terrible d...PLEASE help!!!
#360060 - 08/01/10 01:27 AM
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fairleas
Reged: 05/05/09
Posts: 87
Loc: USA
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I am just at my wits' end. I don't know what to do. I have a four-hour drive ahead of me today and I'm going to be in a major city for a week and I am desperate!!!
I admit, the past week I've not been taking good care of myself, but it's because my schedule got very hectic.
Last weekend, my family and I spent time at an outdoor event. It was very hot but I drank water and Gatorade and took plenty of fiber and I seemed to do okay. This past week, I had some terrible PMS problems and I took some Black Cohosh. I also got a terrible headache and when I get those the only thing that helps is aspirin...not the best thing to take, I guess, but when you can't see you'll try anything. Finally I took Goody's Headache Powder and it went away...again, I know I shouldn't have for my stomach's sake, but my head hurt so bad I could barely see. At some point during the week I had an energy shot. Again, I know. Bad bad bad. But circumstances dictated it. I did try to take lots of SF (Benefiber, I try to get 25+ g a day) and I at one point got desperate and took Pepto.
I've been stressed out about this trip and Friday was the last straw. My husband and I had a furious argument about it. That's when my stomach started gurgling. Later that night (I'm so embarrassed...) I had an accident at the store...I got out real fast before anyone noticed (I hope) and went home crying. Since then, I've had horrible gas with liquidy, mucousy, black D. I've taken Imodium and calcium and acidophilus and more SF...but it hasn't let up. It's blackish and slimy in consistency, probably from the Pepto. And here's the funny thing...my husband, who does not have IBS, said he had a horrible bout with D later that night at work.
The past two days I've eaten nothing but white rice and a little bland chicken breast. It isn't letting up. I've got to go on this trip, there is NO putting it off or canceling. I'm also stressed out because I asked for a room to myself and I have to share a room now. This is not going to work. Can ANYBODY help me??? Will it go away on its own or should I be doing something else?
I won't be able to check until I get to the hotel. In the meantime I'm wondering if I should buy Depends............ 
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IBS-D since...well, a long time
(probiotic acidophilous, SF supplements, IBS eating plan)
my blog
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I have been there! IBD what a nightmare. Yes to the depends really lowers your anxiety about the attacks while traveling. Also while traveling Imodium. Take 2 tabs every 4 hours if you have to. This advice is only in crunch. All the things you are doing wrong will over the years cause your IBD to be out of control with little medical help available. Very few GI specialist will prescribe Lotronex,Lomotil,Narcotic like Percocet to help us. You certainly have not made in-roads into changing you life to live with your disease. If you get headaches often get your Dr. to try using topimax to prevent them. Stress is a major trigger, sweep it out of the house. Find balance in you diet and life. IBD demands it. The other option is buying more Depends, staying home near a toilet, and being curled up in bed in Pain. Verses living. No doctor can change how we life for us. We have the tools we have to put things in order and do the work. Even then we find surprises. For instance Mayo Clinic explained my unusual uncontrolled fecal incontinence which I put off to really bad IBD as a Pelvic Floor Disorder. My nerves were damaged probably during childbirth. Thank Goodness I obey Heather's food help sheet. I take it to every appointment I go to. You need to get on the wagon and feel better then start cleaning and replacing your kitchen pantries keeping only the items which our on our safe list. Replace it with new healthy things you  can eat. Take your donations to the food banks! and make new friends.
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Quote:
You certainly have not made in-roads into changing you life to live with your disease.
Yes, actually I have. For well over a year now I have followed the "Eating For IBS" plan and there are days when it is very successful for me. There are also some times when I still have attacks, even though following the plan to the letter. This time, I admit I brought it on myself by my poor choices, but with the week I was having I just had to do what I had to do and pay the consequences later. That small time frame when I didn't follow the "rules" exactly to the T was a blip in my life, the exception as opposed to the rule. So I would say I have most definitely made inroads into changing my life as it pertains to living with IBS.
Quote:
If you get headaches often get your Dr. to try using topimax to prevent them. Stress is a major trigger, sweep it out of the house. Find balance in you diet and life. IBD demands it.
I don't get headaches often. This one was related to my monthly cycle. The stress I felt at this point was, again, the exception. I had a big trip to prepare for and I felt the stress of that.
Quote:
No doctor can change how we life for us. We have the tools we have to put things in order and do the work. [...] You need to get on the wagon and feel better then start cleaning and replacing your kitchen pantries keeping only the items which our on our safe list. Replace it with new healthy things you can eat. Take your donations to the food banks! and make new friends.
