women conquering diarrhea - page nineteen
The tale of...Gaye
I have just stumbled on this site and have found a lot of comfort in reading other people's stories and felt like telling mine. I hope it can help others. I have been diagnosed with IBS for some years. I had bouts of severe constipation, pain and intermittent diarrhea. The pain was so severe that I'd have to sleep with a hot water bottle on my stomach.
A couple of years ago my IBS reached nighmare proportions. I developed severe diarrhea - 20 to 30 times a day. My doctor just dismissed me with the same old IBS diagnosis. I was so desperate as my condition meant I needed to consider giving up my job. I felt my life was over. My toenails dropped off due to the inevitable loss of nutrition and I discovered that I had also developed early osteoporosis. All tests showed nothing, which, the doctors told me, meant IBS. I was a mess.
A kind gastroenterologist, in response to my desperation, decided to try one more test. A hydrogen breath test revealed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and also showed I could no longer absorb fructose and lactose. I need to follow a no fructose (which is in wheat, fruit and sugar-free products) no lactose diet, which has greatly helped me - but is so hard. I also need to regularly go on antibiotics, when my symptoms get out of control. For my condition, antibiotics are magic. When I am on them I can eat like a normal person.
SIBO apparently can be caused by other conditions, such as thyroid conditions, scleroderma, MS etc. The problem doesn't go away, unless the condition that causes bacteria to proliferate in the wrong spot (the intestine) can be corrected. I am not happy that I can't eat like other people, or that I need to regularly use antibiotics - but I thank God that I have finally been diagnosed and can lead a more normal life. Thank you for reading my story.
E-mail Gaye: gaynorfaulkner[at]bigpond.com
The tale of...M
I wanted to share my IBS story with other sufferers. I found this website and it's an absolute gift. I was a happy, healthy girl, bit of a worrier but never sick. It all started about three years ago when my life started to fall apart. My uncle died in early 2007. I was in a car accident going to work, and my aunt's house burned down. This was coupled with being moved to a different area in work where one girl went out of her way to make my life a misery, my Dad who has a degenerative disorder developed depression, and other family problems.
In May 2008, one afternoon in work I had the worst case of diarrhea. I would go to the bathroom and I would only be back at my desk and I would have to go again. I was sweating and nauseous. I worked in an open-plan office and I was so embarrassed walking by people's desks every few minutes. I left work at 4pm and thought it was just a stomach upset.
Worse was to come when at the end of the month my boyfriend broke up with me saying he didn't love me anymore after four and a half years, which broke my heart. As we were overseas when this happened, after I came home I tried to keep busy through work and friends. I started feeling sick after everything I ate and the diarrhea I was getting was bad. I would be in work early so at that stage it was easy to hide it from colleagues as it would be over before other people would arrive in.
In September 2008 I went to the first doctor as the diarrhea was getting harder to hide in work and the cramps were something else. I got a lot of tests done and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed up nothing but the blood test showed I had had glandular fever sometime in the last six months. So the doctor told me that I had a very bad case of IBS as celiac disease was ruled out and to manage as best as possible. I was told to try to cut down on stress as this seemed to be a major problem with me.
As the weeks went by I was in and out to the doctor and I was prescribed Motilium around Christmas which was no help. Back I went to the doctors' surgery and I saw a different doctor. He said as this was going on too long to see a consultant in March 2009 (my first of four). She told me I could be lactose intolerant and to try to stay off dairy. This helped at first and the diarrhea settled a bit.
Then it started up again. It was explosive and could be at anytime of the day which was draining. In work the area I worked in had moved to a different floor and it could take anything up to five minutes to get to the bathroom. Even going out socially was a nightmare as I could eat very little on the menu. Anywhere I went to I had to know where the toilet was before I could relax. So my social life was suffering too.
The worst event for me was when we had a special lunch in work. I ordered a panini with chicken and ham. Within half an hour I was running to the bathroom and nearly didn't make it, and from that day I couldn't hide my problem from other people. I am a shy person so it was my worst nightmare. I was sweating and the room was spinning. I managed to hold on until 4pm and then left. After this I was losing weight, I went down to seven stone 13 pounds from nine and a half stone. I went to see an acupuncturist who was a great help and my weight went up to eight stone.
I went back to my doctor and in the intervening months was prescribed Colpermin and Buscopan. In November of last year I had an endoscope and colonoscopy, which is not a pleasant procedure at all. At the end of November one Saturday night I got a shocking pain in my stomach with vomiting and diarrhea at the same time. This went on till 3am.
In getting my results in December I was talking to the consultant's registrar who treated me with disdain. I was told 'We are running out of tests for you' and 'You are one of the many people the medical profession may be unable to find a cure for'. They did find a leaky polyp in my stomach which was removed. He prescribed amitriptyline which I was told would make me feel better. He never told me this was an anti-depressant and I was never depressed so I didn't take them. He also prescribed Colofac which was full of lactose! After seeing the consultant's registrar I felt very disillusioned and upset with the way I was treated, and I was being offered no help.
In February of this year I ended up getting a horrible pain in my back which felt like my spine was going to snap. I went back again to my doctor who told me an ultrasound was a waste of time. After saying to him I wanted one he wrote me a letter to get the ultrasound privately. On 15 February the ultrasound showed up a diseased gallbladder and two gallstones which have to be removed.
On talking to my own doctor after being diagnosed he told me I will still have IBS but it won't be to the extent that I did have it. Between February and the present time I have been in and out of work (I'm lucky I have a great, understanding boss). I ended up having gastric flu in May and I got my gallbladder removed a little while ago, so presently I am recuperating.
My doctor was right, I still do have IBS, and I have started my food diary again. It is not as bad though and I am coping very well. I still have a bit of diarrhea in the morning but I can live with it. I can have a little dairy now (how I missed ice cream!) but I can't have a lot of it in one day. Pasta just causes my stomach to go crazy and brings on the diarrhea, wind, bloating and the 'creaky pipes' (noisy stomach).
I am a happier person starting my 30's and I am looking forward to the future - starting a course, going traveling, buying a house, maybe meeting a new boyfriend, the list is endless. I hope this will show other people that it will get better and more manageable. A doctor is there is listen so keep talking until they hear you! You know your body and if you feel there is something wrong the chances are there is.
The tale of...Amy
I've been suffering from IBS since an attack when I was 19. There were incidences before that, but nothing regular. I had intense pain from a gassy stomach in college, but by far the worst was the unexpected IBS attacks that would just jump me out of nowhere. I would go very cold and then it was like thousands of needles were trying to puncture their way out of the lower part of my colon.
