HI Heather et al,
I am 39 y.o. woman, never had any tummy troubles til 5 years ago, after Central America travel. NOw I have intermittant irritable tummy w/ a variety of symptoms when I have an "attack" - usually nausea and diarrea, that can last a few hours or a few days, usually happens during PMS. I have learned a lot about managing things, w/ diet and rest and lifestyle changes, and now only have mild symptoms maybe 1x week (as opposed to daily when first diagnosed), and have an "attack" maybe once every few months usually w/ a combo of stress, hormone stuff, and a "trigger" food. I am 39 and trying to get pregnant, just married in Jan. All our fertility work ups are good, we've had them all and doc feels its just a matter of time since we've ruled out all hormonal/sperm or tube or other issues. I was pregnant in March and had a miscarriage. My IBS acted up some while pregnant, but not too bad. I had one "attack" and it scared me that it might've caused the m/c though the doctor said no. I am anxious about having to avoid Pepto Bismal (my lifesaver when having mild symptoms- just one chewable tablet) and Immodium (my lifesaver during a severe attack every few months) when pregnant. As per my ob/gyn's suggestion to help nature a little, I started doing acupunture and Chinese tea to build up my fertility. While I really believe in acupuncture and CHinese medicine in theory I always get diarrea w/ the herbs, they just seem to be too powerful for my tract. I was going to continue them w/ just the mild diarrea I was having but this weekend I had an "attack" first time in 6 mos, and I think the Chinese tea was part of why my tummy got so revved up and sensitive. ANyone else have difficulty tolerating CHinese tea? I am working w/ a great acupunturist and feel like a "failure," I just don't think I can tolerate it. I feel sad sometimes at having such a super sensitive tummy. On the other hand I guess I'm lucky because even one Immodium, for example, will turn me around, so that's where the sensitivity to drugs is GOOD. I want to be pregnant soon but am also feeling a bit anxious about IBS and pregnancy, even having a baby! Most of the time I feel fine, but when I have lots of "extras" in my life and PMS combined, I get a "flare up." Anyone have tips on managing IBS and pregnancy? ALso I feel sad that someitmes during an IBS flare up I question my ability to be a good mom, and moreso whether I 'll enjoy it....it's always been my biggest dream but now it's hard to imagine when I am having an "attack" how I would be up all night, for instance, w/ a baby, since sleep and calm mean so much at those times. Any support of words of encouragement appreciated!!!! THANK YOU, Maggie
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managing fertility and IBS at the same time
