Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi Abby,
First of all, I am so sorry that you are feeling so poorly lately. I have definitely been where you are and I think a lot of other people on here have as well!
One thing I can say about stress is that it just causes more stress and that it takes a lot to break the cycle. No doubt you are stressed out about being sick, and then that stress makes you more sick and it is a terrible thing to get caught in but you CAN (and you will!) get out of it.
I know how it is to feel like your life has been completely flipped upside down by IBS and how really upsetting that can feel. Try and hold onto the idea that no matter how bad you are feeling right now, it WILL get better.. maybe only for a few days at first but then more and more.. and if you can keep that in your mind, it might help calm the IBS stress down a little bit.

One thing I don't understand is why your doctor is refusing to refill your prescription?? Have you had a lot of success with it? Does he/she know whether you have or not? If it has made you stable in the past, I can't understand why you would be taken off of it. Has he/she offered you any alternatives? If it did help, and no other meds or anything have been suggested, I would seriously consider going to see another doctor who understands just how important medication can be to some people managing IBS.
I understand being nervous about taking a SFS, but I would give it a shot if I were you. Especially when you are off your meds, your gut probably needs some help! 2-3 days isn't very long to give SFS to work, most people in fact have a bit of trouble at first, but if you are not happy with Acacia, there are lots of other ones you could try. I am taking prodium right now, and it is helping I think.
Are you drinking lots of peppermint and fennel tea? If anti-spasmodics worked for you, and your doctor won't prescribe you any, I would recommend getting yourself some peppermint oil capsules (I haven't tried them but I have heard _wonderful_ things about the ones Heather sells). Since it is a natural anti-spasmodic, it might at least tide you over until you get some more help from your doctor.
Have you ever tried calcium supplements or probiotics? I am on some calcium supplements which I think has helped my D a _lot_. And when I was on anti-biotics, I got a bout of D, but as soon as I took a pro-biotic, I got stopped right up!

As for the stress, you've probably heard it all before.. exercise, and all that! Have you considered the hypnotherapy option? A lot of people have had great success with that; I am on day 33, and I enjoy them a lot.
Good luck, hon and let us know how you are feeling!
**hugs**
--Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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