Through the years I may have exacerbated my condition because I would try to 'clean' myself out before I left the house, using coffee, soda and anything with caffeine until they had no effect. Even taking psyllum husk only helped for the first week. So pain with alternating constipation and diarrhea was what I had to put up with every day. I didn't understand why this was happening to me.
I went to all good schools and I thought I'd be doing things to help the world. Instead, worrying about my digestive system turned into panic attacks. Couldn't this problem hit only the bad people like terrorists and leave regular and good people alone?
My family called it my chronic 'bad habit'. They were never very understanding to begin with, but surprisingly, one day my brother sent me info about endometriosis. For anyone with intense pain during periods and IBS symptoms (as well as other symptoms) endometriosis can be a factor.
I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto nodules four years ago. Truthfully, from the research I've been doing, I think doctors should check for this earlier. The doctor just noticed a goiter was forming so he sent me in for testing.
When I finally got the MRI my thyroid was like a mashed-up sponge. I was getting worse. Just going out for a 20-minute walk resulted in exhaustion. I would go to the city for a day and the next day I couldn't get out of bed. My body did this to itself. The only way most doctors test for hypothyroidism is with a blood test on the TSH levels, which I think is insufficient. Since I've been on thyroid replacement medicine my digestive system has more or less come back to normal.
There are also links to low thyroid levels and anxiety and depression. And more and more people are getting diagnosed with thyroid problems. I have more research to back up my theory but it's too much to put here. Putting all these facts together, I started to think, what if a problem with the thyroid is a cause of IBS in most people? Since mostly women have IBS, and many of them have an onset after having children (right after birth a woman's thyroid can get a bit wonky), and of course the thyroid heavily affects metabolism, should people with IBS be asking the doctor to check out their thyroid?
The regular medical practitioners brush off everything as all in your head when in actuality they either don't have the time or don't make the effort to learn more about the continuing medical research. Hopefully this will help people!
The tale of...Pam
A few years ago I was diagnosed as hyperinsulimic. I was told to cut potatoes, bread, rice - starches, basically - and sugar, and lose 10% of my body weight pronto. IBS was a given with me - I'm 48 now, 45 at the time of the hyperinsulimic diagnosis - and I've had IBS since I was 15. I didn't go anywhere without Bentyl, which caused its own set of problems. You take it, you're good to go, but then if you take it for a week or more, say on vacation where I'd take four to six a day, at the end of the week you'd be terribly sick with an attack because you hadn't really gone to the bathroom normally. Big catch-22 and horrid merry-go-round. But it was my life.
Then I got the hyperinsulimic diagnosis and my mom got ill at around the same time. I decided to go on basically an Atkins diet, with vegetables and the occasional low carb tortilla, because I could not afford to be sick myself when I had to take care of my mother in various hospitals. To my extreme surprise, the IBS vanished. Stress had always been a big trigger for me, and believe me, the four months my mom was ill were a hugely stressful time for me - and no attacks.
I remembered, then, that I had read once that some people who suffer with IBS can't digest carbs properly. I know it worked for me. That was three years ago, and I've had maybe 10 attacks, and they were brought on by my own ignorance in eating bread and pasta, which I dearly love and miss, but not enough to go back to for good.
It sounds melodramatic to say that this gave me my life back, but it's the truth. I was unable to do many things because I couldn't do things spur of the moment; I hadn't had time to take my meds and let them work. I had started having panic attacks and not being able to be in crowds or in a car with someone else, simply because of the fact that I knew I had to have bathrooms all the time, and felt trapped if I wasn't 'in charge'. All of that is gone! As long as I keep low carb and sugar-free, I'm feeling wonderful - what a wonder to have life back!
E-mail Pam: worldwidewanderer[at]yahoo.com
The tale of...Andrea
I've had anxiety-induced IBS (IBS-D I guess) for as far back as I can remember, probably from about nine years old (I'm 47 now). One doctor suggested a psychiatrist who kept asking me what I was thinking; all I was thinking of was the pain in my gut and wanting to get out of there to use the loo! I have had panic attacks because of the cramps and feeling of losing control.
My IBS can turn on and off when it likes though, for example we were out walking at night once and it was all I could do to hang on, sweating panic attacks and all, and the minute we walked in the back door all disappeared. Seems to be a security blanket if there's a loo nearby, if not all hell breaks loose! Makes me sooo mad! I felt like I was nuts!
After having a teary breakdown at the doctors two years ago I was put on aropax tabs, together with Colofac, and I have had a 99% change. The doctor then suggested a coloscopy and endoscopy (I also had some reflux, which has settled since a course of somac) which showed nothing. I didn't even get nervous because of the meds, I thought I'd be a mess. I was going to the loo after breakfast every morning, nice and regular.
Then I was diagnosed with type two diabetes and put on cholesterol tabs which have slightly constipated me, not badly though. Now when I occasionally have an episode, like now and this is only mild, I find it hard to remember just how bad it was. The tablets don't seem to have any side effects so as long as they're working, I'm happy.
E-mail Andrea: radketransport[at]bigpond.com
The tale of...Angie
I am hoping this post may help a lot of people. Two years ago I started suffering from stomach pain, severe gas, and constant belching. I am 44 and have always taken very good care of myself as I am really into nutrition, exercise and overall taking care of myself. After many tests, extensive bloodwork, MRIs, a CT scan, and an endoscopy that found non-cancerous polyps that apparently shouldn't be causing any pain, I was beyond frustrated. The GI doctor only wanted to give me medicines that I researched and knew were not for me after looking at the side effects and possible long-term effects.
I finally went to a naturopath who is also chiropractor. He sent five vials of blood off to a lab for a delayed reaction onset allergy testing that is not normally covered under insurance - but I was desperate. The test results say that I am very allergic to corn! Also about 22 other things, but this was the severe one.
The naturopath told me that my immune system was overloaded. As a child I had a lot of eczema and skin reactions. I was also told that the polyps could become cancerous if I didn't get them under control. I have to say I was very skeptical but I decided to try the suggested program and see what would happen.
I had to take several supplements during the day and avoid what I was allergic to for the next six months, then start introducing the foods back in slowly and only occasionally. The first month was actually a bit worse than usual, but within three months I felt like a new person! I was still having some digestion issues, like gas and belching, but no more pain! I have learned how to eat and feel so much better. I also incorporated yoga into my life, about two or three times a week.
