re: very confused
#35012 - 01/03/04 05:24 PM
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zingirl
Reged: 01/03/04
Posts: 31
Loc: Northern CA
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I'm just finding out that I may have irritable bowel syndrome. I have had numerous tests, all negative. I don't have "spasming" or "cramping" alot, but I am extremely bloated, feel very full when I try to eat, and am very weak. I only go to the bathroom in the morning and it fluctuates between hard and loose stool. I just feel "sick." My symptoms have gone on since October. I'm trying to do Heather's Diet. I don't know if it's ok to have a little sugar on your oatmeal? or if you can have soy sauce on your rice? If it's ok to have SILK vanilla even though there is fat in it? My symptoms have not subsided. I mostly feel nauseated, and at first, back in October, my symptoms were actually alot worse with gnawing and burning and they thought I had an ulcer. (I do not)
I just want to "feel" better. I feel like my gut is actually rotting. That's exactly how I feel. Today I ate shakes with soy powerer and silk, english muffin with a little seedless jam, and oatmeal with organic sugar and Silk. I've been trying to drink Chamomile tea and I tried Peppermint to but I'm scared of the burning coming back.
I'm so low in weight and I have not been able to put any on. I've stopped exercising due to the fact that I just can't afford to drop any weight. I used to be an exercise junkie, loved it. Now with the nausea and upset stomach, finding something for my stomach has been quite challenging (food wise). The doctor had me on Ensure , but I stopped those yesterday. I also started benefiber yesterday. I know it takes a few weeks for things to kick , I'm reading a ton on the website, but it's almost too much information.
I'm just looking for advice. This is so scary. I'm trying to be brave.
Thanks for listening,
zingirl
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Hi zingirl! Welcome!
Don't worry - you'll find lots of great info & support here. 
Try Breaking the Cycle for a few days to get stable. Then gradually start adding things back in.
Sugar is not a trigger, so it's fine on oatmeal, or anything else. Of course, it has no nutritional value or benefit to IBS, so don't go overboard.  Silk soy milks are ok.
I used to have a lot of burning & nausea too. It eventually subsided after following the diet for a few months & also using the IBS hypno CD's. It still comes back every once in awhile, but usually if I drink some tea, it works wonders. Try using Celestial Seasonsing Tummy Mint. It combines peppermint, chamomile, & fennel tea. It worked great for me! I've now moved up to Heather's Tummy Teas (I combine the peppermint & fennel), so the Tummy Mint seems too weak for me.
It's good you gave up the Ensure. That stuff is bad news for IBS. It contains dairy. 
Don't give up the exercise. Even gentle exercise, such as walking, is good for IBS. Check out the yoga board of ideas too. Exercise helps regulate the bowels.
As you start to feel better, you will eat more & gain weight. Keep reading, & rereading. I read Heather's books a few times, and each time more sunk in. If you have any questions, just ask.
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You know funny thing is I feel like that a lot too, oh the sick feeling in my gut, I never want to eat because I feel full, it feels like some thing is very wrong inside most of the time. Did you get checked for acid reflux disease? You know it could be as simple as needing some medicine to help your body digest food. They have pills at your local pharmacy that over the counter that adds healthy bacteria to your body and it helps you digest food too. You can email me if you want, sweetnsazzy1@yahoo.com I bought the book first year with IBS, I could try and give you some info from that if you want. Every one here is soooo nice and will be there for you if you need them, I am on the diet too and yes sugar is ok, soy sauce is to. Just know that even though it can be very overwhelming at times you are in no way alone in this. I am here for you if you want to talk! Oh, I just posted on new years eve, I was about to have another break down, I was so discouraged because I had an attack again and I just did not feel well at all, I wanted to give up but I made it my couple of days and all we can really do is take it one day at a time. Try to make it through today and worry about tomorrow when it comes.
Take care
Jenn
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HI, I'm sorry you are feeling so sick. I know there is a lot of info on this website so try not to overwelm yourself and just take your time trying to learn it all. Heather's books are sooo helpful and easy to read you might want to start off by buying them or trying your library for her books.
It's okay to have sugar just don't eat the sugar free stuff because there's something in there that will bother your stomach. Also fat is okay to have and this diet is not fat free it's only low fat. Soy sauce is great over rice and I eat that all the time.
