New to this - lots of questions!
#52603 - 03/20/04 04:34 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
I was just recently diagnosed with IBS. I'm just starting to learn about all of this. I'm scared, kinda depressed, and just really need some advice on how much fiber to take. I've been taking 1 tsp. of Metamucil twice a day with water, and I have FiberChoice tablets. Can you ever take too much fiber? Do other ones work better? There are so many different kinds to take, and I just am confused. 
Also - my husband and I were planning on getting pregnant this month, and now I am really worried about nutrition - does anyone have any advice please? I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
--------------------
~Cara~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi and welcome! 
Metamucil is the one most likely to cause gas and bloating. Everyone is very different when it comes to the type of soluble fiber supplement that works for him/her. Here's more info on soluble fiber supplements: web page
As for the pregnancy - haven't been down that road - yet!  But, there have been plenty of others around here who have. You can either do a search, or I'm sure someone who is/was will jump in to give you some advice.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Welcome, Cara!
#52631 - 03/20/04 07:29 PM
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Like Mags, I can't help you with the pregnancy thing. Never was -- and never will be! But Mags is right; there are a lot here who can help you.
I don't know anything about Metamucil. I was on Fibercon, then Citrucel, and finally got onto Heather's incredible acacia. I started out with 1 teaspoon 2x/day and worked my way up SLOWLY to 1 tablespoon 2x/day -- and am now almost at 3 tablespoons. All of this over a period of 4 months. My goal is to get to around 12-15g. fiber/day. I'm now at around 10g. When I started, I was barely getting 1g.
Increase your fiber VERRRRRY slowly, and you might consider something besides Metamucil; I'm not sure, but I don't think it's all that good. Heather's acacia is wonderful, but again it's personal preference; what works for one does not work for another. I believe Mags is on the acacia AND Citrucel.
I carry a fiber capsule supplement in my purse for emergencies -- Equalactin -- and I like it A LOT. It's great for the times on the road when I suddenly feel an attack coming on or I have to go out to dinner and I'm worried about what's being served. You know?
Check out all the fiber links in here -- there's a LOT of info for you. And again, welcome to the boards -- you've come to the right place.
Don't be scared or depressed. We're here to help you, and there are so many incredibly knowledgeable and helpful people here who CAN help. Trust me, I know -- they helped ME, so I know they can help you too.
Bev
P.S.: Here's Buddy, the Happy Tummy, to make you feel better:
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Cara! I like your name... that's the name of my dog too. There are some pregnant folks on the board right now... they hang out in the living room a lot.
There's no need to be scared... frustrated and occasionally in pain, but IBS is mostly just a big pain in the butt.
Hope you can find the answers to your questions!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
So am I understanding the an equalactin can stop or slow down an attack once it's started? It's fibre, right, not like imodium?  I've been looking for it but can't find it in the stores so may try to order some online.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Cara,
welcome to the board. I also use metamucil and it helps me stay regular. Iv'e been told not to use it if u suffer gas and bloating which I do but as of now I have not switched. I go see the doctor on Monday, I am told benefiber is just as good as metamucil so I will ask. You can keep taking these with no addictions or side affects, you can take them forever. I don't think u should overload you body though. Good luck keep looking at the boards there is lot's of good advice here and support.
--------------------
if God brought you to it. He will bring you through it.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Heather described Equalactin this way:
(Quote) "Equalactin is just a soluble fiber supplement, like Citrucel or Acacia or Benefiber. It's got the same ingredient in it as Fibercon, but Equalactin is chewable, and I actually think that makes a big difference in how effective it is. Don't really know why, but it does seem to..." (Unquote)
I've taken Fibercon and Citrucel, but Equalactin works better FOR ME. I don't take Immodium, but I always thought that was for diarrhea. Equalactin works on my cramps more than the diarrhea; I take it when I feel cramps coming on. If I also have diarrhea, then I turn to my prescription meds. But I also take Equalactin when I'm anticipating a stressful event or if I'm going out to the dinner and don't know what's being served, etc. It just seems to settle my tummy down.