E-mail Angie: angi777[at]hotmail.com
The tale of...Helen
After years of suffering from IBS (I'm now 47 and I have suffered for 25 years - just generally unwell, lethargic and tired continually) I finally identified a major cause for me: wheat and caffeine allergy/intolerance. I'm surprised it took so long for me to identify these problem foods as I have an NHS medical background! I now strickly adhere to the diet and this leaves me really well. An added benefit has been that I now have no asthma symptoms or hypoglycemia. Both disappeared within two weeks!
Within a month of first going on to the diet I had problems with terrible nausea, stomach aches and diarrhea. I felt especially unwell first thing in the morning. I cured this with ginger and turmeric tea every morning (one teaspoon of ginger, one of turmeric, two teaspons of honey to sweeten and one tablespoon of lemon juice). It works an absolute treat in 20 minutes flat to relieve all the symtoms. I gather it works so well because it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. I have to say I was very skeptical when I first tried it as I have tried dozens of so-called remedies, none of which worked. This one really does work and has made a tremendous difference to my wellbeing.
I have also now slowly increased my soluble fiber intake using psyllium. I now feel very, very well. I'm back to work and feeling fab and have been for several months now. No symptoms at all.
E-mail Helen: onlineshop[at]manx.net
The tale of...Susan
I am 57 and I have had IBS on and off for years. Pain and severe bloating are my worst symptoms, and when it's bad I can have accidents with mucus. I have found that it is stress that brings it on for me. I have tried a lot of medications, and Panadeine or Panadeine Forte really helps a lot with the pain. But I have just found something that really works. For three weeks now, for 10 minutes a day, I have been using a platform vibration machine on a fairly high setting (gradually setting it higher) and now my stomach feels the best and flattest it has been in ages. It also helps to get rid of flatulence. I can wear jeans again without worrying that I will have to unbutton them and want to get home early. I have also lost some weight.
The tale of...Deborah
I just wanted to pass on this information, to hopefully help any of you fellow sufferers that have similar stories to mine. I have had IBS with awful pain and diarrhea for over 18 years. I've seen numerous consultants and had all the usual tests and been told to get on with it and take codeine phosphate to control the pain. I'd typically go about an average of nine times a day and feel constantly tired.
About a year ago I went back to my GP again following a really bad six months and he referred me to an IBS center of research in Manchester. I tried every tablet going to control my IBS (including each brand of anti-spasmodics and low dose anti-depressants) and had a whole new set of tests done. Still nothing worked!
I fortunately saw a a doctor who sent me for a nuclear medicine abdominal scan (SeHCAT test) and it turns out I have not got IBS-D but I have bile salt malabsorption. Because I don't absorb my bile salts they leak into my large intestine and cause pain and diarrhea. My consultant was really shocked as I have no history of surgery on my bowel or my gallbladder.
I have now had my first month of Questran sachets and I have not had any diarrhea for the first time in 18 years. I can't tell you how blissful it is to have my life back and not be running to the loo all day. Also to have some sort of medical answer. Apparently it's quite rare to have it, but with so many people being diagnosed with IBS I'm wondering if it's not more common than the doctors think? Do get in touch if you would like any more information. Good luck.
E-mail Deborah: deborahbouchard[at]mac.com
The tale of...Carol
I am a woman in her sixties who has suffered with stomach pain and diarrhea since the age of 12. I had my gallbladder removed at 22 as it was non-functioning. My IBS issues grew increasingly worse over the years. I often could not leave my house for days at a time. None of my doctors were able to help me.
I read about Questran and asked my doctor to prescribe it for me. I have been taking half a packet each night before I go to bed. I have not had diarrhea since I started taking it nine days ago. I feel like I have been given a new life! I hope this helps others.
The tale of...Laura
I have suffered from IBS for most of my adult life. It was awful, especially during my 20's when all of my friends were out enjoying themselves. Most food and drink upset me, and it was very difficult. Since I was a young child I've had mild eczema and itchy, dry skin. Last year I had to have a mole removed from my skin. The dermatologist asked me about my skin etc and prescribed an anti-histamine to stop the itch. She prescribed cetirizine 10mg once a day, taken before bedtime to stop my scratching in the night.
At first it made me very drowsy in the mornings, and so drowsy that the IBS early morning rush started to improve. The drowsiness was beginning to affect me though, so I decided to switch to a different anti-histamine tablet, but unfortunately the IBS returned.
I now take two Cetirizine 10mg tablets every night before bed, and the IBS has gone completely! I can actually now eat what I like, even fish and chips, with no effects whatsoever! I've started to gain weight now and have put on nearly a stone due to the lift on my restricted diet. Cetrizine does make some people drowsy, especially me, but I'm learning to live with it, and it's a small price to pay for being IBS-free and eating and drinking what you like. I'm like a kid in a sweet shop at the moment, enjoying so many foods and drinks, and feeling healther and happier.
You can buy cetirizine over the counter, you don't need a prescrption. I need two a day, but you may find you need either one or three, it just depends. I told my doctor about it and she is very excited and will be suggesting it to other IBS patients. My understanding is that cetirizine is classed as an anti-allergy drug, so if, like me, you are sensitive to many foods and drinks this could be the answer.
Cetirizine is used a lot for seasonal allergies like hayfever etc, and also pet hair allergies. Brand names if you buy over the counter in the UK are Zirtek and Piritize. I really hope this helps some people. I can honestly say one year on that it's changed my life - I'm fatter, but much happier, and easier to be around!
The tale of...Linda
I was recently diagnosed with chronic (severe) IBS with diarrhea. For almost three years I suffered bad cramping, diarrhea where I would go to the bathroom 10 to 15 times a day several days a week, constant stomach irritation and heavy menstrual bleeding. I finally thought it was due to PMS stuff so I went to a new OB/GYN who told me of a newer procedure called Novasure that would take care of the diarrhea from PMS and stop my monthly bleeding, so I said yes - anything to stop the diarrhea and cramping.
Well, that worked for four months, but then I was right back to the same pain and diarrhea. I went back to the OB/GYN and was told there was nothing I could do but take Aleve for the pain and go home. For another year I suffered until I couldn't take the pain anymore.
I found an internal specialist who did a lot of testing and x-rays, an upper GI, blood tests (mostly to rule out things) and after weeks of testing she said I suffered from chronic (severe) IBS with diarrhea. She prescribed dicyclomine which has helped me tremendously. I still get attacks but not as many as before. PMS does trigger my attacks more than anything else.
I am in the process of learning what my trigger foods are and trying to limit my stress. Stress is a big trigger for me - I do go to a chiropractor monthly which also helps to relax me. Of course, there is no cure and lifestyle change is a must with this condition.
