Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Miralax, Acacia and working with doctors

I everyone. I'm rather new to the boards and have just been diagnosed with IBS from a medical doctor (after undergoing a series of tests to rule out other medical conditions). I rarely have the pain and diarrhea associated with IBS, but I do have the constipation, gas and bloating. All three can be severe at times, and it is the severe gas pain and bloating that finally made my doctor take me seriously. I went to several doctors for constipation, and they simply filled my handbag with Metamucil packets and sent me on my way, stating that bowel movements three days a month was perfectly normal. Yeah, right.

Anyway, it's nice to finally find a doctor who has listened to me.

Better than that, however, is the incredible amount of information I've found on this site, through Heather's books and in using the supplements. Thanks Heather ... I sing your praises daily!

My doctor prescribed Miralax. I was glad to be able to get something from him that worked better than Metamucil, however, the cramping is horrible. Not only that, my husband is an airline pilot. When we read the active ingredient (polyethelyene glycol), his mouth dropped. He said that ethelyene glycol is what the pilots use to de-ice the airplanes. "Poly" is a polymer. This can't be good for a prolonged period of time. As a matter of fact, I don't understand how doctors can prescribe Miralax with a straight face. Does anyone know much more about Miralax? My doctor has given this to me for "life." I'm a bit troubled about it for me and for others who are using it, but I realize I may be uneducated about it.

I have switched to Acacia, and am very pleased with the results. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of printing Heather's brochure about her site, books and products and sending it to my doctor.

I suppose I'm battling with what my doctor says and what I've found to work through Heather's research. I want to remain loyal to him because, after all, he took me seriously after so many others didn't. Not only that, he didn't take my gallbladder out ... which seems to be trendy right now.

So, getting back to my questions. Any additional information on Miralax would be helpful, though I don't plan to use it. I'd just like to know more so that I can talk to others about it.

My other question is whether or not any of you are able to work with your doctor THROUGH the information given to us by Heather. Has anyone been successful?

Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Angela

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