Advise
#15177 - 07/28/03 08:03 AM
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Do you have any advice for someone who has (unsuccessfully) tried acupuncture, herbs, Chinese herbs, a gastroenterologist (who prescribed various antispasmodics followed by codeine and then finally imipramine - as a last resort), cognitive therapy and hypnotherapy tapes (specifically, the ibs audio programme)?
My boyfriend (who suffers from IBS) has found no relief from any of these. He did achieve some reduction in pain and inconsistency, after following Heather's soluble fibre diet, but cannot seem to shake the ensuing depression and fear of travelling which IBS symptoms have caused.
Any advice which you can give as to specific therapies; successful IBS therapists; support groups; new or successful drugs which are available in the UK/ London would be very helpful.
Thank you.
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Re: Advise
#15180 - 07/28/03 08:22 AM
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Corinne
Reged: 05/19/03
Posts: 202
Loc: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Welcome! We'll do our best to help you out.
This would best be posted on the Eating for IBS Diet Board as that's where we usually give out advice. So try searching out some things on there.
I know most guys won't go for this but has he tried yoga? What kind of IBS does he have? What are his symptoms? It's a different depending on whether his is D(diahhrea) or C (constipation). I have D and have some of the same fears. I eat well, do yoga almost every day and if I am feeling bad I drink lots of peppermint tea. When I have a bad attack I take Imodium. I also (very rarely) take one Imodium if I know I can't be near a bathroom and am feeling a little weak. There are chewable Imodium on the market that are nice as you don't need water. I carry Imodium wherever I go, and I know I'm not the only one! By the way, the generic stuff works just as well and it's piles cheaper!!!
He may not have discovered all his triggers either. For example, I've found that eating too much chocolate (even when I bake with cocoa) I have an attack. See if he'll keep a food diary to see if he can figure out all his triggers.
Some people also have sensitivities to wheat gluten which makes Heather's diet not so good.
As far as the anxiety that should disappear as he has more days with no attacks. That's what I've found.
I don't know if you are Christians but I have found prayer to be very powerful as well.
Anything that is relaxing to him will help. That will help the digestive system to relax and that will settle things down.
I can't think of anything else at the moment but I'm sure there will be others with more ideas but we do need more information first (as I mentioned above). I hope I have helped. Know that you have friends here who will do their best to help you and your boyfriend. It's wonderful that you are trying to help him.
Be compassionate about his feelings. It's a scary thing to leave the house when you are afraid of having an attack. It's a very embarassing disorder and so very hard on the self-esteem. He'll need a few weeks of being symptom free to start feeling like he can venture out in public.
I hope I have been of some help. I will keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers.
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If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
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Thank you Corinne! He has the D type too, although the real problem seems to be fear of it, rather than the reality itself (which is fortunate in some ways I suppose).
I did buy him a yoga tape, which he has only tried once so far - but, perhaps if I show him your letter he will try it again!
It sounds like it might be a good idea to get him a gluten allergy test also.
Did you find anything which helped with the fear in particular? As he has had good weeks, in so far as not physically needing to go on the way to work etc., but has still remained just as worried.
Thanks for your help!
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Hi there!
You might want to try posting this on the hypnotherapy board. You might get better feedback there. 
Hope this helps!
*hugs*
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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