My First Time on The Boards
#88498 - 07/10/04 09:39 AM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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Well, I have finally logged in. I have been reading the Message Boards for months, but just have never gotten involved. It has been such a source of help to me and hopefully, my experiences with IBS will, in turn, help others. I have IBS-D and have struggled with it intensely for about the last year, although I have had problems in the past, especially when I was a teenager and then again, soon after I was married. However, for the past 20 yrs. or so I had been fairly symptom free--could eat whatever I wanted. Then about 5 years ago, I began having some problems and had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with IBS, which would go along with earlier diagnosis of colitis and spastic colon. I started to watch what I ate, and still functioned pretty normally. Then about a year ago, things all caved in and I began to have severe problems 3-4x/week. That's when I found your website and ordered Heather's Books and the acacia. Bottom line is that I have learned to take one day at a time. If I'm going to have problems, it's always within the first 2 hrs of the morning and so I can't plan on anything for early morning and it has changed my life in so many ways. My doc has me on librax for the spasms and when they do hit, immodium seems to help stop them. I have levsin on hand, but that doesn't always work. I have very slowly increased my intake of acacia and was at 7tsp/day, but seemed to be having more problems this past week, so I've cut back down to 5 tsp/day. IBS is such a discouraging disease. Just when I think I have it down what I can and can't eat, I eat something on my 'can' list and have problems....there just doesn't seem to by any rhyme or reason to this thing. At any rate, I'm looking forward to actually chatting with many of you, whom I already feel I know.
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Just wanted to welcome you to the boards!  So glad you decided to log in and really join us! IBS is frustrating and discouraging, isn't it? I've really found this board to be an invaluable resource, both in terms of actual helpful suggestions, and just the support - it's nice to have people to turn to who actually KNOW what you're going through.
Anyway, welcome!
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SO! YOU'RE one of them there "anonymous" people we see all the time in "Who's OnLine"?! I always wonder who they are.
Anyway, glad you finally joined us! We're a wild crew. If you don't believe me, check out The Living Room! Oy.
Well, it certainly sounds like you've done quite well on your own. Congratulations! I got Heather's book first, long before I discovered these Boards, and following it wasn't difficult, but I got a LOT better once I came on Board.
I am a D person also -- AND I too have my worst problem in the mornings. Ya know, I think I finally figured it out, though. An empty tummy can trigger an attack. Since we don't eat all nite long, I think we're most vulnerable in the morning when we first get up. Ironically, that's when I'm least hungry -- I never want breakfast -- but if I don't eat, I'll get an attack. Also, I don't like to eat just before bed, and in fact I try to go at least two hours after eating before retiring. Well, by the morning when I get up, it's been 10 hours since I've had food -- way too long. So what I did this morning, when I got up at 2:00 a.m., in an effort to prevent a morning attack, I had a slice of toast (soluble fiber), then went right back to bed. When I got up at 8:00, no attack! I had a slice of toast (more soluble fiber) for breakfast around 9:00, and no problems at all. What a treat!
I admit I'm kind of forcing the toast, because I'm not hungry, but if it'll prevent an attack, it's worth it.
Now, having said all that, I think it works the same with Heather's acacia. We're supposed to take it when we first get up. Now I know why.
Yes, my morning "bouts" have played havoc with my life as well. Had to give up my job. But now, I just don't plan anything until noon. Nail appointment? Noon. Hair appointment? Noon. Meeting the girlfriend? Noon.
I just figure, hey, I'm gonna work AROUND this damn IBS thing. Ya know?
Okay, rambling over.
Welcome to the Boards! (And see what I mean? We're all crazy.)
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hopefully you will post a picture soon - I think it really helps to see a face.
I did the same thing as you - read the boards for months and tried the diet (I figured had nothing to lose by trying it - the doctors sure weren't giving me much help at that point) All anonymously - but boy did I glean from the wisdom and encouragement from others!
Welcome hope to "see" you again soon.
Leigh
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Welcome!! I'm so glad you decided to join us!! And so glad you've been finding the site helpful.
