I'm new to the boards, and am looking for support.
I've struggled with IBS-D for about 8 years, following a nasty bout of some gastrointestinal virus. Never a problem with constipation. I had a bout of diverticulitis at one point and an operation for that. I've had a barium enema and sigmoidoscopy, which showed only a few diverticuli.
I was prescribed Elavyl and Levsin for the IBS. The Elavyl eventually caused tachycardia, so I was weaned off it. The Levsin worked, along with Imodium during the worst bouts. I read Heather's book, and found that her recommendation for soluble fiber worked best for me. But when the IBS flared up each time, I'd read conflicting information about what to eat, and try high fiber foods. These really do a number on my gut. Oh, I've also taken Metamucil every day, but too much of it bothers my colon.
I was laid off from work and looking for a job for a year-and-a-half. During that time I had to move from my home of 26 years when the unemployment money ran out, and live with my father and stepmother. Unfortunately, my stepmother and I butt heads and I was asked to leave. Surprisingly, with all this stress, my IBS was fairly calm.
Then I started working again, in a low-pay but low-stress job, forty hours a week (which I've never worked before). I moved into a temporary space in a commune, and then finally into a very tiny cottage that I rent. My IBS went crazy during this time. I went to the doc, and she sent me to psychiatry (I also suffer from anxiety). I still felt like I wasn't getting the help I needed to get a handle on this problem. I was drained from the constant diarrhea and I was missing time from work. I started taking Imodium three or four days a week, which helped.
I was sticking to plain bagels instead of whole wheat bread. Occasional salads. A week ago I tried adding whole grain sprouted bread to my diet (I also eat a lot of soy because I'm vegetarian). Three nights ago I had the worst stomach pains ever. I felt like I had to go (diarrhea) but only a little came out. I couldn't sleep all night because of the pain, and feared that I had a blockage.
I went to the doc who said it was probably the IBS. She prescribed Bentyl and told me to go on a liquid diet, then to bland foods. My stomach is still rumbling a lot, altho the Bentyl seemed to calm down the pain. I took an Imodium this morning to ease the rumbling and it's working so far.
I'm so frustrated living like this. The IBS causes me much anxiety, which aggravates my colon. Arrgh! Any support, advice on meds, comfort would be most appreciated.
Thanks.
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Rough times
