Newbie. Recently-diagnosed. Need some advice! Help!
#47808 - 03/03/04 06:49 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Seahawk
Reged: 03/03/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
|
|
|
Good evening to all.
I have been a ghost on these boards for over two months now; and I felt that it was about time that I took a more proactive approach to my condition. I figured that I could start by asking some questions and sharing my thoughts. My apologies if I am too graphic in my descriptions...
My symptoms seem to be the same as everyone else, although I do attribute some of my current digestive problems to a prior lack of exercise and poor diet. I used to only eat one meal a day; and I lost a significant amount of weight from a body type that clearly needs more weight, not less. The weight loss [and the concern of my wife] is what prompted my visit to the physician. Through the usual process of elimination [blood tests, colonoscopy, stool tests, etc…], I was diagnosed with IBS-D.
I make it sound routine; but, in all honesty, it took what seemed like a very long time for the various physicians to reach that conclusion. One physician swore that I was allergic to corn [Side Note: Corn is in EVERYTHING!], while an allergist eventually confirmed that I was not. I had initially removed all forms of corn from my diet; but I am now in the process of adding some back. I really missed bread...
Here is my usual daily menu:
Wake: Ultra Duo Dophilus
:30 Later: Banana
At work: Protein Shake [banana, Benefiber, rice protein, rice milk, and rice syrup]
Caltrate, Fennel
2:00 Later: 2 Homemade Pumpkin Muffins [3g of fiber each / I love my wife so...]
2:00 Later: Lunch [normally, chicken and rice, sushi, or a sandwich]
Fennel
:30 Later: Mintacin
2:00 Later: Protein Shake [Balanced Total Nutrition]
3:00 Later: Ultra Duo Dophilus
:30 Later: Dinner [normally, rice cereal w/ Benefiber and a sliced banana]
Caltrate / Fennel
Water intake falls throughout my day; and, of course, not during a meal.
I also work out at the gym four times a week.
Now to my question...
Am I doing something wrong?
I still have an extremely urgent loose movement in the morning; followed by an unsettled feeling until I eat later in the morning; and another urgent loose movement before I go home from work [Note: My place of work is approximately 45-60 minutes away from my home]; followed by yet another period of unsettled-ness. I have horrible bubbling gas on my left side under my arm from about 2pm to 7pm. I do not have diarrhea anymore [or so I have to keep telling myself]; but I cannot seem to escape from bowel movements centered around waking up or traveling to/from work/home. Help!
Thank you for taking the time to read my rant.
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Just wanted to say welcome to the boards! I was just looking over your diet and wondering what you might be doing (or not doing) that is causing you to still have problems. I tend to spend more time worrying about my stomach than actually having stomach problems and that leads to "real" stomach problems. Could there be anything in those protein shakes you are drinking that you aren't aware of and that's bothering your stomach? Just wondering if you make those or is it something you buy. I have IBS-D and was taking Immodium daily until a few months ago. The Immodium would throw me in to IBS-C and that was not fun either. Now I take it as I need it and have found myself to be feeling quite regular after taking the Acacia on a daily basis. I see you are taking Benefiber and maybe you are just not taking enough? Also I noticed lately that bananas are not always agreeing with me and were possibly causing me to have some gas pains and bloating. Hmmm not sure what else you could be doing different. But thank goodness you are eating more often than once a day and have started exercising. Sometimes it just takes a good detective to figure out what food is really bother me.
I'm sure others on here will have some other suggestions.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks for the reply!
I make the first protein shake myself and all of the products are organic [I do not know what I would do without a Whole Foods Market...]. The second shake [made from soy] seems to have ingredients that my system agrees with. It could be the bananas; but the gas/bubbling is normally centered around my leaving from work. Come to think of it, I have the same discomfort at the same time when I am not at work, too. Hmmm...
I think that you are 100% correct when you mention about worrying about having problems when you really do not have any. That seems to sum up my daily activities...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Welcome Seahawk!
#47841 - 03/04/04 07:33 AM
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Hi there Sewhawk! Welcome!