I see from your profile that like me, you come from a family of stomach problems! My sister was diagnosed with IBS first, which is what gave me the clue! We both agree that Mom has it too, but Mom won't admit it!! And my dad had terrible heartburn all his life. So I totally relate!
Looking forward to getting to know you!!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Thanx for your note. I just read your note yesterday about getting attacks when your stomach is too empty. I have tried eating a couple of saltines before bedtime to see if it helps. Usually after dinner I don't eat again until about 9:00am when my tummy settles down. I, too am definitely NOT hungry first thing in the am. I usually get up at 5:30am and do my weight aerobics (which usually involves at least one trip to the 'little room'. Then I shower and get ready for work. My daily BM's are always in the morning and so sometimes I get away with just a couple of times with no spasms and other times it goes into what I like to call a 'spastic attack', where the cramps and urge begins to come pretty regularly. I have beat my head against the wall as to why the mornings are when it hits. I generally never have any attacks after eating meals; it usually waits until the next morning. The only 'good' thing I see about this whole thing is that if I do have a bad attack, the next morning I can pretty much plan on it being a good morning, because I got all cleaned out the morning before if you get my drift. AT any rate, I am going to try forcing myself to eat in the am when I first get up and see if it makes a difference. Usually I have lots of nausea in the am as well and that makes it even harder to eat. But it's worth a try.
One more question for you; you also said in one of your posts that you had to cut back on the amount of acacia you were taking because it began to give you problems. Just how much are you on now. thanx and looking forward to hearing from you
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I'm working on a picture; hopefully I'll get one on soon. It definitely does help to 'see' who we're talking to, doesn't it? Thanx for your welcome...Janene
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Welcome
#88588 - 07/10/04 04:59 PM
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bigblue
Reged: 05/30/04
Posts: 95
Loc: New Jersey...USA
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Came to the right place. I`ve been IBS D for 3 years. Since joining the message boards & have both of Heathers books I `ve seen a vast improvement in my daily life. There are alot of helpful people here. The support is really tremendous especially when not everyone (doctors included)don`t understand. I still have my bad days but thats because of trial & error. Not every IBS person is the same. I started w/acacia fiber, Fennel tea for bloating, & peppermint tea . These little changes helped alot. Welcome & ask ask ask away. Good luck! 
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From Heather's book, I got the suggestion to have a SFS right before bed to prevent "empty tummy" spasms. I think my symptoms have improved, so you might want to give this strategy a try.
Welcome aboard!
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Christine
Those who can do; those who want it done better teach.
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SFS for Jeenerz
#88601 - 07/10/04 05:56 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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How much am I taking now? Well, uh . . . gee . . . how can I say this?
Well . . . I'm not taking very much. 
Okay, I'm not taking any. I'll probably start back on Acacia sometime soon, but for awhile I'm off all of it. You see, I had a bad time of it with the Acacia at more than the max. dosage -- a REAL bad time, almost to the point where I was once again home-ridden, afraid to leave the confines of this place for fear of having another urgent D attack.
Then I went on Benefiber. Oh, my body did not like Benefiber! Wowwwweeeeeowwww! I had the WORST cramps every morning, right after taking my morning dosage. I cut out the Benefiber, and my cramps went away.
Now I'm just gunshy. But that's ME, not you. I'm just overly sensitive I think. I do intend to get back on Acacia, I know it's beneficial, and I think it's the answer to those morning rumblings -- that's why Heather says to take it in the mornings. However, hubby's pretty ticked off with me about all the different SFS I've been on, and thinks I should give my body a break since it obviously doesn't like the stuff. I'll get back on the Acacia when he's not looking.
About those morning attacks: I believe it was ShawnEric or Michael -- I don't recall which -- who said something about them being brought on by our subconscious. We're used to having morning cramps; it's fed into our subconscious, so that's what our subconscious does every morning -- cramp up our tummies. What we have to do is record a different record up there so that the mind learns a different routine, that it's not going to have morning cramps anymore. Michael's hypnotherapy program ROCKS!
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hi,
Welcome to the boards. This is a great place for info and advice for IBS and even a little fun, too. I think you have to have some humor to get through this darn IBS.