I continue to take daily medication and I am glad I went to an internal specialist who took my symptoms seriously. I know I will never be free of IBS, but I can learn to control it. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to seek help.
E-mail Linda: lonewolfpal[at]aol.com
The tale of...B
I had IBS pretty badly several years ago. I saw several doctors and they were really unable to help in any way. It was absolute hell. Awful gas pain, feeling like I had to go 24/7 even when I didn't, hours and hours in the bathroom...The only thing I found to be effective was actually bringing my weight down. I started working out and went from around 220lbs to 170lbs and the IBS just disappeared.
I wasn't mega-obese or anything but I am 100% sure that my IBS was directly related to the extra weight my body was dealing with, as I injured my knee two years ago and have now gained a lot of the weight back. I'm up to 200lbs again and guess what? The IBS is back.
The diet/exercise thing really, really, sucks at first (being on an elliptical machine or lifting weights when you have IBS is not fun at all) but if you can make it through the first couple of weeks it's worth it!
The tale of...Laura
I just came across this site, and I am so happy to be reading all the stories about IBS, I always felt I must be the only one with this dreadful debilitating problem. I had my first colonoscopy in 1992 and have had several since. It has almost ruined my life, and never being able to go very far, especially in the morning, is the worst.
I am 62 now and in four weeks my husband and I will be taking a long road trip. I have been so anxious about it, wondering what I will do in traffic with no restrooms around. My husband doesn't seem to understand either, saying 'Why do you need to go again?' I have cried over this as it is an awful way to live.
I saw my GP today and she has given me Lomotil, which gave me hope after reading positive reports from those who have IBS. I can't wait to try them tomorrow to see how I go. I also had my gallbladder removed 39 years ago and I have never been the same after that with bowel problems. My 35 year-old son had his removed three years ago and also suffers the same. I now feel I am not alone with this awful disease, and I feel positive that my trip will be OK with Lomotil.
E-mail Laura: kenandlaurina[at]hotmail.com
The tale of...Mandy
When I was four months pregnant my gallbladder was removed due to stones when I had surgery for a suspected Crohn's disease attack (ended up being an adhesion which was strangling my bowel). I was fine for the remainder of my pregnancy but after I gave birth that's when the severe diarrhea began. Mostly in the morning, about four times. I was 37, I couldn't leave home (especially in the morning) and depression set in. I had osteopaenia in my hips (from calcium deficiency) and so on. Life sucked!
Finally after about a year I got referred to a gastro specialist who told me straight away it was bile salt diarrhea and subscribed Questran Light. Fantastic! It took about two days to work. Why can't they tell you this could be a possible side effect of gallbladder removal? It could've saved me from a lot of stress and post-natal depression!
I'm now 41 and I take Questran Light still, a low dose of an anti-depressant (Efexor - also great), calcium and other vitamins. Life is now good. I didn't know Questran depleted the uptake of vitamins though which was probably why my iron levels became so low maybe? Thanks to this site I have become more informed. Pity GP's aren't.
E-mail Mandy: groovy.gecko[at]bigpond.com
The tale of...S
I am from the UK and thought you might like to share my story. I was a fit and seemingly healthy person until my gallbladder was removed in 1993, and after this my years of misery began. I was unwell for about a year after this and eventually IBS and GERD were diagnosed. At this stage the IBS was inconvenient but did not impinge radically on my life, but I had to plan all outings carefully and make sure I did not eat if I was going to be out for more than an hour afer the meal.
I managed, but in 1997 I was diagnosed with Graves' disease (Thyroid) which was treated with radioactive iodine. After this I had a massive range of symptoms which were all put down to my thyroid medication being uncontrolled, despite all results being OK. My IBS went into overdrive and caused me so much stress that I had to give up my career years earlier than I had intended. From being an extrovert and outgoing person I turned into one with irrational fears and stayed more or less confined to my home. My husband has stuck by me through all this.
One of the most distressing side effects was severe pain in every inch of my body. I was tested for all sorts of severe problems including MS and nothing was found. To cut a long story short I moved to another area of the country and instead of being told I was a hypochondriac or suffering from a variety of syndromes for which there was no cure, I was taken seriously by my new GP, who referred me to a consultant rheumatologist who listened to my story and took one look at me and immediately said that she thought I was suffering from a vitamin D deficiency. After tests she rang me to tell me that my vitamin D level was the lowest she had ever seen (8nmol, normal is 50-140nmol).
I started treatment last month, starting with a booster injection and continuing with daily calcichew tablets. I have also taken wheat out of my diet because I need to lose seven stone (all the comfort eating at home). My IBS has already improved out of recognition and I have spent my first full day out in 12 years without having to worry about the proximity of toilets etc. Also my aches and pains are lessening. I now know there is a link between IBS and vitamin D in my case - believe it or not all my other symptoms are disappearing and I am starting to regain my energy.
What a pity the doctors spent so much time and money on investigating more serious illnesses when a simple vitamin d test years ago would have sorted out my problems. Also I would not have had to retire early with a radically reduced pension. I feel I have lost years of my life but at least I can now enjoy my retirement. It is well worth asking your doctor to check your vitamin D levels if you have unspecified aches and pains and IBS just to rule it in or out.
If your level has got very low you may need more than the supplements sold over the counter in chemists. Multivitamins often don't contain vitamin D and you would need to eat the equivalent of about 10 tins of oily fish a week to get the missing vitamin d from your diet. This is especially true if you live in the northern hemisphere where there is insufficient sunlight in winter to top you up. Good luck to everyone who is trying to find a solution for IBS - I was looking for the solution to other problems and my IBS virtually disappearing has been a very welcome bonus for me.
An update on S...
I did not realise how much IBS (let alone the other symptoms) had ruled my life until the treatment of vitamin D deficiency kicked in and I realised that the treatment is still working. My IBS has for the most part gone. No more severe griping pains after meals and at other spurious times. No more carrying spare underwear if I plucked up the courage to leave home, no more room deodoriser in the handbag, no more...well, you get the picture without me going into the graphic detail most of you are familiar with.
The best thing is being able to go out and enjoy myself without fear of embarrassment. I can now plan holidays, outings and above all look forward to the birth of my first grandchild without giving a thought to the dreaded IBS. Although I do not have celiac disease I have also removed wheat from my diet as I found it made me bloated, but it is the vitamin D problem that was making my IBS intolerable.