The first thing that hit me was your comment: "Water intake falls throughout my day; and, of course, not during a meal." You need to reverse that; water intake throughout the day should increase -- you really need it with the soluble fiber supplement. And why "not during a meal?" Working out four times a week is great -- but that means you need even MORE water.
What is "Mintacin"?
There is a total absence of insoluble fiber. We need our insolubles as well. Does your wife do the cooking, or do you? A real easy way to add veggies into your diet is in soups or stews.
Bananas are great, but they give me a lot of gas. I have one in my fruit smoothie (so I can get more fruit in my diet), but I can't have one every day because of the gas.
I'm also a D, and I have my urgent bathrooms runs every morning too -- I have more than one though. I look on it as a blessing; how terrible for all the people here who have C and don't go at all!
I note that you have dophilus first thing in the morning, but you don't have your fiber supplement until you get to work, after you've had your banana. Why not have your fiber supplement first thing in the morning, before any food? I take my probiotic in the middle of the night -- usually around midnight -- then my acacia in my tea when I first get up. Then breakfast comes about a half hour later.
Have you thought about trying a different supplement? I used to take Citrucel but switched to Heather's acacia, which worked so much better (although I really wasn't taking enough of the Citrucel). I had to gradually increase my dosage, but really GRADUALLY. How much fiber are you taking?
If what you're doing isn't working for you, you need to change it. I'd check on my dosage of fiber, drink a lot more water, and work some veggies into my diet. And of course I'd come back here to the Boards for all kinds of help and support! 
Again, welcome, Seahawk!
Bev
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hello and Welcome. The others already said what I was thinking...maybe the protien shakes-sometimes too much protien gives me D. And maybe try to increase your soluble fiber supplement and maybe try to switch to a different fruit a couple days a week in your shakes. My hubby makes smoothies with bags of frozen organic berries(Isn't Whole Foods GREAT!)
Keep up the exercise and double your water!!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks, Bev!
Sorry 'bout the confusion...
What I actually meant to write was that I drink water throughout the day. I do not drink any during a meal, rather before or after.
Mintacin is a supplement that contains Simethicone and Peppermint Oil. It really helps with the uncomfortable gas/bubbling I seem to get.
You are right about the insoluble fiber. Every time I have any of significance, I feel absolutely horrible. I also considered changing my soluble supplement to Heather's Acacia. Do you know how many servings there are in one package? If I am taking 2tbsp a day, how quickly will I use her product?
I always assumed that my "one" urgent morning trip to the restroom was far better than others I have read about; but, interestingly enough, I now have had to use the restroom twice a morning recently. I do not think that I will ever figure this thing out. Could it be my dophilus? It does have the controversial FOS in it. Is there a better time to take it? It really gives me such horrible stomach cramps...
Thanks again for all your help!
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks!
Before I purchased Heather's books and found her board, I was going absolutely crazy. Just writing about our issues seems to help so very much...
After I drink my shake, I seem to be just fine. I assume that the gas/bubbling comes from digesting all of the fiber I have taken in throughout the morning/early afternoon. Changing up my fruit is a good idea, though. Would I have to take something soluble with it? I thought that Heather mentioned that you could not take fresh fruit by itself.
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Acacia and Jarrow
#47851 - 03/04/04 08:10 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Here you go Seahawk: Acacia Fiber
Also, check out the link Heather has here for her acacia. She sends it to you in one-pound bags, and that's a 2-month supply (for me). However, I believe she now can ship larger bags as well. She is also working on a system whereby she can ship to us on a regular schedule. You can e-mail her or call her to order it, and she can tell you exactly how much you should be taking to start off. (Also, she sends you a little free sample of Equalactin with your order! I love the stuff!)
Do a search here for "simethicone" -- I know it's been discussed, I just don't recall what was said about it.
If your probiotic gives you "horrible stomach cramps," I wouldn't take it! Have you considered Jarro? Check it out: Jarro Several of us here take it and like it. It doesn't bother my tummy at all, and I am very satisfied with my poops now. I have a smile on my face every time I leave the bathroom.
Good luck -- and keep us posted.
