PEPPERMINT CAPSULES.. ARE THEY RELEVANT FOR ME?!?!
#64933 - 04/26/04 05:24 PM
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Hi Everyone!
I have yet another question for you all.
First, I am happy to note that today I developed a case of D that sent me to the bathroom three times in an hour. I then remembered that I bought equalactin, and decided to chew two of those and my stomach feels better ever since! woohoo!
Alright, on to my question. I'm trying to decide whether or not I should order some peppermint capsules.. considering they are relatively expensive and I'm trying to pay for graduate school. ie. i'm too poor to waste money on something that may not be helpful. The reason I am intersted in taking peppermint is to stop this diarrhea. The fiber helps but every once in awhile an attack strikes. I've been researching peppermint online and learned that it is basically just to numb pain?!? I can honestly say that I don't experience much pain. The only time my stomach cramps is right before I have an attack of D, and then maybe it hurts minimally in between bowel movements in one attack. But it is not unbearable. Well, it hurts, but within moments I'm in the bathroom and feeling better.
Is it worthwhile for me to take peppermint. Basically I get diarrhea alot, but not alot of cramping in pain. Also, my cramping and pain is almost always relieved by a bowel movement. I would only need the peppermint capsules to help stop the diarrhea!!! Please post back if you have any information on whether or not this is worthwhile!
Thanks! 
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Glad to hear that the Equalactin helped with your attack!
As for the peppermint capsules, if you cannot afford them right now, why not try peppermint tea? It's relatively cheap and a good way to soothe your stomach before, during, and after an attack. That way you can get an idea how well the peppermint helps you. Granted, I'm pretty sure it is stronger in the capsules but if the tea helps even a little bit, you can probably imagine how well the capsules would work and perhaps save up some money to order them.
Hope this helps! 
- Jennifer
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- Jennifer
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Yes They Are!!!
#65085 - 04/27/04 08:10 AM
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Kimm
Reged: 03/10/04
Posts: 1171
Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Not only will they help ease some of the pain...they are also a very powerful antispasmodic and will help prevent your D attacks!!
Look on this website where Heather talks about peppermint caps and how some people even find they work better than prescription antispasmodics!!
I say give them a try....
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Hi all,
I've tried the tea.. infact since I was a child peppermint has been my favorite tea, and the only tea that I will drink. I loved it even before I knew it could help with irritable bowel. The only thing is is that its getting HOT out and I'd rather not have to suck down tons of tea during the hot summer months.
I can afford to buy them, but I can't afford to waste money on things that may not help me in the long term! Thanks for the advice though.. I think i'll give them a shot!
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First of all, congrats on the Equalactin. GREAT stuff!
The peppermint capsules are an anti-spasmodic, for cramping. It doesn't sound to me like the capsules are what you need for D alone. Do you have any Immodium?
I'm a D, and I take Lomotil for just the D, no cramps. (If I have cramps, then I take Hyoscyamine.) Of course, you have to have a prescription for either. I tried the peppermint caps, but they gave me terrible indigestion.
Have you considered a probiotic? I think they really helped me get my D under control. Several of us here take Jarro: Jarro (Click on "Jarrow-Dophilus EPS".)
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I live in Texas where there is more warm weather than cold.
I have been keeping my peppermint tea in the fridge for a few weeks now. I make a pitcher with one tea bag (2 quarts), I dont like my tea too strong. In the morning I pour a cup and microwave it, it is always nice to have something warm with breakfast. This way I can have my peppermint tea quickly, and all day! Try it, I think you will like it.
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Some people just don't know how to drive! I call these people 'Anybody but me'!!
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Bevrs, I also take Hyosyamine. My GI told me to take it every day, am I understanding you correctly that you only take it as needed? Right now, I feel that I have to take it every day, it controls my gas as well as cramping. When I get myself regulated again (still recovering from abdominal surgery,and eating some things I probably should not, but, its that comfort food thing I've got going on right now), I'm thinking I might try to back off on it and take it a every other day. But, its that gas that keeps me on it. Hate that gas!! 
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butting in...
#65124 - 04/27/04 09:43 AM
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jenX
Reged: 08/11/03
Posts: 3252
Loc: Richmond, VA
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i, too, use my hycosamine only as a treatment for bad attacks. that's for the really bad ones. i use Equalactin for less severe bouts.
i use my fennel tea to help with the bloating.
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Hi, spicey!
Not sure if I've said welcome yet, but welcome!
