Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: New - just ordered book

Hang in there! I found Heather's books about four months ago and I'm having practically no problems with constipation anymore. Unfortunately it did take quite a few weeks before I felt an improvement, and I still have a lot of bloating and occasional cramp attacks. But it sure is great just to be going to the bathroom regularly! Here are the Heather suggestions that have been working for me:

1. Heather's diet, of course, with the modification that I am avoiding all gassy foods completely for now (beans, brocoli, cabbage, etc). I plan to slowly add them back in after I get my bloating under control.
2. Walking on the treadmill nearly every day for 30 minutes. This is especially helpful for bloating and getting some movement in the bowels. I often 'go' right after my walk.
3. Four tablespoons of Citrucel daily. I, also, had a bad experience with Metamucil.
4. Tons and tons of water.
5. The antispasmodic, Bentyl. My doctor talked me into buying some just to have in my purse in case I am feeling especially bad. Most of the time if I take one of these before a meal, I am able to go to the bathroom shortly after the meal. I understand your interest in solving your problems without medicine, but it's awfully nice to have that backup or even use it as a jump start.
6. I've been using a heating pad for cramps and I truly can feel movement in my bowels as the heat relaxes everything. As you very well know, even just movement in the bowels, even without actually going, is a blessing for contipation sufferers.

I hope you start feeling better soon.

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