By the way I now eat at least five to six portions of fresh fruit and veg every day, protein, fat (to help the absorption of vitamin d) and carbohydrate in the form of corn crackers. All the fruit and veg I eat is uncooked. I eat 1500 calories a day, do not feel hungry and I have lost over two stone (28 pounds) in two months without surgery but with mild aerobic exercise, so this is a bonus to my IBS disappearing (I do need to lose another four stone put on by feeling sorry for myself). Perhaps I should write a diet book! I haven't the time now I am going out so much!
I know that there are many reasons for IBS and how debilitating it is. Until you suffer from it you do not realise how unpleasant an illness it is. And believe me, when it goes away it is the greatest feeling in the world. I am not sure that I will never suffer from IBS again but it's wonderful to be rid of it for the moment. I can now get my life back on track.
Good luck to all sufferers - I hope you also get relief from this unpleasant, painful and life-sapping ailment! No-one deserves this illness, it just grinds you down. I know - I nearly topped myself at my lowest ebb. Only the support of my family kept me going. Unfortunately I did not find this site until this year and would have benefited from it. IBS suffering can be a very lonely place without support. Keep up the good work!
E-mail S: lisbethsward[at]btinternet.com
The tale of...Kathy
I have been battling with IBS all my life. It really got worse this last four years. I have been to numerous doctors about my symptoms but no-one could help me. It was like a yo-yo, it got better and then got worse. I have spent tons of money on medication, vitamins, books and some of it kinda helped but I was still having a lot of intestinal pain, constipation, bloating, gas, acid reflux, muscle tightness, dermatitis and diarrhea. Then my brain started to malfuntion. My breathing was freezing up, and I would have to force myself to breathe. It felt like sleep apnea.
I decided to go to the IBS treatment center in Seattle, Washington. They tested me for food allergies, parasites, bacteria, yeast, and some other stuff, and they found lots of issues. I had pinworms, candida, bad bacteria, c difficile and numerous food allergies. My body was so out of whack. I did go to a naturopath and they did a skin-prick test for food allergies but there was a discrepancy.
It is expensive but worth it. The IBS treatment center figured out the problem within a couple of months. But you have to be committed to get off a lot of certain foods but I almost feel like a normal person now. No more brain issues. I still have some issues to resolve but I'm on the road to recovery. Don't give up, there are good doctors out there.
E-mail Kathy: robandkathsnow[at]aol.com
The tale of...Wendy
Hi there. I came across this website as I was googling diarrhea/abdo pains/effects of eating cream/milk. I am so pleased I did! I had one of my episodes at 2.15am, about nine hours ago. I am 55 and I am not sure if I have IBS but I have suffered sporadic episodes where I have acute abdominal cramping followed by acute diarrhea since I was a child! I can remember being rushed to the doctor or having him come to the house and being given morphine for the pain as a teenager! However these episodes would occur and then I would be perfectly well, have normal bowel movements and not experience another for months or even years at a time.
I have seen a gastroentorologist and had proctoscopes inserted, but no-one has been able to say exactly what causes the attacks. However I did start to notice I seemed to get an attack after eating creamy foods or garlic and would avoid them and also full cream milk. Also as I got older the pain would be so intense I usually passed out whilst on the toilet and came around on the floor! I have called an ambulance but by the time they came I was already on the loo.
I usually am awoken by the stomach pain and cramping and then think 'Oh no here we go!' I know that I will usually start off trying to have a bowel movement and this will happen and quickly proceed to abrupt noisy and explosive diarrhea over and over until I am completely empty. I usually am bathed in perspiration and am as white as a ghost.
Lately (over the past few years) I often vomit at the same time and as I say often pass out too. The time before last about six months ago my husband and I were staying overnight at a hotel and I'd eaten a rich dessert. I awoke about 2am and experienced all of the above but then found myself on the floor in a pool of blood! I'd fainted and fallen forward cutting my right eyebrow on the edging where the bathroom tile finished and the room carpeting began. I ended up with three stitches above my eye. I then am extremely tired and freezing cold finding it hard to get warm.
Yesterday I must admit I had consumed quite a lot of skim milk in drinks and also had some chewy lollies and low fat ice cream for dessert. I am a Weight Watchers lifetime member and exercise daily plus watch what I eat so wonder if this is perhaps why my attacks are so sporadic? Who knows! However I was interested to read in some of your members' tales that stress seems to be related. I was told a couple of weeks ago that I am being retrenched from my job. A new system is being introduced and it will automate most of the work I and three of my colleagues do, so in about six months we will be let go.
I have been feeling stressed because of this and not sleeping very well, and also the fact that I have not yet shared this with my husband as he is in the UK visting his ailing Mum. I chose not to tell him prior to his departure as I knew it would ruin his trip and he would worry about things, money etc. I thought I was handling it OK but now think maybe not so well! Anyway I shall continue to read your members' tales and also monitor what I eat in the future!
E-mail Wendy: wemends[at]optusnet.com.au
The tale of...Mandie
YOGURT! YOGURT! YOGURT! That has become my battle cry against IBS...I'm 35 and I have been suffering from IBS since I was a pre-teen. I can relate to most all of the stories I've read on this site, including the ones where people suffer from the anxiety of having to go somewhere where there may not be a suitable bathroom available, never knowing when pain's going to strike, people's misunderstanding of how you feel, having to construct makeshift portapotties for the road, etc...I'm a musician/singer, and have had times where I've actually had to leave the stage MID-PERFORMANCE because I was interrupted by severe pain and had to go RIGHT NOW! Plus I'm on the road for so many hours with no bathroom.
I was not officially diagnosed until about a year ago. My IBS was masked by other issues like my severe endometriosis, and resulting large endometrioma, which led to the need for a complete hysterectomy. This made me feel a lot better, but didn't solve my intestinal cramping, pain and diarrhea. Then, just last year, I went through five months of extreme nausea, lost 30 pounds from being so sick and having horrible diarrhea all the time, and found out my gallbladder simply wasn't functioning fully (no stones or anything like that). So I got that removed. It didn't help any IBS symptoms, but got rid of the nausea.
The good part is that before my gallbladder was removed, I was living on an occasional spoonful of plain yogurt and a cracker or two each day. So when I had the surgery and had come through the recovery period, I tried incorporating yogurt into my diet on a regular basis. I have found that if I eat a container of yogurt before I eat anything else, it drastically improves how my body reacts to the food. I have experienced less bloating, less pain, less diarrhea, and am finally feeling like I have at least some control over how I feel. A two-week-long stretch of regular bowel activity is nothing less than thrilling after all these years!