Again, I HAVE been "on the wagon" for well over a year now. I've done all that and about 90-95% of the time I feel fairly well. But, like everyone, I sometimes have attacks because of poor choices I made and sometimes I have attacks for no reason at all. I try to always make good choices, but occasionally a bad one slips in.
I managed to control my attack with a TON of Imodium and charcoal tablets and lots of SF powder and water. Anyone have some helpful advice for me if this should happen again? No offense, but it's quite depressing to have an urgent situation like this and nobody cares enough to even say, "I know what you're going through, maybe I can't help, but I feel your pain."
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IBS-D since...well, a long time
(probiotic acidophilous, SF supplements, IBS eating plan)
my blog
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I'm not on the Boards very much so I just saw this today. Let's sort this out a little.
Gatorade: may have HFCS (I don't remember for sure)
Energy shot: the ones I know about are just super-caffeine; that would do me in
Pepto: It looks to me like both liquid and tablets contain artificial sweeteners.
Goody's Headache Powder: Depending on what kind you took it might have had artificial sweetener and/or lactose in it.
So none of this is good. However, the headache powder in particular probably contained so little of either artificial sweetener and/or lactose that I'd consider it insignificant. I'd say the energy drink was the worst - caffeine is deadly for my D - but it's probably a good idea to avoid all of them.
If you're taking the Pepto for an upset stomach (not lower digestive tract), try Alka-Seltzer instead or just club soda. If you're really bother by carbonation, try ginger tea or a tummy tea (a couple different herbal tea companies make those) or - if you're willing to risk some HFCS - try a ginger ale. (For me HFCS is less of a problem than artificial sweeteners.)
For headaches, I'd go with straight Tylenol, aspirin, or NSAID like Aleve. Check the label to be sure the aspirin in particular doesn't contain caffeine. Caffeine apparently potentiates pain relief so it's common to add it to pain relievers. Aspirin and NSAIDs can be hard on the stomach so be sure you don't take them on an empty stomach. Tylenol should be safe with nothing in your system. I have never had IBS-related problems from any of these meds.
For a quick energy boost, try something sweet. One nice thing about the EFI diet is that sweets are definitely not off limits. If you can combine a sweet with something higher in protein, you should get a quick energy boost and some long lasting energy also.
In place of Gatorade you can try making your own energy drink. I know this isn't always helpful if you're out and about but then you could stick with plain water and use your own energy drink to rehydrate and re-electrolyte when you get home. Here's a recipe: recipe
It does have orange juice which is high fructose but it's pretty diluted.
All that said, nothing you took should have caused the severe problems you're describing since you're basically doing the EFI diet most of the time. So I don't think last weekend's problem was IBS. If your husband had D also it's more likely you picked up some kind of bug. My experience has been that if I get a digestive illness, I suffer much more from it than people without IBS. Here's what I'd suggest for any future episodes:
Talk to your doctor about having some codeine on hand. The last time I had a truly terrible intestinal virus the doctor prescribed this and it was like a miracle. I believe it was a pretty standard Tylenol and codeine tablet.
If your doctor isn't willing to let you keep an emergency supply then find out the location and hours of your nearest walk-in clinic. When you're as sick as you were last weekend, you need to see a doctor. Don't assume it's just another IBS attack or that it's somehow your fault.
For a more garden-variety IBS-D episode, try peppermint tea. I like Tazo's Refresh but there are a lot of different ones out there. I brew it one bag to a mug and let it steep for at least five minutes. It won't stop a freight train IBS attack for me but it really does help calm down more minor ones.
Imodium is helpful but I don't find that adding extra SF helps an attack already in progress. I do know, however, that one old-timer on the Boards swore that Equalactin (a particular SFS) would stop an attack in progress. I tried it once and it made me worse but you might consider it. Similarly, I'm not sure adding more acidophilus would stop an ongoing attack. Calcium has never done anything for me IBS-wise but I know other people find it beneficial.
You can also talk to your doctor about anti-anxiety meds (valium, ativan) and about anti-spasmodics (like Donnatol or Levsin). I find the former helpful, the latter not but your mileage may vary.
I hope some of this helps in the future. I'm glad you managed to get through the week but please - the next time see your local doc-in-the-box. Just because we have IBS doesn't mean we don't get sick just like everyone else. Sadly, intestinal illnesses don't seem to leave us alone just because our guts are already beat up.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Sand
#360146 - 08/07/10 09:29 AM
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Gerikat
Reged: 06/21/09
Posts: 1285
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You give the very best advice of ANYONE on this Eating Board, besides Heather herself. It sounds like you speak from tons of personal experience...and I love that. There are a few on here, that can only quote research, but you give us great steps to take from your own personal trial and error.
