How long has Alan been following the program? And how long has he been taking the acacia? 2 teaspoons a day isn't very much. However, if it seems to be making the D worse, try a different soluble fiber -- what about Citrucel powder?
I am a D also, and I have been on the acacia for several months now. I love it; I've actually increased my dosage from 2 teaspoons a day to 2-1/2 TABLEspoons a day (over 3 months time).
But what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. I'd try a different kind and see if the D gets better; if not, then you know it's not the acacia.
About those awful cramps -- yes, VERY debilitating! I also take Donnatal, but ONLY in emergencies, when the cramps are excruciating (otherwise, I take other meds). Donnatal is very dangerous stuff. Here's what I read about it:
Quote:
"Warning: special mental and physical adverse effects. Older adults are especially sensitive to the harmful anticholinergic effects of a family of drugs called belladonna alkaloids. Atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine are all in this family. Drugs in this family should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Mental effects: confusion, delirium, short-term memory problems, disorientation, and impaired attention. Physical effects: dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating (especially for a man with an enlarged prostate), blurred vision, decreased sweating with increased body temperature, sexual dysfunction, and worsening of glaucoma."
It's a combination of Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, and PHENOBARBITAL. Not good, not good.
Has Alan given any thought to Heather's peppermint caps? Heather used to take Donnatal, but she says the peppermint caps actually work better as an anti-spasmodic! You might think about it.
Another thing I take when the attack is really bad is Equalactin. It works better for me than Fibercon or Citrucel (other soluble fiber supplements I've tried) for some reason. Heather first introduced me to Equalactin when I placed my first order with her; if you order the peppermint caps -- or anything -- she'll probably include a small box of the stuff.
Tell hubby that the best thing of all is "sleeping it off." I take my Equalactin and my meds, soak in a hot bath, then take a cup of peppermint tea with me to bed, get my mind off it by watching TV (or reading a trashy novel -- if hubby is into that kind of thing), and letting myself fall asleep. By the time I wake up, I'm fine.
Hope this helps.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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