Bear in mind, I still have to avoid things which I know bother me, like beef and lettuce to name a couple. In addition, I have experimented with many different kinds of yogurts and have found that some brands or varieties have much less of a positive effect than others, and I think the Activia stuff actually made me very sick (it was way too painful to try it again just to confirm my suspicions!). To date, the yogurt that works best for me is Yoplait REGULAR! (red and white container). The light version (blue and white container) of Yoplait didn't work nearly as well for me, for some reason. It's great - I can eat any variety of the regular Yoplait, and get the same benefits, regardless of the flavor I choose. Plus, Yoplait now offers a family pack, which brings down the cost per unit, for bulk yogurt buyers like me.
It has really changed my outlook, and has removed some of my anxiety, letting me feel more in control of how I feel than before. I would recommend that IBS sufferers try eating two to four yogurts a day, especially about 15 minutes before meals. I also have a yogurt right after I wake up, to start the day off right. If I forget to eat yogurt on any given day, before the day is over, I will have diarrhea which usually takes about two or three days and plenty more yogurt to get rid of. If you're gonna do it you MUST be consistent! Best wishes to you all! I feel ya, man!
E-mail Mandie: mandie.hargis[at]gmail.com
The tale of...Lynn
I have had IBS-D for a number of years. I've used Lotronex although the cost is very high. I also was taking a prescribed anti-depressant at the same time, which left me feeling 'foggy' every day. Like everyone else, I was thoroughly disgusted with the whole IBS situation. A couple of months ago, I decided to take matters into my own hands and see what I could accomplish.
This is what I did. I identified some major trigger foods: sausage, bacon, deep-fried foods, buttery and oily foods. I gave up or limited the amount of these foods that I consumed. I also do not eat too much at any one time...and I avoid buffets like the plague! One of my most embarrassing moments occurred after I had eaten way too much at my local Red Lobster Restaurant. That taught me a huge lesson.
I started adding additional fiber to my diet in the way of fresh fruits and vegetables. Right now, I am eating at least six servings of fruits and vegetables a day...and, yes, I know we should all eat at least nine, but who really does that?!
I also started to work on handling stress better. I have 14 employees and that can be quite stressful at times. I do something for me every day, whether it is reading, playing music, deep-breathing exercises, etc. That seems to help me. As a result, I have significantly reduced my IBS issues. Some mornings may be a little problematic, but I know how to handle that. I am not saying that my situation is the same as anyone else's; however, I thought I would send this in the hope that it may help someone else. By the way...if I want to eat something I know will cause a problem, I eat it when I know I am going to be home all the next day. That may sound silly, but it keeps me from feeling deprived of all of the goodies I love.
The tale of...Rachel
My problems with IBS started when I was a teenager. I had the typical symptoms but they were generally fairly low-grade, for the most part they didn't interfere with my life to a great extent. I'm currently 26 years old, and a couple of years ago things started getting worse. I was getting light-headed and nauseous, and the worst part for me was the chills and diarrhea. This started to rear up when I was going to see friends, which was triggered by some anxiety, which after it happened once made me anxious about my stomach, which would upset it, and so a vicious circle was formed.
From this it became to be a constant cycle of bloating, discomfort and diarrhea. I turned into a social recluse, spent nine months seeing a psychologist for anxiety with no great relief. I felt the only thing I could do that would help was to avoid social situations and try not to eat. I'd make myself sick if I felt I'd eaten too much to try and prevent the digestive consequences.
Then I found this site. I read all of the stories in the Happy Tales section (for women with diarrhea) and it gave me the first positive feelings of hope I'd had in a long, long time. Armed with my new-found hope, I went back to the doctors and asked them how I could deal with my IBS (and related anxiety). What I got was 'Well if you think about it logically you have nothing to worry about', 'Just tell your friends you have stomach problems, they won't mind if you need to cut a night out short, they'll probably be tired anyway', 'You don't need to try an exclusion diet, you just need to work out what's setting you off' and finally 'Here have a leaflet'.
So I walked out and spent 20 minutes crying in the doctors' car park. I seriously felt like going home and ending it all, there was no way I could contemplate living my life so restricted and just feeling awful all the time. After crying myself out and blubbing down the phone to my thankfully very supportive fiance I thought 'You know what, it's obvious that the doctor isn't going to help me. So that just leaves me to help myself'.
So I went to the shops and bought 600mg calcium carbonate tablets and some acidophilus. I also decided to try excluding things to find out where the problem lies, starting with the biggest - gluten. For me, it's been nothing short of a miracle. It's been about three weeks now of gluten-free plus the supplements. It's been pretty hard resisting the cravings for wheat/bread etc but after the first week they calmed down. My appetite in general has decreased and I feel much more satisfied by what I'm eating. I've not been bloated or gassy. I've not had crippling stomach pains, I've not felt sick and dizzy. AND I'VE NOT HAD DIARRHEA!
I am honestly so happy I could cry, and I have. I've been to see friends (admittedly a little tentatively at first) and it's been a resounding success. I've even signed up to take yoga classes, something I wouldn't have even considered before. I'm not saying the approach I'm taking will suit everyone, sadly as most people with IBS knows what suits one person doesn't always suit another. But for me it's amazing.
And I just wanted to say thank you so much for a) coming up with this site and b) for everyone who has told their story. Without you I never would have started down this path. I am eternally grateful.
E-mail Rachel: nuttra[at]live.co.uk
The tale of...Victoria
I was diagnosed with IBS about a year ago now and at times it has been hell to live with. I already knew a little about IBS which sort of helped when diagnosed as my Dad suffers too. I don't know how and when it started but a couple of years ago I suffered a bout of gastroenteritis and I think since then it lay dormant, but in June 2007 whilst on holiday in Florida it seemed to come alive.
The last few days of my holiday were horrible and upon returning to the UK I didn't seem to be getting any better. I chose to ignore it and hope it went away, but it didn't and eventually I ended up seeing my doctor who took some stool samples and found nothing wrong and basically said it was IBS. For the next nine or 10 months it was a nightmare, I constantly had a 'bad stomach' as I put it, and found it hard attending classes, which wasn't good considering I was in my final year at university.
It eventually got to the stage that I wouldn't leave the house for the fear of having an attack. I often got so anxious about leaving the house that I began to panic and just freak out, and if I managed to get out I was just desperate to go home again. There were times I wasn't leaving the house for weeks at a time, apart from going into the garden at most. I used to take loperamide constantly but then it would make me constipated so I couldn't win either way. I also tried probiotic drinks which turned out to make my IBS worse, and so I tried multivitamin probiotic tablets which didn't help either.