Bev
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks once more, Bev!
Simethicone is a gas-reducer. It is found in Gas-X, Phazyme, etc... I use the Mintacin because it is enteric-coated; and it breaks up the gas in your intestines, not your stomach. The peppermint oil adds a nice soothing effect.
Two months sound good to me. I will order some after my Benefiber runs out.
So, I should probably drink my fiber/protein shake [I am trying to gain weight...] first thing in the morning; and take my new probiotic before I go to sleep. My fiber intake, including food, is close to 25g. I just love those pumpkin muffins my wife has made for me...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Seahawk,
Welcome to the boards. I just wanted to say that I was having trouble figuring out how to add insoluble fiber to my diet and Bevrs told me to try some soup. So, I bought some IBS safe broth and some canned mixed vegetables. I cooked them til they were extra super tender. Then, I added some no yolk noodles and served it with fat free crackers. OH MY GOSH, it was delicious! At least now I don't have to worry about not getting the insoluble in, like before.
Terri
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks!
My wife recently made some potato soup w/ carrots and celery. I could give that a go...
I really should try preparing more meals during the week. My job does not always give me the opportunity to have lunch in the same location. I always seem to eat something with rice and meat...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Yaay Terri!
#47871 - 03/04/04 08:56 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
You go, Girl!
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Need Weight Gain?
#47873 - 03/04/04 09:04 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
OOOOOH.... pumpkin muffins -- I love them! Pumpkin is very good for your tummy.
I have no problem at all with weight gain! So lets see, what can I recommend? Have you checked the recipes in the Recipe Board here? OMG! Do you like chocolate? How about my fave Soy Dream Mocha Fudge? Have you tried TessLouise's incredible "Antidepressant Brownies" (aka "ADBs")? What about Apple Cinnamon French Toast? Apple Pie Angel Food Cake? Baked Tapioca? Breakfast Rice Pudding? Chocolate Pudding Cake? Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake?
Somebody STOP ME!
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Seahawk,
I hadn't thought of potato soup. That sounds good, too. I used to fix it with dairy, but shoot, it would work well with a broth, too, and other vegeys. Hmmm, I'm getting hungry!
Terri
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I need to thank you for your simple recipe for soup. You'd think I could have thought of it on my own; but no. I always make everything harder than it has to be. When you told me how you make your soup; I thought, "Wow, that's easy, nutritious, and perfect for insoluble!"
Anyway, now I don't have that worry over my head about eating insoluble fiber. (That's one worry down, and googles to go!) haha
Terri 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yep.
I do not know the whole recipe [I will find out]; but I know that my wife uses organic chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, and garlic.
She is my idol!
She eats so healthy and works out five days a week.
She has definitely been the stabilizing force throughout all of my recent digestive trials.
Her birthday gift this year is going to be something extra special! 
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yep.
I used to eat apple/oat bran muffins; but I really love these pumpkin ones. Plus, they have more fiber in them...
Unfortunately, I am allergic to chocolate, dairy, and nuts. They are triggers for my migraines. The avoidance of dairy works for the IBS Diet, though...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Sure, I'd like the recipe. I'm not very imaginative or creative, so I need all the help I can get! As a matter of fact, I'm new to nutritious eating. I had no idea I was doing so much wrong to my system; until this site came along! Well, I'm really glad you have a nutrition savvy wife to help you out!
As for me; the older I get, the more I see how little I know!
But, there's always hope!
Terri
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Will do!
I know that she gets a lot of her healthy recipes from the 24-Hour Fitness website. We both belong to the gym; but I do not think that you have to be a member in order to cruise around their site.
I will post the information for her apple/oat bran muffins, potato soup, and pumpkin muffins as early as tomorrow...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
First of all, that has got to be one of the best well-written first tiem posts! You seem to be on top of your strengths/weaknesses...and my guess is you really don't need much help from us...just some encouragement! You seem to be health conscious which is GREAT! You're even on acidoohilus...good for you! It also sounds like you've made major improvments in your style...some of which are difficult (good for you exercisign FOUR TIMES A WEEK!)  It also sounds like you have a supportive wife...VERY helpful!