More importantly have you been diagnosed with IBS from your doctor? You need to make sure it's not something else. Are you eating enough and maybe that's why you are feeling weak? Although I have some of your symptoms I remember feeling very weak and tired when I was underweight. I used to skip meals all the time to avoid stomach attacks and that was just no good for me. I actually started feeling better once I started eating small meals more frequently. I do hope you feel better soon and take your time reading the info on this sight.
Debby
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Overwhelming
#35021 - 01/03/04 06:38 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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ZinGirl, welcome to the Boards. I know how you feel about it all being a little overwhelming. It was for me too. (Actually, it still IS!) But it's amazing how much of the stuff thats in here was in Heather's book. I read it twice and I need to read it again. I remember the first time I read it, it made sense. I marked pages, I highlighted portions, I copied the lists of soluble fiber foods and insoluble fiber foods and posted them on my refrigerator door -- I did it all. It was overwhelming to me then, and IT STILL IS -- but I'm learning.
Gee, I hope this helps more than hinders? I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get frustrated and don't hesitate to ask. I admit I'm a little gunshy about asking stuff -- because whatever I ask has already been posted! Learn to use the "Search" (I'm still having problems with it.)
There's little I can add to what others have already advised you -- except to say you should really check with your doctor before stopping anything he's prescribed for you. If you don't think the stuff he's prescribed is right, then tell him -- and tell him why. More importantly, you need to have a colonoscopy to confirm the IBS diagnosis.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I don't know if you have Heather's book or not, but the first 36 pages are full of VERY IMPORTANT information to know. It was a life saver for me. I suggest reading that as soon as you can.
GOOD LUCK!!
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Natalie
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You need to get some weight on you, girl!  What have you got in your cupboards right now? I'm not asking you to jump into the wide world of tofu--that's for later. I'm talking about trying to find something good to eat that's safe and appealing right now. Here are some suggestions:
Cook rice with fat-free, MSG-free chicken broth instead of water.
Or cook the rice with salted water like normal, and when it's done pour over a can of MSG-free vegetarian vegetable soup. It's filling, cheap, and the insoluble fiber in the vegies has been thoroughly broken down by long cooking.
Cook carrots thoroughly and make Lemon-Basil Carrots (search the recipe archives).
Eat a baked potato with butter-flavored spray, seasoned salt, and pepper.
Or eat a baked sweet potato with butter-flavored spray and cinnamon-sugar.
Oatmeal is great if you can tolerate it. I can't, but I love grits. I eat them with sugar and soy milk like hot cereal (don't shoot me--I'm a Northerner!).
White bread, English muffins, and crumpets (in the refrigerator case, if you're lucky) are all good toasted and spread with seedless jam.
Try to include a little bit of good fat consistently to help you put on some weight, but just a little bit, so you don't trigger an attack.
For protein, try mixing tuna with low-fat mayo, mustard, pickle relish if you like it, and maybe VERY FINELY CHOPPED celery and/or onion and eating it with crackers.
Or you could do the same with canned white-meat chicken.
Hummus is another source of protein, good fat (olive oil), and soluble fiber. Eat it with white pita bread. And you don't have to make your own--the deli case at the grocery should carry a couple of different brands. I like Tribe of Two Sheiks.
Additive-free turkey, such as the lunch meat available at a health food store, would make a safe sandwich with mustard and low-fat mayo. Skip the lettuce and tomato for now. Maybe add some hummus to your sandwich, though.
I hope this helps and isn't just more overwhelming material to absorb. I know how it feels to be nauseated all the time (in my case, it was an "acid condition")--I didn't eat anything for a looong time till that cleared up. And I felt so bad from not eating, it was just a vicious cycle.
Here's hoping you'll feel much better soon!
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I'm so sorry you have not been feeling well. I was just diag. 12/11/03. I know how you feel, except for the losing weight part. I've had a prob. with losing weight. since I have been on heather's diet about 2 weeks I have lost about 8lbs. It's exciting for me, but you need to be careful. It is easier said than done when you are neauseated all the time. I get that a lot. I've lived on Phenergan for over 8 yrs to take the edge off. I sure hope you feel better. If you ever need to talk here is my e-mail: jamesshireen@networld.com
Shireen
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Thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. I have not had a colonoscopy yet. I had a small-bowel follow through and talk to the doctor about that tomorrow. I just wish I knew that everything I was doing was "ok" or going to make me feel better.
Thanks again. If you ever have new information, please send it my way.