I also tried peppermint oil capsules but these just made me feel sick and were no help and so I stopped taking them. I was desperate for it all to go away, I just wanted to be 'normal' again. I then sat one afternoon and trawled through website after website of different things IBS sufferers have tried to relieve their symptoms, and I came across a herbal remedy called slippery elm bark.
At first I thought it sounded awful but then again I was willing to try anything, and so I looked through healthfood shops until I found it. For the last two months or so I have taken three capsules a day, with my breakfast, lunch and dinner (the capsules can also be opened and poured into a glass of water) and I am pleased to say I have never felt better since my symptoms first started.
I now work full-time and although I still get a 'bad stomach' in the mornings I am able to just ignore it and get on with the day. I can even walk around the shops without rushing and without wanting to go home straight away. I still take Loperamide every now and then but mainly just in case and far less than I used to. I don't get as anxious when I leave the house anymore, but just in case I carry a rescue remedy spray in my bag which helps to calm my nerves. I am not saying that slippery elm bark has cured my IBS because I know that it can never be completely eradicated, but I have found that so far it has worked for me.
In addition to slippery elm I have found that caffeine is a no-go area for me, but then again I never liked tea or coffee so that helped in cutting it out of my diet. I have cut down on dairy; I still have it in my diet but just not so much, and every now and then I cut dairy out of my diet completely for about two weeks before slowly reintroducing it again. I also find that little things like nuts etc don't seem to agree with me anymore either and neither does fish, but I just keep an eye on what I eat and can sort of judge what my stomach can handle and what it can't.
I recommend slippery elm bark to anyone who is looking to try something which is natural and who is desperate like I was for some relief. I also find that this website is a great help as it shows we IBS sufferers are not alone and there is at least one person out there who knows how you feel.
E-mail Victoria: vchestnutt[at]hotmail.com
The tale of...Alysia
I was diagnosed with IBS a few weeks ago, although the problem has been going on for about two and a half years. I'm 21 and I'm really excited and glad to have found this website because I do not know exactly what I should or shouldn't eat or really how I, as a just graduated college student, should or can deal with what's going on...My friends don't understand and my family helps as much as possible (thank goodness). My tummy is real touchy and then some days I can eat anything and nothing happens. I can't sleep sometimes because of pain in my stomach and gassy feelings bubbling away inside. It is really nice to be able to talk about this with people who understand how IBS feels. Thank you!
E-mail Alysia: kittiekat527[at]aol.com
The tale of...Maria
I am 21 years old and although I have had stomach problems since I can remember, my IBS (diarrhea) really started at age 10. I have been through all the doctors, tests, diets, embarrassing moments, heartache and all that you have mentioned. My four years of high school were excruciating and I still cringe remembering that time of my life. Now I am a senior in college, and although I am nowhere near being cured, and I still have a lot of social anxiety that comes along with this, I have found some things that help.
First, Mizpee: IBS heaven! We have all been there - out and about desperately looking for a bathroom. Well some angel created this website (google the name 'Mizpee' to find the site). Basically, you text your location, and this website texts you back the closest bathroom, and even rates it! The only problem is that currently it is only in the US, and only big cities. However, you can 'add a toilet'. So if all of us IBS sufferers come together and post our local toilet spots, it'll be like 'pay it forward' and hopefully the amount of toilet spots will increase.
Also, acupuncture. Before I left for my freshmen year of college I went to an acupuncturist as a last resort, and it worked! For about six months I had minimal cramping, only two stools a day, my anxiety had lessened, and I was able to eat crappy college cafeteria food, fruit, and salad - gasp! And even better I no longer had to take six pills of Imodium and four Gas-X each day. Instead I only took each medication a couple of times a week!
I must say though that after those six months my symptoms did return. I have gone back to the acupuncturist but have not had the same results (my acupuncturist says my whole body is out of whack so I need more treatments, and unfortunately money is tight and when I am in school I live too far from him). Nevertheless, my stomach is still better than it has ever been, but those first six months were really heaven! If any of you try acupuncture I would suggest that you find a therapist who specializes in IBS. Also don't be disheartened if it does not work right away. I went to the acupuncturist four times a week for about 12 sessions. At first my symptoms got worse, but by the eighth or tenth session my symptoms had improved.
Hope this helps all of you out there! One thing I am still working on is dealing with my social anxiety with having IBS. I am coping, but I still feel like I miss out on a lot. If any of you have advice on how to deal with friends, going out to social events, even dates and telling guys about this, please email me. I would greatly appreciate it! Hope the above helps. If any of you have success with this let me know.
E-mail Maria: dsota16[at]yahoo.com
The tale of...Carrie
I first started having symptoms of IBS when I was around 10 years old. I can see myself banging on the bathroom door in my old house begging whoever was in there to hurry up. I had cramping and diarrhea almost every day for 15 years. I can't ever remember having a solid bowel movement during that time.
I never went to the doctor; I just assumed that being sick all of the time was part of who I was. Whenever I left the house, it was pretty much a given that I would need to run to the bathroom at some point. My friends and family knew this and factored it into plans. Sometimes they laughed about it, other times people would get annoyed, and one time my brother accused me of bringing it upon myself. That really hurt my feelings.
I have endless tales of my experiences of IBS, such as going to the bathroom in the woods during the winter when I was 14 and having to wipe myself with a pillowcase when I car camped with my boyfriend. In addition to all of these wonderful memories, I've had the unfortunate experience of using some of the most disgusting bathrooms in the United States. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go.
One day several years ago I was puttering around in my kitchen and realized that I couldn't remember the last time I had diarrhea. I was so excited! For months I'd been having solid bowel movements and I had not realized how monumental that actually was. The reason I wasn't getting sick anymore was because I changed the kind of food I was buying. I stopped getting processed foods and bought fresh and organic foods. Instead of buying frozen meals in a bag, I cooked my meals. When it comes to packaged foods, if they have ingredients I can't pronounce, I don't buy them.
This strategy has worked for me for almost four years. I still get sick on occasion, but it usually happens when I eat out. My experiences lead me to believe that there is some sort of chemical or preservative in processed foods that was making me sick.
E-mail Carrie: carriemarr[at]yahoo.com
The tale of...Jennifer
I have a happy story I would like to share. This website is wonderful and has helped me learn a lot about IBS and other people's experiences, whilst keeping me smiling or at least trying to smile in the dark days.
