Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Girlfriend, I have the same problems as you!

First of all, you need to check out Jen's incredible welcome message for newbies: Welcome Newbies!

Now, about you and me: we both share the D thing (ain't it fun?!) AND I also have diverticulosis. I've had two diverticulitis attacks so far. The Flagyl worked wonders for me!

Are you eating seeds and/or nuts? When I cut out ALL seeds -- and I mean ALL -- I stopped having the diverticulitis attacks. I went through my spice cabinet and tossed all seeds -- cumin seed, poppy seed, celery seed, ALL seeds -- and I never eat tomato seed. I buy only Roma tomatoes, and I cut out all the centers where the seeds are and toss them; the remainder is what I use in recipes.

Now, about the Big D: it sucks. If it's any consolation to you, and it IS for me, think about all the people here who have the opposite problem. Can you imagine how horrible it would be to not be able to get it out? OUCH!

Okay, not much consolation. I'll try again.

Cut out that coffee. Even decaf. The coffee bean has an enzyme in it that's THE WORST trigger for IBS, more even than dairy! Don't touch that stuff. Instead, order yourself some SoyFee: The World's Best Coffee That's Not Real Coffee This is the best "coffee" you've ever had, no kidding! You'll be blown away by it. AND it's healthy for you! It even aids in digestion and helps prevent colon cancer. Well worth the money it costs.

Back then, I wouldn't give up the coffee either; I figured if I followed Heather's program to the letter, with that one exception, I should get better, right? WRONG! There's no cheating here. No no no. When Heather discovered I was still drinking coffee, she posted to me -- it was last December -- and the next day I went cold turkey and was instantly better. It STOPPED THE D AND CRAMPING!

I'm grateful for having discovered SoyFee, because I no longer miss coffee AT ALL. I'm drinking the best coffee, but no one knows. (Don't tell.)

Okay, I understand you bought the coffee so you could use the bathroom. I never bothered buying the coffee at McD's; I just went straight to the bathroom. (But I assume you drank it anyway, right?)

I too have a weight problem. Always have. I'm assuming you're no spring chicken anymore, am I right? I'm gonna be 60 in November, so I'm with ya, Girlfriend. You must know by now that there's no way we'll ever be a size 6 again. Metabolism loss seems to run rampant in us more mature gals. I eat like a bird but still fight the weight. It sucks.

I used to scout out all the public bathrooms just like you -- until I went through the hypnotherapy program. You can read my success story in the hypno board. I was in bad shape, unable to leave the confines of my home because I would instantly have D attacks, extreme urgency, and had to run back home. Heather turned me onto Michael, and he got rid of my anxiety -- completely! I no longer have to look for public toilets.

Don't be afraid of the SFS (Soluble Fiber Supplement). I thought the same as you -- I figured I already have D, why would I take SFS, just to have MORE?! I was wrong. You need that SFS, and possibly even a probiotic. I take Jarro-Dophilus EPS ( web page ) which helps with good gut flora and "firms up" my poops. Now I have two real good ones in the morning when I first get up, and that's it for the day.

I hope some of this helps, Winnie. Just remember, we're all in the same boat here, and what we do is help each other. You SOOOOO came to the right place!

Bev

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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy

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