I noticed from your profile that you are in your 50's, too. I am 59. Bev & I will be glad to have some more "Old Broads" join us. Ha Ha
I am on Librax, also, and it has really helped me. Hope it helps you, too.
Barbie
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Hey! What about me!! I'm turning 51 THIS MONTH!!! Don't I count, Barbie??
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Sorry, LS
#88619 - 07/10/04 06:39 PM
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barbie
Reged: 04/22/04
Posts: 2435
Loc: Texas
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Hey LS,
If you wanna join the "Old Broads" be my guest. We would love to have you. You are still a youngish "Old Broad" though.... not seasoned like Bev & me. I guess I just didn't realize you were <<<<<that old>>>>>>
Birthday this month....huh... PARTY!!!!!
Barbie
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Do you have any side effects from the librax? My mouth gets very dry, but otherwise I haven't been aware of any others. Seeing my attacks happen within the 1st 2 hours in the morning, my doc started me off taking one as soon as I got up. It seems to have helped some, but not completely. So my doc said to take one at bedtime as well to try and calm the tummy thru the night in preparation for morning blahs. I actually have had more problems this last week since I've started taking the 2 a week ago. However, I began to wonder if I was taking too much acacia, so I cut back on that yesterday to see if that helps. What's your experience with the librax?
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Ok--here's a stupid and embarassing question--what is SFS? I'm still trying to learn all the abreviations you guys use.
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Dont worry about knowing all the "lingo" it wont take you long to figure out all these short forms.
And by the way, WELCOME to the site!
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I have been on Librax for several years. I started with 3 times a day 30 minutes before a meal. My problem was stress and when I ate my stomach was in knots. The Librax relaxes me and then relaxes my stomach when I eat. I have gone down to 2 a day now trying to go to 1 a day but keep having too much stress so I am back to 2 a day. I have not had any side effects except maybe some dry mouth, too.
It could possibly be the Librax causing your trouble. You might either want to experiment with less Acacia and see what happens or try not taking the Librax and see what happens. Only try one thing at a time, though, so you will know which one was causing your problems. There are a lot of people on the boards taking Librax and I don't recall any of them complaining of any side effects.
Also, sometimes I get the morning blah sour stomach and I think it could be acid. You might try taking some tums or pepcid if you think it could be that.
Barbie
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Thanx!
#88637 - 07/10/04 07:14 PM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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Thanx for filling me in. Yes, I do take acacia--was up to 7tsp/day, but have cut back the last couple of days as I've been having more problems this week and think I may be getting too much.
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Thanx
#88638 - 07/10/04 07:23 PM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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I agree with trying only one'solution' at a time, or at least hopefully a solution. I'm going to try smaller doses of acacia first and stay on the 2 librax for another week yet and then evaluate. I'm really hoping the librax helps prevent the stomach spasms. My BM's are always within the 1st 2 hours of the morning and so if I'm going to have an attack, that's when they happen. It would be so wonderful to have my mornings back. I'm going to try Bev's suggestion of eating something just before bed and then 1st thing when I get up, even tho I certainly don't feel like eating 1st thing in the am. My stomach may just be too empty as I usually don't eat after supper until about 9:00 the next day as that's usually when my stomach calms down to let me eat. This whole business just continues to be a trial and error thingy, doesn't it?
Janene 
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My doc told me to take the Librax 30 min before I eat. I usually take it as soon as I get up ....brush my teeth..put on makeup, etc and then (30 min by then) eat breakfast. I eat oatmeal & toast. But if you are not hungry toast should be OK. But I do think you will feel better if you eat a little something. Also, have you tried Immodium for the "D"?
I'm going to sign off for tonight but if you need any other help post tomorrow.
Barbie
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I KNOW, Caryn!
#88648 - 07/10/04 07:37 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Can you believe it? She's OLDER THAN ME! OMG! I didn't think ANYONE was older than me -- and look at her! WOW!
