symptoms. But then again, we don't know yet that I "just" have IBS, my colonoscopy is Tuesday. So it might help you a lot, it seems to have helped some people. But I still suggest sticking to Heather's diet and gradually introducing other things, because this diet is the only way I've gotten back to eating AT ALL. Good luck to you and so glad you got good news!
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Take care,
Michelle
...the greatest of these is LOVE. (I Cor 13)
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Ruchie - glad to hear it's ONLY IBS! Boy, what a mouthful, huh?
At least now you'll know how to take care of yourself, but I don't know about eating dairy, etc. Time will tell.
Sharon
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Sharon
"Anything Chocolate"...that is all!
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Michelle,
Thanks for getting back to me! Btw, did you have a better day today--I hope so?!
So I took zelnorm tonight for the first time--I'll let you know how it goes. I plan to stick to the diet--I find it difficult to believe a pill will just make it all disappear (besides, I think Heather's diet is HEALTHY!)
Thanks a bunch for sharing your experiences with me--I really appreciate it! I hope you're having a great night--take care, be well!
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Heather - I'm so sorry that I forgot to thank you from my husband about the gas you made disappear. He's now back in the bedroom with me and not in the guest room! He's so relieved and so am I. No more getting up 20 times during a TV show to go to the bathroom and "let 'er rip." Thank you from me, too. I would;ve never thought of the Vit C as the culprit.
Two adoring fans,
Sharon
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Sharon
"Anything Chocolate"...that is all!
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Sharon,
Thanks!!! I actually consider myself lucky--my mom has ulcerative colitis AND IBS and my grandmother has a polyp the docs are watching--well, we know I'm adopted!  So I'm thankful that I just have IBS and some hemorrhoids.
It's a good feeling to know what the problem is once and for all!
Thanks so much for your support!
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Aww Sharon, thanks. I feel a little bit like Cupid on this one...
- H
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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Hey Heather!
My doc also suggested I reduce my citrucel doses to just one in the morning (I was doing two doses a day) and that I don't have to be too concerned about fiber on zelnorm. I found this confusing  It doesn't seem to me like there's fiber in zelnorm--doesn't the average person need at least 20-25 grams of fiber a day? He didn't really give me any nutritional info. at my colonoscopy follow-up today  Plus the doc was in a rush--he was running behind with patients (I waited over 30 mins for my appointment to be rushed) so I felt hurried and didn't get to refelct and ask my questions in a relaxed setting. So now I'm pretty confused. Do you think I should call the doc back and set up a "phone appointment"? Do you have any suggestions? I trust your opinion since your books and diet and support have been such a great help to me. Thanks for your time!!
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
Edited by Ruchie (03/19/03 06:17 PM)
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