Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Dicyclomine & Relief & My Story

I have had IBS for over 25 years. I am 38 now and was diagnosed when I was 13. It has been 25 years of ups and downs. My high school years were BAD and then (1985-1988) they STILL thought that IBS was "in my head." There were no drugs available. Well, at least in the high school years....I had been taken to so many docs by my mom that I just figured (during my teens and 20's) that I as stuck with nothing by pain and anxiety. My early 20's weren't too bad, but my late 20's & early 30's were a nightmare. EVERY humiliating thing that could happen has happened to me: accidents on planes, parties, vacations, dates, work (I teach) etc. Days of being home (although somehow I put myself through college w/3 degrees) and worked 7 days a week, in pain,pain, pain....& extra clothes in the car!

Anyway, 2 intestinal surgeries later and many thoughts of suicide, I FINALLY found Dicyclomine! Well, I actually have
had it prescribed for me for around 3 years, but have been taking it consistently for around 2 years. After an attack on a business trip w/my husband ( boy...THAT was embassing....and painful: RUNNING through the streets of San Fran in 3 inch heels trying to get back to the hotel after LEAVING a fun business dinner w/clients...did I mention I have had some embarassing moments?) A kind wife gave me some to try the next day. HELLO? There I was, like an idiot, after 22 yrs of suffering, being given these pills by a women who had "a one week bout with diarreha" and (sp?..you would think I knew that one) was given the pills by her dr.

I now take them 2x a day. 1 in the AM and 2 in the PM. I also have an anti-anxiety med for "special" times..long flights, parties, etc. where I often would get massive anxiety due to having had accidents and humiliation. I guess I do have a question. Does anyone know if IBS has "remission" like Crohn's? I know that I am on these pills so perhaps it is not technically "remission."

I have read so much on this website and unlike most of you, diet changes have NEVER worked. I am a "LIFER"..no specific trigger foods (well, GREASE) and no amount of hypnosis, chiropractic, "planning" or therapy would stop the HORRIBLE pain and sickness. I respect and appreciate that some of you are able to get results w/diet changes, but wanted to let others know that it's OK to get help from meds. I was down to 88 lbs at one point & feel that I finally, after 20+ years can be pain free (anxiety will always be a problem after having suffered for so long) and eat!

Well, I just wonder if anyone else has had good results w/this med and also how many of us need anxiety meds due to what I like to call "post traumatic IBS syndrome."

Thanks for reading.

Robbie

Edited by robbiej (02/28/08 08:30 PM)

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