Greetings from new member and question...
#60430 - 04/12/04 12:32 PM
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Hello all-
I just found this board and it looks great! I'm so grateful to find such a comprehensive source of info about IBS- I'm looking forward to perusing the various contents at length.
I also had a quick question- I recently (this AM, in fact) had yet another rotten experience with a doctor re: my IBS. This makes about the fourth MD I've talked to about it, with basically no help and/or relief- each time, I've been pawned off with a kind of "Well, you know, change your diet, try to relax, get more exercise", etc., etc., ad infinitum and ad nauseum. I HAVE changed my diet, I AM exercising, I AM reducing stress as much as possible- in short, I'm trying to do everything I can to do things right, but most of these are medium to long run solutions. In the meantime, when I have an attack (I tend to get localized intestinal spasms with intensestabbing pain, cramping, nausea, and chronic constipation) I'm unable to work, write, or get out of the house- frequently about all I can do is lay in bed until it abates, which is sometimes several days. I've tried explaining this to doctors, and each time they tend to minimize it or try to tell me it's really not that bad- I only wish I could inflict it on them for an hour or two so they get an idea what it really feels like. I understand that the long-term solutions are important, and will eventually help me get this under control and minimize (if not eliminate) the symptoms. I'm currently on Prozac and taking Bentyl, but the Bentyl barely works any more.
My question is, though- what do I do in the short run? Is there any other medication that helps (i.e. muscle relaxers, etc.)? Basically, I feel completely non-functional at this point- I'm unable to work, and in fact lost my last job as a result of my IBS. I'm scared to even schedule an interview, since there's a good chance I'll either be having an attack or recovering from one and have to cancel. This is doubly frustrating for me because I am not an invalid by nature- I've always been healthy and active, always had a job, I write, I paint, I'm a tattoo artist, I've been in several bands- in short, I've always had an active, enjoyable life, and now I feel like a bed-ridden cripple at the age of 40. Although I realize that members and/or authors of this board probably cannot make endorsements for various reasons, if someone can refer me to a sympathetic, understanding Physician in the San Fernando Valley/ Los Angeles area who specializes in IBS, I would be eternally grateful. Perhaps I've just had bad luck with regards to doctors, but I'm really at my wit's end. In the meantime, I'm going to check out all the resources here. Thanks to all of you for you input and info, and I look forward to being a member here. TIA!
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Too bad you didn't post this in the IBS Diet Board where you'd get much more activity on your post. The Living Room Board is where we talk about non-IBS stuff and just play around.
I know EXACTLY what you're talking about as regards doctors, especially GIs! We hear that all the time! They all go to the same School for Idiots and Insensitive Goons.
Okay, lots of issues here. First of all, you need Heather's book "The First Year." If you like to cook, then by all means get her other book "Eating for IBS." (Also be sure to check out our fab recipes in the Recipe Board.)
If you follow the program STRICTLY (no cheating!), you'll get better. I followed it with one exception, and it was a biggie -- I kept drinking coffee. I didn't get better until I stopped cheating and quit cold turkey.
You need to begin taking a soluble fiber supplement. Heather's acacia is the best, in my opinion, but there are others. The powder provides more fiber than the capsules; you have to take an awful lot of the capsules to get enough. You can try Citrucel powder; Mags likes it and takes it once a day, then takes the acacia later in the day.
Now, about meds. Here's what I take: web page
You'll have to get the prescription meds from your doc, obviously, but you might check out Heather's caps first and see how you do with them. If you want to order her acacia, you can order the caps at the same time, saving yourself the shipping charge. Just click on the link to your left.
About doctors: There is a directory in here on doctors who have been helpful. I've never referred to it, but you can do a search. If you don't know how to do a search, just scream.
Don't feel like a "bed-ridden cripple." We're all in the same boat; we've been there, all of us. Sometimes "sleeping it off" is the best way to get over an attack. When I have a real bad one, I take a hot bath, some peppermint tea, an Equalactin, Donnatal, and curl up in bed with a heating pad on my tummy, watch some TV or read a trashy novel until I finally fall asleep. Works every time.
I didn't like my antidepressant -- I was on Wellbutrin (it caused cramps!) -- so I told my doc and got off it.
Hope some of this helps. Again, welcome to the Boards! You came to the right place.
Bev
P.S.: Do you like guessing games? You'll love the "What Is It?" here in the Living Room, where we also gossip. (Wanna know who's addicted to our Rice Krispy Treats ("RKTs")?) 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hello and Welcome! If you post this in the diet section you would probably get more responses. This section is more for non ibs chitty-chat!
Well, first of all let me tell you I have been through the same thing with my doctors!!!  It is SO frustrating, they run all these tests and than tell you, oh your fine, go home. I completely understand your dissapoinment with the medical profession. I have finally found an internest (not a GI specialist) who is at least sympathetic. I am also a C person, with lots of pain and bloating. I currently take Miralax everyday. Its a prescription laxative and at least keeps things moving! As for the pain, the heating pad works best. Bentyl and the other anti spasms drugs didn't work for me. I was on Lexapro(an anti-depressant) but had to stop that because I want to get pregnant. I do find Xanax, its a tranquiler, helps when I get a bad attack. The Xanax is a controlled substance and your dr may not be willing to write you a script but it really helps me, you do have to be careful because it is addictive. Vicodin helps with pain but makes me more constipated!
It sounds like you are doing everything right, I assume you already follow Heathers diet? I have been on the diet about 1 year now and it does help but I still suffer from IBS. I just ordered the hypno cds to see if they will help. You said you already exercise and drink a lot of water? Are you on a fiber supplement?
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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