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Thank you for your information. I really appreciate it. I'm trying to find the special tea today. I will take your advice about exercising. I did about 10 minutes today. I don't want to push it because I've been trying to gain weight. Any food suggestions for weight? Why would the ensure have dairy in it when it says "lactose" free?
Have you ever heard of taking extra magnesium and Vitamin C to counteract constipation? I was wondering if taking C would hurt my stomach. If you know anything let me know.
All my best,
Cristy
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Debby, Thanks for your response. What kind of fats do you eat that seem to work with you? Heather's diet doesn't really show alot of fat in anything and says its a trigger. It's not that I crave fat at all, I just want to gain weight. I've been stuck at 80 lbs for 2 months now. I also feel like all of this "white" food is making the constipation worse for me. I've been able to have rice, english muffins, and rice cereal. I want to keep taking the Ensures but someone on here said they were "bad" although they say on the lable lactose free.
Yes, I'm still confused. I know it takes time. I love any information you have. You are a dear,
Cristy
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Hi Zingirl!
You poor thing! I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time!
First of all, great name! 
A product can have dairy even if it sayd lactoste free...it may still contain casein and/or whey...both dairy components.
You're right, the info. IS overwhelming! Try and take it slow...
Tea. Peppermint can be bad if you have reflux. Try chamomile and fennel instead!
This diet should not hurt you...even if you have another stomach ailment, this diet is mild and should not cause problems. HOWEVER make sure you are getting some insoluble fiber in your diet as well as some fat....without these the diet won't work!
Gosh...I wish I could say/do more! If you have any more questions, PLEASE ask!
Feel better soon!
*hugs*
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Thank you so much! What types of fat and insoluble fiber would you recommend that would be the easiest for me? I have Heather's book on order, hopefully it will be here sometime this week. I guess I've been so scared to eat lately since I've had problems. Mostly upper GI problems (gastritis) and then lower GI would be mostly constipation.
I'll try some fat today, I just don't know what kind. I'll read more on Heathers website too.
Thank you again,
zingirl
**if you ever have anything that might be helpful, I will take it!
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Here's info on meal replacement shakes from the 5/22/03 newsletter:
Quote:
Unfortunately, most meal replacement or supplemental nutrition shakes have ingredients that can seriously worsen IBS. Among the most common brands, virtually all Boost drinks contain dairy, and most varieties have artificial flavors, artificial colors, and can be very high in fat as well. Ensure brand drinks contain dairy, most are fairly high in fat, and some varieties have caffeine and artificial flavors. Both Boost and Ensure also typically use corn syrup as a sweetener, which can cause problems for IBS folks who are sensitive to fructose. Even Modulen, a nutritional drink marketed for inflammatory bowel disease patients, contains casein (a dairy protein), milk fat, and a fat content that is far too high for maintaining digestive stability in IBS. Modulen also contains Transforming Growth Factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2), from cow's milk, which doesn't sound like something I'd like to drink.
The best choice among the canned drinks, though not a great one, seems to be SlimFast soy fruit shakes. These contain no dairy and are very low in fat, and they also have a decent amount of soluble fiber. Unfortunately, they're sweetened with fructose. This means that while they may be a tolerable drink for some, for others who are prone to diarrhea, gas, or bloating from fructose, they're not a safe bet.
The optimal solution for a meal replacement beverage is to simply make your own. While this isn't as convenient or quick as buying a canned drink, at least you can control the ingredients and ensure that your digestion stays stable. Try whipping up a fast fruit smoothie in the blender with soy, rice, oat, or almond milk (and additional soy powder for extra protein if you like), bananas or mangoes, peaches, cherries, blueberries, or strawberries. Choose whatever combination of fruits you find most tolerable, and add a bit of sugar, stevia, or honey for extra sweetness. No drink will ever really replace the complete nutrition you should get from a full meal, but if you're trying to add extra calories to your diet or simply need some fast energy, a homemade smoothie is a much healthier and safer choice than any of the commercial canned beverages.
I always refer this to people when they want to drink shakes to help gain weight - web page
Try making some breads or cakes from Eating for IBS or the Recipe Exchange. The sugar will up the calories and may help you gain weight. To help get some good fat in, try having salmon (grilled/baked) or even avacado made into guacamole with lots of baked tortilla chips.
There are others on here that take a magnesium supplement to help with C. I'm not sure of the dose though. You can do a search to find past posts on it, or maybe someone will reply & provide you with some info.
Some people have problems with Vitamin C causing gas, so be careful with that.