This gal was really hurting, but you didn't beat her up, you just gave her honest, good advice. It is good to have you here. I think if I have questions from here on out, I will direct them to you. 
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I hope things are better for you today.
This week has been stressful for me too and my IBS went haywire.
My father in law went to the hospital with heart problems,he had a major heart attack 11 years ago ,but on Tuesday he went into cardiac arrest .His heart stopped for a few minutes but luckily began to beat again.He is still in critical but stable condition...does that even make sense??
We are also leaving on Monday for a 10 day trip and we are flying.
So this week has been hell.
A couple of things I have figured out are these...
I need my sleep. In times of stress I need alot of sleep.Run down,worried,not eating at home or the right things and dealing with the rest of life really take their toll and for me if I haven't slept ...I am a wreck.
Eating totally safe food and very little of it. I know the less I have in my system the less chance of having to go I have.I do need to keep some food in there because I have no gallbladder and with an empty stomach,that just gives me yellow BMs.
Trying not to think about tomorrow.Just get through each hour and do not focus on what is coming up next.
DRUGS!!! yes I also have an anxiety pill I can take if i really need help...which I did this week.It makes me sleepy but it does take away alot of the stress.
i use Imodium advanced.It helps with cramps,bloating and gas also.I take em as I need them.
Yesterday I was a basket case,didn't think I was going to make it but today after some sleep and safe foods,I don't feel quite so crazy.
I hope you managed and I am so sorry about your accident that is always a great fear for everyone.
Having your safety supplies with you can help too.(clean clothes,drugs,water,snacks,toilet paper...etc).
Know that you aren't alone.It feels like it sometimes but there are so many people out there that have the same issues.
Good luck to you.
Chris
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IBS-D since 1999...mostly stable..i do cheat too.Bad me.
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Just a thought-I know my local health food store (we have Sprouts or Sunflower market) carries either natural Ginger Ale or 7-Up. Due to the fact that it is natural, these brands (Hansen's is one) contain things like Gingeroot and pure cane sugar (no HFCS) which would most likely be more beneficial. Here is a link to Hansen's web site, which also has a store to purchase on-line if it's not available in your area. Hansens
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"I know what you're going through, maybe I can't help, but I feel your pain."
That is from me! ((HUG)). I'm SO sorry you had to go through this! Yes-I've been there many, many times. I've had IBS-D for 26 years-ever since the birth of my first child. I have tried a lot of things over the years. Recently, I have started a fiber supplement, and am hoping it helps. Recently, my stools are much better formed, and at least I haven't had any D the last two weeks.
Over the years, my IBS-D has ruined MANY outings-shopping malls, trips to Las Vegas, etc. I think the other thing that has been hardest for me in addition to the pain is going to a buffet or restaurant, watching people eat, and then only being able to eat dry toast or plain rice. (sigh!). I do have to say, though, it was much worse before Immodium came on the market. Bless whoever invented that wonder drug!I'm so sorry for your frustration. I think you are doing great with your dietary changes and your control. Hopefully, you can ignore the negative posts. Hang in there! Amy
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Thank you so much, everyone, for the supportive comments. It's nice to know that even if someone can't help, they can certainly sympathize. That is an awesome feeling in itself. 
I made it through the trip and back home again. Not sure how I did, but I did. On the way up there, I was scared to death I was going to have another accident. I had planned ahead and packed myself some extra underwear, some baby wipes, and I was wearing an extra long panty liner that I adjusted to cover more of my behind than the vaginal area. I was the last vehicle in a three-vehicle caravan, because I went up there with a group headed by a friend who used to live in this area (my son made it on to a national competition so it was me and my two kids plus all the kids who made it from the other group and all the adults that came with them) so I wasn't on my own timetable; I was forced to follow the timetable of the group. That was stressful to me. And then once I got up there I knew I would have to share a room with my daughter and the wife of the friend; I know her well and we are buddies but that didn't make it less stressful to me.
First night, I was still feeling the effects. Had a grilled chicken mango salad from Qdoba (eating choices in the area were limited most times to where we could walk), of which most got thrown away since it was very little chicken and mango and lots of lettuce (romaine, but still). Took more Imodium and charcoal tablets. By the next day I felt a lot better. Had some tummy rumblings and gas attacks and loose stools over the next several days (we were there from Sunday to Saturday) but no accidents.
