Living with IBS and trying to get pregnant
#366257 - 10/13/11 01:52 PM
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Hi,
I was diagnosed with IBS-D in 2009. I had the routine tests ie: stool samples, blood work, and a colonoscopy done that year. I have been successfully managing my IBS-D with OTC anti-diarrhea medication since. My question is this, has anyone had IBS-D and been on prenatal vitamins that cause constipation? I have heard a lot about the prenatal vitamins causing constipation and my hope is maybe I could ease off the anti-diarrhea medication while pregnant as a result of using the prenatal vitamins.
I realize every woman's pregnancy is different, and in fact each trimester will be different as well. I'm just looking for some feed back from anyone who has dealt with IBS-D while pregnant.
I am also nervous because as of the last 3 months I have had attacks where I wake up in the middle of the night from a sound sleep with severe abdominal cramps that radiate into my back, diarrhea, vomiting, and uncontrollable chills. I wanted to begin the prenatal vitamins 3 months in advance before TTC. We wanted to TTC in January. I can't get into my GI doctor until December! It makes me nervous to begin prenatal vitamins without figuring out these attacks first. Any advice?
Thank you!!!
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You may want to try the pre-natal vitamins now and see if you can use them instead of the OTC meds - When I was preg with IBS, I took the old formula of kaopectate, which back then, was kaolin (clay) and pectin! So my ob said it was OK. You may want to consult with your OB about your IBS, as they may have some insight there too. I struggled with IBS with my second pregnancy, but as mentioned, the kaopecate old formulation helped - but a trial run on the vitamins may give you your answer if the doc has no problem with it - at least for a short time, as it might not be good to take pre natal vitamins long term - some vitamins and minerals - such as calcium - D, (like Caltrate 600 with Vit D) can help with IBS-D as long as there is not too much magnesium, which can go the other way. Some IBS -Dpatients have been helped with that supplement. Consult with your doctor to make sure.
As far as waking up with symptoms, sounds more like you had a flu bug than IBS, but I could be wrong. Most IBS patients are not typically awakened and having that combination of symptoms looks more like flu than IBS - but of course, there are exceptions to those guidelines.
You may want to consider trying the hypnotherapy program offered here, before TTC - no side effects and it may help give you a more holistic approach in getting the motility (D) issues under control. If this approach gets you IBS free or close to it, then your pregnancy will be much less stressful overall. It was the thing that helped me, though I already had my kids by the time I found out about it - prior to that I raised my kids through the bathroom door...  Let me know if you have any questions - happy to help.
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My Journey and Success with the IBS Audio Program Hypnotherapy Program: www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=hypnotherapy&Number=224850
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I went through my second pregancy with first trimester waS the worse. I had c but and thats what i had but it got better as the days went on. I also made sure I drank plenty of water and walk almost everyday it help with everything. I took just regular vitimins I took a multivitimin a calcuim pill and a foili acid pill everyday and was fine and this was under doc orders. I still take a calcuim pill and the vitimin.hth I am hear if you have any more questions.
emmasmom
ibs-c gas
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I am at my wits ends and i do own these do they really work. I have been tempted to try them just need to fine the time. witch is something I dont have a lot of these days. But something has to give before I lose my mind from eating the same thing everyday. Any advice would be great.Thanks
emmasmom
ibs-c gas
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Yes, they really work for most people who try them and stick with it. For a few severe cases, the program may need to be repeated a time or two. This may be in part because the sessions will deal with what the mind/body perceives as more pressing over the IBS.
The time you need to devote to the sessions is about 1/2 hour a day with days off here and there. Most people find it easy to do just before bedtime - have your CD player or ipod on your nightstand, set the menu to listen just for your scheduled session for that day, and then sleep for the night after your session. For myself, I spent around 4 hours a day in the bathroom, in pain, with diarrhea, and a measely 1/2 hour listening quietly while resting to help myself was no big deal in perspective of all the time I was feeling bad. I was at my wit's end - with 17 years of severe IBS that ruined my life (back in 2000), with nothing else helping, I did this program as a last resort. Only thing that helped long term.
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My Journey and Success with the IBS Audio Program Hypnotherapy Program: www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=hypnotherapy&Number=224850
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