Gee.... maybe there's hope for me yet .....! 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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jeenerz welcome to the message board. we are all here to help you. jasper
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ive had ibs for 8 years now. im learning alot on this web board. thanks again everyone
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Immodium
#88770 - 07/11/04 03:01 PM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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Thanx Barbie,
Yes, I have started taking Immodium when things begin to go into an actual attack and so far it seems to stop the spasms and trips to the 'little room'. Last night I had a couple of saltines before bed and woke about about 3:00am and had another couple and then upon waking after I took my Librax, about 15 minutes later took another couple of saltines even tho I had to force them down and I didn't have an attack this morning, so I was so thankful for that. I wonder if it's bad to take Immodium several times a week? Have you heard?
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Re: Welcome!
#88771 - 07/11/04 03:05 PM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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Thanx Christine,
Right now I take my doses of acacia with my meals, but may try doing a dose before bedtime. Last night I had a couple of saltines before bed adn a couple more when I woke up at 3:00am and then a couple more after I took my Librax 1st thing this am and I didn't have an attack...so maybe there is something to this empty tummy issue.
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I have not heard any bad things about taking Immodium several times a week. Although, some people have complained about being constipated afterwards. I only take immodium if I have "D' and have not yet used it as a preventative. Did you have to take Immodium this morning even though you didn't have an attack? Maybe you won't be having those attacks as often now.
I hate to see you have to stuff those crackers down if you aren't hungry. Nothing worse than trying to swallow those dry crackers with a dry throat. Would a soft piece of bread be better? Maybe after some time passes your system will adjust and you won't have to do that.
Think it was the Acacia that was causing your trouble??? Sounds like the Librax did help. Just wanted to mention that my doc said to take the Librax 30 min before eating..I know you said you took it 15 min before crackers. If it didn't bother you then I guess it is OK.
Barbie
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Hey, Jeenerz, that's GREAT that you didn't have an attack this morning -- AWESOME!!! I take Imodium several times a week as a preventive and I've been stable (no attacks of D) for SIX MONTHS NOW!! It's totally okay to take Imodium several times a week, but go easy until you're sure it's not taking you to the other extreme of C!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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I forgive ya, sweetie! I know I don't look it, but NEITHER DO YOU AND BEVVRS!!!! Didn't cha know that 50 is the new 40!!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Welcome! This place is just awesome and Im sure you'll learn a lot and meet new friends and have fun! IBS sucks, no doubt about it, but its with great support groups like here and all the advice you can find that will pull all of us out of this-I have no doubt in my mind that someday we'll all be IBS free or near enough and all of us will go and get some really awful foods we couldnt eat before.
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Thats good to know about the Immodium. With moving and all that, I was worried I might hurt myself if I took it as a preventative every so often. Of course, you never know when it might strike sometimes.
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I could've sworn I read on here somewhere about too much Immodium causing people's liver panels to come back abnormal...?
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Christine
Those who can do; those who want it done better teach.
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welcome to the boards jeenerz we are happy you found us.
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if God brought you to it. He will bring you through it.
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Re: Immodium
#89035 - 07/12/04 10:58 AM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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I just read a post from someone the other day saying that her liver readings came back high due to the immodium...hmmmmmm
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Laura Sue
#89041 - 07/12/04 11:08 AM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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1st of all contrats on going 6 months!!! In this whole ibs thingy, that is like an eternity! So happy for you!
Right now I just take Immodium if my BM's go into the spasm attack mode, if you get my drift. However, sometimes I think I wait too long to take the Immodium, just because I think the spasms/cramps will stop...my stools never turn watery, just get real soft and full of mucus and if I can't stop them, they will turn bloody (sorry for being so explicit). I just hate to take stuff, but may have to take the Immodium sooner and more often if it doesn't harm the liver or anything else. Never heard of the stuff being preventative...am taking acacia, but have backed off some as I think I was getting too much. This whole this is a continued 'trial and error' isn't it? Again, congratulations!
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jeenerz,
Welcome to the boards and sorry you are feeling ill. I have taken immodium in the past (and always keep it on hand). I don't like to take it because it takes me about 3 days to get back into my normal pattern. I found myself taking only a half chewable for an attack (instead of the 2 they suggest) and my turnaround time was a little better. I just hate that abdominal-void feeling. It is funny how it effets us all differently. Good luck and hope you are feeling well soon!