Two thoughts on the peppermint capsules. First, if you don't want to spend the money, you might try Altoids or similar peppermint candy or peppermint tea first. I learned the hard way that I have GERD (heartburn and gastric reflux) and that peppermint is a no-no for me. I have two jars of peppermint capsules sitting in my cupboard that I bought and can't take!
Also, if I understand your question right, you're talking about using peppermint to stop the diarrhea. It won't do that. That's not what it's for, it's for the crampy pain. It won't help with the D at all. At least that's my understanding and my experience.
Again, welcome! Glad you're here!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Every Day, Gigi?
#65587 - 04/28/04 09:45 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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First of all, I JUST NOW saw your post! I was on line yesterday, but I never saw it. ????
I'm surprised that your GI wants you to take it every day. I ONLY take it when I have cramps. I don't have cramps every day, not even close. But if your doc told you to do it, well then you should do it.
Yes, I hate the gas too, but I've come to accept it as part of the many joys of IBS.
Gigi, I think you'll find a lot of relief when you stop "eating some things I probably should not." I know that I was instantly better when I stopped cheating and gave up the coffee. It's tough to do, believe me I know, but it's just one of those things in life we have to do in spite of the difficulty.
Why not try just a few days -- give yourself a week -- of adhering to the diet. Keep a food journal for that week, and record everything you eat and its reaction. Be real strict with yourself, just for a week. See how you do. Then, if you discover you're feeling a lot better (and I guarantee you will), then perhaps you can talk to your GI about taking that drug only as needed.
Whaddya thimk, Girlfriend?
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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because they relax the intestines, and IBS-D results from the colon muscles contracting too hard and too fast, which rushes matter through. If you relax the gut, this won't happen. They can help constipation the same way, actually, if the constipation is resulting from the colon muscles spasming so hard that they're "seizing up" and motility is just grinding to a halt.
But, a soluble fiber supplement is probably the better bet to really control diarrhea, and the pep caps will be a good adjunct (especially for cramps/spasms, and also for bloating).
- H
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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!
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I too was put on hyocyamine for two years. I was told to take two caplets three times a day, and I did this for two years! now that i've researched it I realized that it was probably stupid to take them all the time. However, I was 17 at the time and figured doctor knows best. I finally stopped taking them altogether, because they became a huge hassle and barely worked.
I think I might try to peppermint caps. I hardly ever get indigestion or heartburn, so hopefully they won't have a negative effect in that arena.
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You know Bevrs, I actually thought I was pretty much free and clear of most things. As I sit here now, I am drinking a can of ginger ale (I know that carbonation is bad for me, and why am I doing it?) with some fat free crackers. (a little indegestion going on). I know there are other options for me when it comes to indegestion, but no, here I go straight back to my old habits. I do love coffee too girl, but I havent had a cup of it in a very long time. One thing I have not done in my journey to better health is to keep that food journal. Now I know it is time to do that, I will start tomorrow. I will let ya know in a week how much I found out about myself when I wasnt even looking.
Hyosyamine is also bad for your eyesight. I cant read hardly anything anymore without my walmart glasses! Its gotten so bad that I keep moving to a stronger power each time I buy replacements. That is not good, no wonder the last prescription of glasses I got, I never could see through them. duh!!!
One of my biggest fears is going out in public and passing gas! What about out to dinner with friends??? Or, just when someone stops by for a quick visit?? Oh my gosh, I have died from embarrassment. I am so safe when I am taking the Hyo, when I dont take it, it does not matter what I eat, almost everything gives me gas. I have a lot of intestinal problems and for some reason, I cannot hold back on the gas, when it decides its coming out,girl, it comes out. And sometimes it is powerfully loud. I die from embarrassment. 
Thanks for talking to me, I will let ya know about the diary, thanks again friend!!!
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From drinking the ginger ale. How dopey can I get?? It is now 1:37am here, it is going to take me longer than usual to get to sleep because of it. Thats it, I am not buying any more carbonated water!
Read about your new house in the Living Room, congrats!!
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Gigi
#65842 - 04/29/04 05:07 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Gigi, all that carbonation could be causing your gas! Get rid of it, maybe up your fibre supplement and then see if it's nearly as bad. I can't have any carbonated drinks!
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Hi! This product is reasonable enough as far as price. So it really helps you? What is the difference between the EPS and FOS types?
Thanks, Amy
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As far as gas: have you tried activated charcoal?