If you make that shake/smoothie above, that will be a great way to get some insoluble fiber in. Pureeing fruits & veggies into smoothies, sauces, soups are safe ways to increase insoluble fiber. Also the exercise & LOTS of water are great for C.
Edited by Mags2003 (01/04/04 09:28 AM)
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Cristy, do you like French bread? With butter? I love it, but all I have to do is LOOK at it and I gain weight! French bread is a soluble -- you'll still need the insoluble -- but it's SOOOO good with Soy Garden, which to me tastes as close to butter as you'll ever find. Won't that put on weight for you?
For an easy-on-the-tummy-but-good-insoluble, check out Mags' Broccoli Leek Soup that she posted in the recipe section. Normally I can't tolerate broccoli, but this recipe is easy on my tummy -- and I like it with lots of French bread (of course!) with Soy Garden.  Weight gain guaranteed! 
Good luck,
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hi Cristy, I think compared to my Pre-IBS days my diet is completely different. I ended up losing a lot of weight just by not eating at fast food places - ever! Ugh everyone thought I was anorexic and I had to tell them I don't think I'm fat I just have a horrible stomach. Now I am at a much more normal weight and it feels great. Most of my fat intake comes from cooking up anything with canola oil or using canola oil in a recipe. It's pretty much all fat but it works a lot better than using butter when it comes to trying to be good to your stomach. I find it's easier to eat foods high in fat when I am eating them with lots of soluble fiber already in my stomach (Acacia fiber, rice or bread) - it's almost like a buffer zone for the food that may irritate my stomach. Hope this info helps? Just keep posting any questions and you can also do searches in to old questions posted.
Take care,
Debby
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Quote:
Have you ever heard of taking extra magnesium and Vitamin C to counteract constipation? I was wondering if taking C would hurt my stomach. If you know anything let me know.
Magnesium glycinate is the best for constipation...try 500 mg once a day. If you want to take a calcium supplement as well, calcium citrate is better for constipation than calcium carbonate, and will be balanced out by the magnesium you're already taking. Take 1000 mg/day split into two 500 mg doses.
Don't take vitamin C to trigger a BM. It will probably work a little TOO well and leave you running to the bathroom all day--not fun. Ditto using caffeine as a laxative. I've been there. The diet is better.
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Hang in there!!! Can your dr give you librax or something to ease the pain until the diet kicks in??? i use librax very lightly now-was a lifesaver in the beginning. try fennel tea-it is so soothing to your abdomen-brew it strong, put up your feet and sip-the taste is different-but I like it now and it works for me every time! Keep trying!!! Maryh 
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Whatever doesn't kill me will make me stronger!
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What's Soy Garden? Where do you find that? I tried making french toast today with egg beaters and it's good so far. I also had a mashed up sweet potato. Do you know if I should keep the skins on or off? I took them off. I'm wondering if I can have some simple Sushi. Just like rice and salmon. I couldn't find anything on the message boards. I'm having trouble figuring out how I posted my first message. I can't seem to figure out how to send a message, or I mean post a new one? What am I doing wrong?
Thanks so much
Cristy
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Posting and Stuff
#35157 - 01/04/04 07:01 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Cristy, you're doing just fine. The person to ask about posting is MAGS. She's a genius.
Soy Garden is a butter substitute that Heather turned me onto. It's FABULOUS! Are you near a good health food store? Make yourself a list of all the good stuff you need -- like Amy's frozen soy cheese pizza (ooooh Baby!), the Soy Garden, Tummy Mint tea, etc. -- and take a run down to the health food store. You should find everything good there!
Egg Beaters are yummy -- and they make THE best French Toast, don'tcha think? For scrambled eggs, the "garden vegetable" Egg Beaters are the best!
Sweet potato? EW. I know they're good for us, but I can't stand the stuff. (I think you're on the right track, though, about peeling it first.)
Sushi? More EW. I want my food COOKED! Salmon and rice, YUMMY!
You've got the right idea, Girlfriend. All fish is EXCELLENT, just don't deep-fry it. (But I don't think you'll gain much weight on it!)
To post a message, you start up at the top. Above "Message Boards" you see all the different boards listed across the top, like "IBS Diet," "IBS Recipes," etc. Pick the one you want to go into and click it on. Then you're in that particular board. Go to where it says "POST" and click it. Then you can post your message in that board.
Is any of this helping you? If not, just scream!
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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zingirl,
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner!