Oh yeah -- and when I have a real severe attack, terrible cramping and diarrhea, I take my "heavy-duty" meds (Donnatal, serious stuff) AND Equalactin. It takes a long time for the Donnatal to kick in, so the Equalactin works right away until it does. It's a good combination for me.
I also had a hard time finding the stuff. Actually, Heather sent me my first introductory package with an order I placed with Heather for tummy teas. I really liked it, so I went to the drug store with the package in hand and asked them to order it for me, which they gladly did.
However, if you can't find a drug store that will order it for you, here ya go: Equalactin
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Cara - as for the pregnancy thing - ask away. I've had 2 babies while managing IBS and everybody's just fine. Nutrition should not be a big issue - I know I was worried about the same thing. Has your Doc recommended a prenatal vitamin? If you're taking one, you have less to worry about. My Doc explained to me that in the first trimester, a lot of women feel sick and don't eat well. The nutritional needs of the baby are really minimal at this time and the prenatal vitamin will "cover you". By the second trimester, you should have this IBS thing under control, and we can work through the rest of your pregnancy. Some have a bit of trouble, but I got through with little or no problems (with IBS!)
BTW - you should be taking folic acid by now, are you???? Folic acid should be taken even before conception!!!
--------------------
Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for responding! I really appreciate it. I'm really glad I found this website, my husband is too because he feels helpless. Thank you thank you!
--------------------
~Cara~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you so much! You made me feel much better. I am taking a prenatal vitamin right now, so I should be ok on folic acid. I was worried about not eating fruits and vegetables, because my stomach is really weak right now. We have just been planning this pregnancy for a year and we really were looking forward to it, and then I got sick. So I've just been really down about it, because I have been looking forward to having a baby for awhile now. Do you know if I can take extra calcium/iron pills on top of prenatal vitamins? I'm also lactose intolerant, so I won't be able to drink any milk while I'm pregnant - is that really bad??
Thanks so much for responding.
~Cara
--------------------
~Cara~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
They've done a lot of studies that prove that it is much harder to absorb calcium from animal based foods than calcium from green veggies/calcium enriched OJ, etc. So I don't think not drinking milk is a problem at all. You might take a calcium suppliment just to be sure but if you eat a lot of cooked green veggies (especially spinach, so high in iron and calcium!) you should be good.
And yeah... be really careful with the folic acid. I'm sensitive about this one since my cousin just died from spinabifida last spring.
I'm sure you're being safe with everything though. Good luck!!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have diarhea at night after meals, I get real nauseated until it passes, how do these two drugs work?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Hi, Jodane!
#52834 - 03/21/04 08:07 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Are you new to the boards? Welcome!
You didn't say anything about yourself. Have you been diagnosed with IBS? How long? Are you following the EFI program?
Equalactin and Acacia aren't drugs. They're soluble fiber supplements. Equalactin is available over the counter, but it's hard to find; most drugs stores will order it for you. Acacia is available from Heather. Check out the web site above.
Are you taking a supplement now? How much? If you're not, or if the supplement you're on isn't working for you, you might consider Heather's acacia. It's great stuff.
You have diarrhea every night? Just at night? Not after breakfast or lunch? And you have nausea too? Have you tried Immodium for the diarrhea? What about something like Lomotil? It works for the diarrhea -- not cramps, but you apparently don't have cramps?
I don't know what to recommend for the nausea. But you say it goes away after the diarrhea? If it's only occasional diarrhea, I'd suggest trying Immodium. But if you're getting it every night, I'd take a long hard look at what you're eating.
Hope this helps.
Bev
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Are we twins? I"m lactose intolerant. Soy milk is your new best friend. Try Silk brand Chocolate. It's yummy and is a great dairy substitute. Besides, there's lots of calcium in other fruits and veggies. Speaking of fruits and veggies, check out the eating guidelines - there's a list of soluble fiber foods - start with those fruits and veggies. They're safe and will get you started. You're going to be fine (and a great mommy!!!)
--------------------
Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
