Checking back again
#43710 - 02/08/04 07:50 AM
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JosephC
Reged: 01/25/04
Posts: 125
Loc: Kansas City
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Hey all,
I kow I went away after my first posting, but I really needed someone to talk to at the time, and you guys really helped.
Anyway, I got Heather's book(the First Year one)and have been trying to get through it, though I keep falling asleep(not because the book, I'm just tired). But I need some guidance again and I hope somebody can help.
My biggest IBS problems are gas and my BMs. When I have them, they tend to burn. Sometimes its the gas that burns, sometimes not. Is there anything I can take to maybe help that burning go away?
I ask because I've just about drastically changed how I eat in the last two weeks. I have my oatmeal and chamomille(or peppermint) tea in the morning-which tends to help me not have so many BM's, but not the actual pain when I DO have one(or two, as per my cycle anymore). I'm taking about a tablespoon of Benefiber a day, and making sure to snack on high soluable fiber snacks(I bought some Sougherdough-sp?-bread and all natural applesauce at the grocery store a few days ago) or smaller low fat items (like low fat cinnamon grahams). I've been eating a lot of chicken noodle soups, too, which where doing ok on my system-especially when I got really bad cramps.
Thing is, since two weeks ago, I haven't been sleeping well because every morning I get really strong stomach cramps and gas, and they wont stop. Its almost like clockwork-about 5 or 6 o'clock they come, and lessen for a few hours after breakfast, return about 10, then gradually leave through the day. Is there anything I can do at night to stop this? I dont eat late, and I make sure that if I dont eat any snacks late, I at least take some fiber in a cup of tea. And can my symptoms just change so quickly?
Also, I can't be certain some of my stomach pain isnt a pulled stomach muscle. I've pulled it before, and I know how difficult it is to rest and how much pain it can cause. Can I take Ibuprofen? I havent yet, so I'm not sure how careful I should be.
Its just, I've been trying really hard to do the right stuff to stop this, but it aint stopping, and I'm just kinda depressed over it. I know you've probably all been there, but I feel so useless with this. Will it take some time for my body to get into the swing?
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How long have you been taking the Benefiber? Have you increased the dosage? Did you do a search in here for Benefiber?
I had the same problem when I switched from Citrucel, but it went away after my body got used to the change. It takes awhile.
What kind of tea are you drinking with the fiber? Fennel? Peppermint? Ginger? Those are all really beneficial for your tummy.
Also, you might consider a probiotic. My system seemed to be much happier when I started on my Jarro. Hmmmm.... how can I say this politely? Well, lets just say that when I go to the bathroom, I come out with a big smile on my face. How's that?
Check out Heather's acacia. So many of us have noticed a big improvement when we switched.
Hope you get better soon.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I use benefiber two tablespoons twice daily-in the am and at supper. Do you have any medication for the cramps??? It might help while you get adjusted. It takes awhile, but keep trying-I started the diet in October and are stabile-I still have attacks-they don't last so long now-good luck! Maryh
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Whatever doesn't kill me will make me stronger!
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Joe,
Good point in last post about medication. My prescription for the anti-spasmodic (anti-cramp) called Bentyl or dicyclomine has been VERY helpful.
Also I would NOT recommend Ibuprofen as it is a stomach irritant. I switched over to Extra Strength Tylenol several years ago and it made a BIG difference.
Hang in there, it will get better!
(Also, if the pain continues, don't hesitate to call your doctor in case it's something more serious -- okay??!!)
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Hi! Sorry you're not feeling well. Don't worry - you will get better. GIve yourself a pat on the back for making a change in your life for the better. It'll take time - you'll learn as you go. A couple of suggestions - I find that oatmeal can upset my stomach (I'm just sensitive to it) - although most people are just fine with it. Try eating a plain piece of toast with a bit of jam and see if there's a difference.
I would also shy away from the low fat cinnamon grahams - again - most folks here are fine with graham, I am not.
Also, with the benefiber - several people here have switched to acacia, as Bev suggested. The benefiber can also cause bloating and gas.
As for a few things to try - go to the yoga board and get the gas pose from them. It's great for releasing painful gas.
Try walking a light walk 15 minutes even after supper. Maybe that will help digest your supper and help with the early morning gas.
I don't know what size meals you're eating, but try eating smaller portions more frequently. Try a light snack at bedtime - ie. some peppermint tea with a slice of toasted french bread, or a few crackers.
Drink lots of strong peppermint tea throughout the day which will help with the pain.
Ibuprofen can be hard on the stomach to some people so I woudl take it with a meal just to be safe.
ONe last thing - did you read the ingredients on the sourdough bread? There's often milk ingredients in that kind. Try a loaf of french bread - it's a much safer but just as tasty option.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Thanks for the tips. The kind of bread is by Cobblestone Mills, which fortunately doesnt have egg in it(thank God for little miracles), but I'll try the french bread option, too.
I worry a bit about the oatmeal. I do feel good afterwards, but I dunno if there's maybe a delay. I'll try my sugar-free apricot preserves on toast tomorrow just to see if there's a change.
And I looked at the yoga poses. I want to print them put later and maybe keep a copy in my pocket if I get bothered at work.
I'm keeping my meals pretty small, but my problem is speed eating. Im getting better, but its more difficult to break that, as is trying to eat a little throughout the day.
And I apologize for my ignorance. Once I looked up priobiotics, I see they're just supplements(like beano). Do they work for anyone else pretty well? What are decent brands?
Again, you guys are really helpful. It just does a lot to tell someone.
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Probiotics
#43766 - 02/08/04 02:44 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Heather says, "Probiotics can help reduce gas, bloating diarrhea, and constipation as a general rule. They'd be comparable to things like soluble fiber supplements and peppermint tea. Helpful for symptoms, but they're not a cure, as they don't do a darn thing to change the enteric nervous system of the gut (which is what's gone awry in IBS)." They add "good gut flora" which we do need and naturally have, but if we've taken a lot of antibiotics, they can wipe out good gut flora because they "indiscriminately kill off all types of bacteria -- which is why people so often have abdominal side effects from antibiotics."
It's kind of fascinating, isn't it?
The probiotic I take -- and a few other here do as well -- is Jarro-Dophilus EPS. You can check it out on the web if you wish: web page or do a search in here because this has been discussed quite a bit at length.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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