It's really great having you on board Seahawk! As for what you're doing wrong (I haven't read everyone else's comments yet...) something to remember: IBS is not JUST effected by what you eat. There are many factors that play into the symptoms we experience...stress, illness, etc. Sometimes, you can go a day without eating and STILL have symptoms.
Keep posting and keep us posted!
Always,
Ruchie
--------------------
Formerly known as Ruchie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Seahawk
#47908 - 03/04/04 10:20 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Seahawk
Reged: 03/03/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
|
|
|
Thanks, and good to know!
I try to read everything that I can regarding IBS. Sometimes, though, I suffer from information overload. I tend to over-think things a great deal; and I am always second-guessing my "symptoms"...
I am very fortunate to have an exceptionally supportive wife [although, she is tired of hearing about poop... ]; and an equally supportive supervisor [he let me alter some of my hours in order to attend the gym more frequently...].
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Seahawk!
Everyone pretty much covered everything, as far as I can tell. What dose are you at on your Benefiber? I see you take it 2x a day, but how much each time? I didn't see that in any of the posts, so if you did say already and I missed it, I apologize.
Have you ever considered hypnotherapy? The hypno really helped me with morning BM's. I would always have to go at the most inconvienent time - as I was going out the door, on the way, etc., but the hypno REALLY got that under control. Just thought it may help you. 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks!
I really tend to over-think things; so, of course, I am leery of the hypnotherapy. It may be something I need to consider. At least it is not drug-related. I have done everything I can to avoid taking prescription medications.
As for my Benefiber intake, I take 1tbsp in my morning shake and 1 tbsp at night in my cereal.
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm the same way! Info. overload can do that to you. But the more we read...the more we know...the more we grow! (I was a kindergarten teacher, can you tell?) 
It's great that you read! And don't second guess yourself! You've got a great head on your shoulders...and a great supervisor! Can I get time off to go the gym too?
Ruchie
--------------------
Formerly known as Ruchie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Seahawk
#47934 - 03/04/04 10:58 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Seahawk
Reged: 03/03/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
|
|
|
Nyah, I cannot even tell.
My wife is a Children's Librarian; so I completely understand...
As far as time off for the gym is concerned, I will put in a good word for you with my boss!
Second-guessing myself is what I seem to do best. It is definitely something that I have to work on. I am certain that a portion of my stress comes from that very fact.
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Seahawk's Bride
#47964 - 03/04/04 12:04 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Okay, you can't tease us like that. Quote: "Her birthday gift this year is going to be something extra special." Unquote.
Totally unfair. You GOTTA tell us what you're getting her.
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Fair enough.
Finances permitting, it will probably be an expensive "right-hand ring".
Normally, we do not purchase extravagant gifts for our birthdays; but, as patient and as understanding as she has been over the past few months, I firmly believe that she deserves something extra special.
We have been friends with her for eleven years; and we have been married for over three.
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Welcome!
#47973 - 03/04/04 12:24 PM
|
|
|
|
Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
|
|
|
Hi Seahawk! You've gotten some great advice already, so I just wanted to make sure I welcomed you to the boards! I agree with Ruchie, you are very well informed! I'm like that too, I like to know everything humanly possible about my IBS. I really think knowledge is important! I hope you get things figured out soon, and feel free to ask any questions that come up! See you around. 
--------------------
"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
This is you, Seahawk:
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you very much!
If I ask all of the number of myriad questions I have regarding IBS, everyone here on the board may get real tired of seeing my name posted everywhere...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Welcome!
#47980 - 03/04/04 12:29 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
|
|
|
Nah... because we'll be asking questions right alongside you! IBS is a continual learning experience.
--------------------
"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey, now, you are going to make me blush.
I love my wife very much; and I believe that it is my duty as her husband to make sure that she is as happy as she can be. I know that my new illness can be stressful to her as well; and I want to make sure that she knows just how much I appreciate her being with me.
Heck, without her incredible baking skills, I am certain that I would starve to death...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
That it is!