Amy
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Re: Gigi
#65868 - 04/29/04 06:53 AM
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barbie
Reged: 04/22/04
Posts: 2435
Loc: Texas
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Hi,
Just thought I would chime in here. Carbonated drinks give me gas, too. Also,the HFCS in regular soft drinks are an IBS trigger for me. If I drink any soda it's got to be diet and caffiene free. My gas is usually the "trapped kind". Phazyme seems to help. It really sucks when you eat out with your friends and they all order these great tasting sodas and you order water...blah.
Barbie
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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EPS and FOS?
#65882 - 04/29/04 07:23 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Amy, I'm not familiar with the FOS. All I've ever taken is the EPS. Sorry.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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No, Amy, I haven't. What can you tell me about it? Have you tried it? Where do you get it?
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Ginger Ale
#65886 - 04/29/04 07:31 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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I think it's a good idea to get off that carbonation if you can. Wouldn't that help a lot with the gas problem? What if you left it out and let it get flat? Then you could drink it without the bad effects?
Thanks for your kind wishes, Gigi. We're pretty excited.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Your Biggest Fear
#65889 - 04/29/04 07:48 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Oh yeah, I hear ya, Girlfriend!
Whenever I have to be around people, I make sure not to eat anything that produces gas, and I take Gas-X beforehand (and my fave Equalactin). It's actually the stress of being around others, knowing that I'm gonna have to pass gas, that actually brings ON the gas! GROAN....
I just excuse myself and run to the bathroom, and, yes, sometimes I have to do it a lot of times during the visit -- but it's better than the alternative.
All my friends know about my IBS, so no one asks when I make my mad dash. Meanwhile, I just keep hoping eventually there will be a fix for this bloating and gas....
As for the Hyo, yeah, it's serious stuff -- but what's even worse is Donnatal, which I take only in a dire emergency. Donnatal contains Hyo, as well as other dangerous stuff (Phenobarbital, for one), but the darn stuff WORKS every single time! Thankfully, with Heather's diet I've not had to take anything in a very long time. If I'm real strict with myself and stick with the program, I have no problems except for the inevitable bloating and gas. Seems like an easy fix to me, eh?
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Bevrs,
You mean nothing works for the gas???
Oh no..please don't tell me that!
I was gonna start the fennel tea..hoping that would stop the gas completly!!..that is my biggest problem..i can deal with the C thru diet, but not the gas! 
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GAS!
#65955 - 04/29/04 12:40 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Hi, Gelabi!
I'm not a C (never had it); I'm a D. Maybe that makes a difference -- gas-wise I mean. I have constant gas, no matter what I eat. I can't get rid of it! I tried the fennel tea -- all kinds, even Heather's fresh fennel. Nothing worked -- and I finally gave up and accepted my fate.
I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but I haven't had any luck with the gas, none at all. I keep hoping one day something will come along to "fix" this......
Good luck with the fennel tea -- let me know how it works for you!
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Farts, my nephew has just been diagnosed as a C. He is known as the king of farts!! One of these days when I am no longer here and they are sitting around laughing about the good old times, all they will remember was that I could go the loudest and the longest!!
Hope I dont come across here as crass, its just that I come from a family that laughs together, even through the tough times. I'm really a nice person, and horrified when I pass gas because I cant hold them back , when I know it happens, every one else does too. Ackkkkkkkkkkk!! To every one thanks for the help, I can drink water and have gas. I am upping the fiber intake though, hopefully that will help.
No more carbonated water.
Some people just dont know how to drive, I call these people "anybody but me" 
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Thanks Ya'll
#66026 - 04/29/04 03:20 PM
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gigi
Reged: 03/21/04
Posts: 1442
Loc: South Texas
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Everyone here is so helpful and concerned, Thanks again.
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Well, if it works for you, I'll start with it! Thanks again!
Amy
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Yes-I've tried them. No-they didn't work for me-but not much does except watching my diet. (sigh!). Other people have said they're wonderful. They are capsules-I believe the brand name is "Charco-caps". They are at drugstores or probably on-line at someplace like Drugstore.com (I'll have to check). Just be aware-since they act as an absorbent, they can also possibly absorb other meds you are taking, which reduces their effectiveness. Probably best to check with Dr. if you are.
Amy
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OK-just checked. Drugstore.com has them for $5.97 for 100 capsules. They are under the brand name "Nature's Way". Just do a search for Activated Charcoal from the front page and you will find them.
Amy
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Yep-the Lomotil is the only thing that stops that D in it's tracks for me too! Unfortunately, if I'm not careful and take too much, I get totally stopped up for days. One time, an idiot nurse told me to take a bottle of Magnesium Citrate for those same symptoms. I have not been that sick in a LONG time! Just never ends, does it! Thanks for listening.
Amy
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