Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Update from Gary on how this Site has helped me!

I think that Heather & Co. are goin' straight to Heaven on The Express someday, because they should know how many people, including me, they're helping with this Website and its advice. Here's an update on how much it and people's support have helped me with my IBS-C, especially since I joined following my emergency abdominal adhesions surgery this past January. I have found that these three things have really, really helped me:

1) Peppermint Decaf Tea -- it's true! It calms and soothes me, in texture, taste, mentally and physically. That's enough for me. It really helps calm my cramps and bloating, and I have at least 2 cups per day.

2) Bean-O. Used to make fun of it with friends passing it on the "Antacids" aisle in the pharmacies, but no more -- I take a couple before meals each time I eat, and I've noted considerable reduction in my bloating symptoms and gas problems.

3) Mild Stretching. Not full-out yoga, but just stretching out the old limbs while laying on my back, or sitting up straight on the soft rug. A little bit of twisting and holding, together with...

4) Breathing Techniques! Definitely. Try consciously exhaling and pushing out your belly: you'll discover how much you're sometimes "unconsciously" holding your guts literally in, making them spasm, sucking in air, and bringing on your symptoms otherwise!

5) Lots of water. Lots, lots, lots. Not cold, but temperate. Sometimes I'll fill a simple 3 oz. Dixie bathroom-sized paper cup four times, swallow real quick -- that way, you don't feel intimidated by one big 9 oz. glass all at once. And,

6) Lastly, rest and visual meditation. I put these two together, because often they happen at the same time. One can lead to the other. It's so important. Give your fragile IBS-plagued constitution a strong foundation on which to stand, and you'll be able to control and stave off your associated symptoms and problems better.

Most importantly, realize that you're never going to be the same, you always won't feel great, and you're doing all that you can do. It's OK not to beat yourself up for sometimes not feeling well -- you're not responsible for it! The bad-feeling times will come...but remember that they will pass, too.

)

Peace,
Gary!

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Gary in Boston
gpresto@comcast.net

"Dreams don't die,
people just sometimes stop dreaming." ;-)

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