We seem to have so many questions; and each one of us responds so differently to treatment. It can be very difficult; but I try my best to remain as positive as I can...
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
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!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Quote:
*For the soluble fiber powders (Acacia Tummy Fiber, Citrucel, Benefiber)
Start at 1 teaspoon twice a day and over the next week or two (or three or four) work up to 2 tablespoons twice a day, or the equivalent of 10-12 grams of soluble fiber supplement per day.
from web page
You can work up to 2 tablespoons 2x a day, so you may want to try adding some more Benefiber in. Maybe that could help?
When you list "Fennel" in your menu, does that mean fennel tea? If so, you can add a smaller dose of Benefiber to your fennel you have listed right after lunch.
Or it could even be Benefiber just doesn't do if for you. It didn't work for me - but it does work for a lot of other people. The fiber supplements are such a personal thing - there's no set rhyme or reason that if it works for one person, it will work for another. Hopefully, when you get the acacia, it will work for you.
As for the hypno - it can't hurt. The worst that could happen is it just doesn't work at all for you. I think it could help with your urgency though, because it helped me. I still remember last year when I was turning the corner onto the road my work is on, having the I-gotta-go-NOW feeling, and as I was turning, I did some of the hypno imagery and it worked! It was so neat! I'll never forget that.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Speaking of hearing of "poop" I was recently at a friends house and another woman there asked me what was wrong, knew I had an eating problem, and when I told her she also had IBS. This led is into an in depth conversation which we tried to keep to ourselves but I could tell others heard it and finally someone said "I think I've heard more than I really want to hear" which of course embarrassed me. I can understand people not wanting to hear about "poor" but hey, it's part of our lives. You can do all the poop talk you want here which is a relief.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Seahawk, if you like potato soup you should try The BEST Baked Potato Soup Ever. I didn't name it, but whoever did knew what they were talking about.
--------------------
"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Kree,
Thanks for the soup recipe. I can't wait to try it. I love potatoes and I love soup. Heck, I think I love food. It didn't love me very much, but with this new IBS way of eating, it's starting to like me back! Weight likes me though, it just keeps hanging onto me and won't let go! haha
Thanks,
Terri
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I know just what you mean about being able to talk about "poop" or ANYTHING at all. This is the only place where I can really "let loose" and say what I want without worrying about it. It really does feel good to know that we can talk like this without fear, doesn't it? I've slipped up too many times, and tried to talk about it only to meet with stares and glares and "ew, that's gross." (That's from my children and son-in-law). Sometimes they bait me into talking about it, under a pretense of concern, and then they'll all look at each other and laugh because I took the bait so quick.
Mean little things, aren't they?
My kids even have nicknames for me.
Anybody else get picked on?
Terri
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
I hear ya...
#48088 - 03/04/04 07:18 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
|
|
|
I understand about liking food but not having a reciprocal relationship, lol. Like you, though, food and I get along a lot better most of the time when I follow the diet. I still get extremely excited when I find a good recipe or eat something delicious. My mother once told me she thought we must have overactive taste buds and that was why we enjoyed food so much. Sometimes I still wonder if that's the case. I was so relieved when I realized that IBS safe food could still be so darn GOOD!
--------------------
"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yeah, I thought about increasing my Benefiber intake, as well.
I was not taking any soluble fiber when I awoke; so I have now [today] altered my routine. I have also changed the probiotic I was using [from Ultra Duo Dophilus to Jarro-Dophilus]; and I now take one before bedtime.
I am fairly concerned about adding more fiber, though. I recently added the soy protein/fiber drink [3g] to my diet; and I have had to use the restroom twice in the mornings, instead of once. I did not have to use the restroom before I left work, however. I admit to being a bit confused. Did I add too much fiber too fast?
As far as the Fennel I listed, I take Fennel Seed capsules from Nature's Way.
Thanks!
--------------------
-Seahawk
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm not sure. I used to go 3x every morning, then for a long time it was only 2. This past week, it's only been one. I don't know what makes it change.  Have your 2 in the morning been urgent/loose also? I know you said the 1 in the morning & 1 before leaving work were.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