I was diagnosed with IBS in 2001, but I can remember suffering as far back as 1997. I've tried everything and saw an incredible amount of ignorant and unhelpful doctors, nothing worked. I once had a partner get exasperated at me because I wanted to go home yet again, after experiencing a severe bout of diarrhea due to my IBS.
There is one thing that helps me more than anything else does: yoga. I never thought it possible really, I thought it was new age hoo-hah. But there are many positive effects, and a lot of friends who I know that have IBS also agree. If your IBS is triggered by stress, then yoga is wonderful, because it helps you learn conscious relaxation, such as breathing techniques and muscles stretches which will help ease stress, and can help control an attack and the associated feeling of panic which can increase the severity of an attack.
If you suffer from spasms, the basic twists and bends in yoga can help you relax muscles and bring your bowels out of spasm. For those that suffer from constipation, the twists and bends in yoga are very good at stimulating your bowel and easing the uncomfortable feeling of fullness. For those that have diarrhea, easing spasms helps calm down the diarrhea and can cause bowel movements to pass through more normally.
You don't have to be a super whizz at exercise. You don't need to be very fit or flexible or young or bendy. Anyone can do it, at any age or fitness level. A few basic poses will make you feel the difference. I won't say yoga is the only thing that has helped, but I feel it is the main thing.
I also kept a food diary for several weeks and identified several foods that seem to trigger my IBS. These days I avoid wheat and gluten, and keep my intake of dairy and refined sugar to an absolute minimum. I also make sure I eat only fiber-rich complex carbohydrates and have five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
These basic steps have helped me to 85% 'recover' from my IBS. I still get attacks, usually when I'm otherwise under the weather or stressed. But I am no longer reliant on stool softeners, narcotics or laxatives to ease my constipation, and no meds or other disgusting supplements to ease my diarrhea. I can leave my house without fear of having an accident. I still carry Imodium with me in case of an attack, but I take two a month, if that.
For me, this much of a recovery is an absolute miracle. For six months in 2002 my IBS was so severe that I was virtually housebound and I had to pad my underwear in case of not getting to the toilet on time. I suffer from ME also, and IBS is an unfortunately common symptom, so I don't expect to ever recover fully. I really recommend that people look into holistic therapies and herbal supplements for treating their IBS. Achieving whole body health can make IBS so much less of a problem.
I still suffer some days, and I have so much empathy for those who suffer more severely and frequently than I do. But please take comfort from this and know not to give up hope: it can take a long time, but IBS can be defeated or eased and you can live again!
E-mail Jennifer: wiccan.insanity[at]gmail.com
The tale of...Anouska
I first developed acute symptoms of IBS when I was 11. In retrospect I know now that it was completely stress-related, having grown up in a very stressful and fearful home environment. My IBS is the type where I get severe intestinal cramps in waves as the diarrhea tries to work its way out. The cramps are so severe that I actually think I am going to pass out. I wonder if childbirth is more painful than this, does anyone have any experience of that to compare? I'm hoping that one bonus to come out of this is that I now have a ridiculously high pain threshold!
I have never found the medical profession to be of much help at all with this illness. I was originally hospitalised at 11 for suspected Crohn's disease, but after exhaustive tests they could not find anything and half-heartedly mentioned IBS, which was very much in its infancy then. I was simply told to eat All Bran every morning! Over the years I developed the symptoms regularly, especially when in unhealthy relationships, and I suffered from extreme daily gas and colic. However after my experience with the doctors I didn't go back as I presumed they could not help.
I am definitely what you would call an emotional type and my IBS was always related to this, in that I was more susceptible to allergies from certain foods in stressful times. Also whenever I was afraid/anxious it would manifest directly in my stomach. However I've done a lot of healing work on myself over the past six years on an emotional, mental and spiritual level and my digestive problems have all but disappeared. Now the symptoms only reappear once or twice a year, mostly when I have been abroad, as every time I go abroad I get constipated and I come home with cramps for a few days from the change in diet. I have been prescribed mebeverine by my doctor which does help.
I also get occasional mystery attacks which I really cannot identify or link to anything - although I do know that I am wheat and especially dairy intolerant. In those situations I just have to rule out any new food that I've been eating and my rule of thumb is to throw away anything that is suspect. Interestingly I have also developed acute allergies in the last six years, such as to nuts, seeds, grass and bleach. These are all triggered especially if I am stressed, and I then need an epipen.
So I do wonder if perhaps I am the type of individual who has been traumatised as a child, and so my body is hyper-vigilant for any irritant or any substance it perceives as a threat? My allergy doctor did also say that it is hereditary to have a malfunctioning immune system where it is overly vigilant - again I do wonder if this is linked, as my IBS seems to be a response to something in my gut it perceives as a threat.
Anyhow since I have focused on my emotional healing through 12-step groups and therapy I rarely ever get IBS attacks and when I do it is directly from a food my gut is allergic too. I rarely have to take medication, I eat very healthily, I don't drink alcohol or coffee, I eat little sugar. I do eat dairy but I have to be careful. I'm very aware of my life choices and how much stress I invite into my life.
I hope this gives you hope. I am now 34 years old and my life is very manageable and my stomach is very happy most of the time. I've learnt to listen to it over the years and learnt to be kinder to myself!
E-mail Anouska: anouska_a[at]hotmail.com
The tale of...Carol
It's been at least three years that I've been suffering with this. Like so many stories here, I've been running to every gas station, store restroom, etc. Yesterday I went to lunch with my friends and for the first time didn't have to run right home to the bathroom.
I went to a new doctor who really listened to what I had to say. I had seen a medical show about this woman who had all my symptoms. It turns out she was very low on Vitamin B-12. So I went in for some testing and while I too was low on B-12, the doctor also prescribed Welchol (a cholesterol-lowering drug) to stop the diarrhea. The dose is three pills twice a day. It's only been a few days but it's working! I've only had to take three pills a day so far but you can add fewer or up to six daily if need be.
I got to go shopping right after lunch yesterday without all the stomach churning and feeling of having to find a bathroom fast. I couldn't believe it. So I wanted to share this with your readers to see if maybe this will work for them. Thanks for your website. It's so good to know others go through this too.
The tale of...Sarah
I suffered from severe cramps and sudden onset beginning in my early 20's. Working full time was miserable. I ordered a book about IBS and read it cover to cover. From that book I took one snippet of information that has changed my life. Take fiber. I began by taking three or four fiber pills a day. Now I have increased fiber in my diet with my meals and I only take two or three fiber pills a day. I am now 31 years old and go about my day in confidence and in control.
E-mail Sarah: shall001[at]satx.rr.com