Re: Frazzled new diagnosee seeking similar friends?!
02/10/03 09:52 AM
|
|
|
|
MaryKay
Reged: 01/30/03
Posts: 24
Loc: Colorado, USA
|
|
|
Hi Kathryn,
I do know haw you feel, as I am also IBS-D! I am doing quite a bit better right now after years of major problems. I also have a lot of anxiety both as a cause and effect of IBS. It is a vicious circle because anxiety is a powerful trigger of symptoms and also a reaction to those symptoms. I can tell you what I currently do to help my symptoms and hope that maybe something will be beneficial to you!
For the anxiety, I take 2 tablets of SAM-E (S-adenosylmethionine) each morning on an empty stomach with a bit of water, along with my synthroid as I am also hypo-thyroid. SAM-E is available in stores.
I take plant-based digestive enzymes with each meal to help with digestion.
I take 2 tablets of Fibercon (actually I use cheaper store brands) before lunch and dinner for soluble fiber, as well as follow Heather's eating advise. I previously tried Citracel which made my diarrhea worse, and Metamucil which only helped a little and made me more bloated, so for me, the Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil) has made a huge difference in firming up my BMs, and I used to have around 5-10+ a day, and now I have 2-4!!
I also have a prescription for sublingual levsin, which in the beginning I needed a few times everyday, but now I only take it occasionally as a precaution when I have to go somewhere and am anxious about making it through an event!
I drink lots of herbal tea, peppermint after lunch, and peppermint chamomile after dinner, and my new favorite in the morning is Celestial Seasonings decaf Original Chai with a little soy milk added.
I hope this has been some help, I realize everyone is different and needs to be treated individually, but these things have helped me alot!
Mary Kay 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
Posts