I tried to eat healthy and IBS-friendly...kept rice milk and Rice Chex and bananas in the room for breakfast and had turkey sandwiches or PB&J (HFCS-free) for lunch. One day I had a turkey pita wrap while everyone else had pizza. For dinner, I found a nice kebab place across the street from the hotel and I got a grilled chicken kebab pita wrap with hummus. I also had some hummus and pita bread, which was awesome. I also found a place where I could get some grilled chicken in a nice dairy-free sauce with some plain white rice. There was a little coffeepot in the room so I was able to have peppermint tea and Tension Tamer tea. My doctor gave me Dicyclomine to take when I had attacks and I kept my SF with me at all times to put in my drinks, plus I dumped it on my cereal and in my tea.
But seriously...I went through a 48-pack of Imodium from Friday night to Thursday. This is not normal for me. I'd be okay, then it would get loose again and the gas would come. When I get a certain kind of gas, I know it's because I need to go poo. I go poo, the gas was better. When I get a different kind, I know this kind is not going to go away with just going to the bathroom. It's annoying. Things are loose again today, but I know I took entirely too much Imodium and I'm trying to wean myself off it. I didn't want to take that much but I was in a situation where it couldn't be helped. I was with a group of about 20 teens, two of which were mine, and about nine adults, only two of which I knew. I spent most of the day in a big convention center and probably 80% of the time I was not in my own vehicle so I was at the mercy of others. Did I mention the A/C went out in my van just before this trip? Heat really bothers my gut. Another trigger. Pooping my pants was NOT an option...so I just had to do what I had to do.
Okay...
I did check the Gatorade and it is HFCS-free. Powerade, however, does have HFCS.
The energy shot (the little shot, not a big drink...although I would KILL for a Monster Java) did have caffeine and sucralose. I knew that going in...but I have serious fatigue problems and I had to have some energy. It isn't a normal thing for me to take one, only in extreme situations. Haven't had one since at least two weeks ago.
The Goody's did have sucralose, since it was the orange flavor. It also has caffeine. I did know that but it was to the point where I was having problems seeing because the headache was so bad. It was an extreme last resort to try and get it to go away...bad thing is, it worked. Normally I would take an aspirin for that kind of headache. Caffeine makes a good stack with aspirin, but I try my best to avoid it.
The Pepto was for my gut, and it was because I had run out of Imodium and it was the only thing I had handy. Haven't taken any since.
I have tried Equalactin, but it really doesn't help me. Maybe I didn't take enough, or maybe it was the mouth-feel that made me gag. I don't know, but maybe I'll get some more and keep it handy for emergencies.
As far as that weekend, where both hubby and I had D...it's so hard to tell when I've got an intestinal bug, since it all feels the same to me! I guess if others in the house have it too, maybe that's a sign that it isn't just me. But really...if I ran to the doctor every time I had intestinal problems, I'd be there All. The. Time.
Just because I think it might be helpful to know, I did recently have a colonoscopy and everything came back normal, including stool and tissue samples. No ulcers, no Chron's, no worms, no aliens, no nothing. In a way it was a relief and in a way it was frustrating. I know I should go back to the doctor and insist on more tests or more meds, I just haven't had time. It's been a crazy summer. Maybe once school starts in a couple of weeks, I'll have more time. She said something about a camera that I can swallow that can take pics of my whole digestive tract.
I try to get at least 25 to 30 grams of SF a day (I take the generic version of Benefiber, the plain kind). I take acidophilus tablets. I take charcoal tablets as needed for gas. I take dicyclomine as needed for attacks. I take as many Imodium as needed for attacks (not every day). I take calcium carbonate every day. I take Levothyroxine Sodium (Synthroid) for my thyroid (I have to squeeze it in before bedtime because I can't take any fiber or charcoal two hours before or four hours after taking it).
I'm really at my wit's end, because I'm trying to do everything right and I'm STILL having more bad days than good. I'm to the point where I'm like...screw it, I'm having a steak and onion rings and a big ol' Diet Mountain Dew and I'm gonna top it off with some ice cream. With coconut. (must stay away from ANYTHING with coconut or coconut oil) I mean, if I'm still having bad days, why am I trying to eat IBS-friendly? But I'm just blowing off steam...I'm really not going to do that.
Hope I don't sound short, just trying to answer the questions as I see them (have two windows open).
Thank you so much for not beating me up. I do enough of that on my own. I was ready to just quit coming here until I saw the very helpful and caring comments. It really brought tears to my eyes. Thank you all, again, very much for caring. It's nice to know that there are people who understand.
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IBS-D since...well, a long time
(probiotic acidophilous, SF supplements, IBS eating plan)
my blog
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