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Barbie
#89047 - 07/12/04 11:17 AM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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I only take Immodium if I have an attack (read the post I just sent to Laura Sue). I may try taking it sooner at the 1st sign of an attack instead of waiting to see if it will go away...(sometimes it does, so that's why I wait)
As far as the crackers go, I did the same thing last night and then when I got up at 5:30 (my usual time) I ate another after waiting 1/2 hr from the Librax and then ate 1 every 15 minutes while I worked out doing my weight aerobics which I do every morning. When I was finished and came up to shower and get ready for work, I had 2 BMs and although I felt nauseated and on the verge (every am I'm always 'on the verge') of having problems, I didn't have an attack. All morning long at work, I haven't felt like 100%, but at least no attack. I'm going to buy some Zwieback toast (that what they give to babies for teething and I tolerate that well) and try eating that in the night and 1st thing in the am and see what happens. will keep you posted
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Re: Immodium
#89053 - 07/12/04 11:29 AM
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jeenerz
Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 212
Loc: Northwest Montana
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Thanx for the welcome; yes, I know what you mean about taking a few days to become regular again. Whenever I have an attack, I get so 'cleaned out' that even if I don't take Immodium to stop it, it takes a good 2-3 days to get regular again, and by then my colon seems to say, 'ok I think I'm ready to hit you again!'  My goal is to have regular BM's without having the attacks from my spastic colon. So I continue to experiment
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It's good to know I'm not alone with 'dry mouth' syndrome with the Librax. As long as I was on 1 pill/day, I was ok, but when I began 2/day last week, I've had dry mouth that usually lasts all morning along. You're right about the acacia. I started with just 1/2 tsp 2x/day and then each week added 1/2 tsp until I was up to 7tsp/day, which figures out to almost 3 tbs/day. I began to have more attacks and thought that maybe I was taking too much, so the last few days I've cut back to 5tsp/day and may have to cut back more. We'll just have to experiment.
One thing the dry mouth does it to remind me to drink, drink, drink!
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How much citrucel and acacia do you take? I take 2 citrucel/day along with about 5tsp of acacia. Do you have a reason for taking them both and not just the acacia or just the citrucel
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--------------------
IBS-D
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Quote:
Right now I just take Immodium if my BM's go into the spasm attack mode, if you get my drift. However, sometimes I think I wait too long to take the Immodium
jeenerz, that was exactly what I was doing, waiting WAY to long to take it. As far as the liver issue, as long as you never take more than the recommended daily dose, and as long as you don't have other liver problems or family history of it, it's my understanding that it's safe. Of course there are always individual exceptions which is why we all have to pay attention to what our bodies are telling us.
Good luck!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Re: Barbie
#89156 - 07/12/04 05:09 PM
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barbie
Reged: 04/22/04
Posts: 2435
Loc: Texas
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Hi,
Happy to hear you are doing better. If you are concerned about the immodium causing liver problems try doing a search on the net. Maybe you can find out something there or ask your pharmacist.
Barbie
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Just wanted to say hi and welcome to the boards. I see that you and your husband have a screenprinting business. My 18-year-old son has his own little screenprinting "business" in our garage. He bought the equipment himself and has been printing t-shirts for groups. He absolutely loves it! I have to make him come inside at night--and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and hear him in the garage working. He's going off to college this fall, and will have to leave it all behind since he will be in the dorm. I know he's going to miss it and the income it's bringing him.
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Yes, Screen Printing tends to get into one's blood  we've had the business for about13 years and love working together. We do everything from T's to vehicle graphics to printing labels and magnets--lots of variety. With my IBS flaring up this last year, it has been wonderful to have our own business and use the 'little room' whenever I need to or go to work a little late--definitely has it's perks. Tell your son, good luck!
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sorry to post so late, but just wanted to say welcome on board. looks like you got a flurry of posts! good. holler for me if there's anything you think i can help you with.
feel better.
*j
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When I still got IBS attacks I would take Imodium as a preventative. My dr said NOT to do that...she said many IBS sufferers get hooked on doing that, as a precaution in case of an attack.
If you know you'll be in a stressful situation, avoid ALL fatty foods, just eat cooked oatmeal or something like that. I used to avoid ALL food right before a stressful event just to be safe.
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