Flax oil is a good fat...you can also get good fat from avacados, soy milk, finely crushed nuts incorporated with a meal, and things along these lines. Be careful though! Sprinkle on crushed nuts (especially at first!) and use flax oil sparingly. Also, with soy milk, you may want to begin using it slowly if you are not accustomed to it...it can cause gas in some people upon first adding it to your diet.
For insoluble fiber, try cooked veggies or pureed veggies. You can try soups (Imagine makes yummy soups...they're organic...and you can find them at many health food stores). If you eat an aplle, try baking it (see recipe board for several recipes on how to make this). You can eat crushed/mashed beans. I wouldn't start out with beans though...try pureed soups first (that's my suggestion) and very well cooked veggies...when you do okay with this, then I would expand my repotoire! If you enjoy cooking, check the recipe board for all kinds of yummy ideas on how to incorporate insoluble fiber in your diet.
I hope this helps...hope you feel good soon!
*hugs*
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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YUM! I LOVE sushi...and it's totaly IBS safe (somoeone, please correct me if I'm wrong!) I say go for it!
-<3-
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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HI.. Welcome to our world... I know that may not be a fun place to be, but at least it is a place that you can find some understanding of your situation. Don't know if you have read Heather's books, the one about your first year with IBS is great, and the other one too. But just in case you haven't there was a tip that I have found helpful... and that is snacking on the dried low fat cereals during the day.. I mixed up some of the rice checks, some honey nut cheerios and some honeycombs and just bring them to work and snack on them a little at a time and it seems to settle my stomach somewhat. (this is of course after the fiber in the morn. and the oatmeal) I now drink herb tea with the cereal also... Arizona diet green tea with honey...or just some fresh brewed.
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Also hope your are trying to eat some protein... baked chicken has done very well for me and broiled fish. I haven't tried just using canned Tuna and canned Chicken but will this week... (with low fat mayo. of course ... very little also... may use mustard instead) - but so far I have been able to tolerate the low fat mayo.
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Hi, Thanks for replying to me. I really appreciate that. I haven't been diagnosed officially, but I'm thinking since they can't find anything wrong with me that this must be it. I just have a hard time fathoming that I'm going to "feel" this way all of the time. I feel like my gut is just rotting. It's so weird. I've been trying different food. I can't tell if they are good for me or not because I don't get the diarrea that some get right away, I am mostly the constipated type. I'm also very bloated. I've never been this bloated in my life. This is so weird. And scary. I'm trying to be optomistic. I know I've lost alot of weight. Maybe with some proper medications, food and weight gain, I will be able to manage this and not feel so icky. That's the hardest part for me, the feeling of being "sick" when in reality they tell you you're not. I see the doctor again tomorrow. I might try Zelnorm since I have always been constipated in my life.
I hope you are feeling well. What is it like for you? What do you do to help it? Thanks for the info on dry cereal. I will try that. Plus it will help, I need to put some pounds on. I'm only 80. It got scary there for a bit. I've been maintaining this weight now for a good month but can't seem to get above it. My diet has just increased though to more solid foods, just in the past week or so. I know it will take some time and I need to be patient.
I almost feel like there is TOO MUCH information out there. Don't you? I guess that's why there is no cure for this. Everyone has their own little system to make it work for them.
I'm getting married this year. I sure hope I "feel" better. I love my Peter so much. We decided on a date immediately after I got sick. I was hoping I had a bacterial infection, that's what it feels like, but my endoscopy was negative.
I did write alot. Just needed to vent. Take care,
Cristy
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Do people really start feeling "good" again ever? I am not trying to be pessamistic at all, I just feel like it's been so long. You know what I mean. It's all so scary. I'm just not sure how to feel or what to feel or know. It's scary because nobody "knows" not even doctors. You would think by now in the world someone would. I'm trying to keep an upbeat face and be a happy person. I just feel like I'm "sick" though. Does the "sick" feeling ever go away. Or am I the only one to feel this way? I feel like I am.
Thank you so much! Your advice has been helpful to me,
Cristy
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Hypnotherapy?
#35390 - 01/05/04 02:29 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Cristy, how long have you been suffering with IBS? Are you not getting any relief with all your efforts? It takes awhile, you know -- are you giving it a chance?
I felt like you do sometime back, and Heather turned me on to Michael's hynotherapy program. Why not peruse the hypno board and see what people have to say about it -- I know I've found a lot of relief from it, and I'm not finished with it yet (I have 10 more days to go). Check it out!
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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