Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Hi...I'm Matt and I suffer from IBS...and boy do I need help!

Matt:

I haven't read all the replies to your post, but I find it interesting that on the one hand you are trying to help yourself (Tai-Chi, medication, etc.) but on the other hand you are sabotaging your efforts (Extreme Sausage Sandwich, etc.).

I can appreciate how frustrated you are with your situation. I believe IBS-C is much more difficult to manage than IBS-D. I've suffered from both during my life and right now I am IBS-D predominant. I much prefer IBS-D because whenever I am in danger of slipping back into IBS-C, I know of quite a few foods I can eat that will provoke D without pain. (In a strange sort of way I consider myself to be blessed!)

In your case, it sounds as though the jury is still out as to whether your C is totally caused by IBS or whether there may be other medical conditions involved.

If your problem is totally caused by IBS, then I would strongly encourage you to stick to Heather's diet, drink lots of room temperature bottled water, participate in rigorous exercise on a daily basis and, yes, take up something like Tai Chi or yoga for relaxation. These are unfortunately probably your only options because medications like Zelnorm are not very effective when it comes to IBS. Basically, at this point in history, diet and lifestyle are the only things available to control IBS although some IBS people also seek out holistic-type remedies as well.

I hope you find a way to get back on track because your present situation sounds very dire. I've experienced something similar myself after a bad IBS attack and I've had a great deal of difficulty eating because it was like my intestines had a blockage or something. On those occasions I've switched to a very soft diet consisting of pureed foods (babyfood is good if you haven't got the patience to puree it yourself) and lots of warm liquids like soup. Of course, I continued to follow Heather's diet rules when eating those foods.

I hope you find the source of your discomfort and feel better VERY SOON.

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