I'm getting desperate. I have had IBS for many years. I have tried Fiber, laxatives, Colon Cleansing, Pro Biotics, increasing water intake, Fruite EZE, Prunes, Metamucil, peperment tea, tea for IBS and nothing and I mean nothing helps. I even tried zelnorm. It worked but when I was done with it, back to constipation. Anyone have any other suggestions. I am so tired of the bloating and discomfort I suffer with everyday.

I'm getting desperate. I have had IBS for many years. I have tried Fiber, laxatives, Colon Cleansing, Pro Biotics, increasing water intake, Fruite EZE, Prunes, Metamucil, peperment tea, tea for IBS and nothing and I mean nothing helps. I even tried zelnorm. It worked but when I was done with it, back to constipation. Anyone have any other suggestions. I am so tired of the bloating and discomfort I suffer with everyday.

Moch, I feel your pain. I've been dealing with the same exact symptoms for almost 4 yrs. And, unfortunately I dont have good news either..

I have tried everything just like you. Medamucil fiber works for me to move stools, but it does terrible things to my stomach and gives me bad gas. I've tried everything else, and nothing works for me. Dont waste your money on colon cleansing products anymore, they dont work for this kind of problem either. And like you, everytime I come off something that works my system goes right back to locking up. I've been to 4 different gastro's, and NONE of them have helped me. In fact, the last one told me "there's nothing we can do to fix this problem, only help the symptoms". Not good news...

So, as another sufferer of this problem who's lost all hope in any doctor I can tell you just to keep using whatever works to make you go to the bathroom. The most important part is making sure the stool is moving. And if you have to take something everyday for it, then so be it for now. God help us on when "modern" medicine actually gets off their a$$'s and researches cures for these digestive illness's rather than producing pills to hide the symptoms.

Moch,

Like you, I've had IBS-c for many, many years. I had a lot of tests, saw many gastro docs, tried everything, all to no avail. Finally, I just kind of got used to it. Just recently it's really becoming a lot worse. I've started getting nausea and cramps which I never had before. I don't feel like going to a new doc and hearing the same old thing -- take Metamucil. I tried that many times, and the only thing it does for me is give me terrible gas and stomach pain. One doc even went so far to tell me that I might be "allergic" to my own gas.

The bloating has really become much worse recently as well. I feel like I just ate a 10-course meal after only a small one. I'm really afraid to go to the doc since I know he'll want to do a colonoscopy first thing to rule out anything more serious. I seriously don't want this test (have never had one). So, while I don't have any suggestions (am desperately searching for answers myself), you aren't alone in the way you're feeling.

I already had the Colonoscopy. Everything was fine.

Is is safe to take laxatives or stool softerners every day. I was told it would mess up your intestines. I even take a fleet when it gets bad. I feel like I am 5 months pregnant all the time. I'm not a small women but I sure don't want to look 10 lbs heavier.

I guess we are doomed to suffer.

DEb in CT

Moch356

Yes, it's safe to take stool softeners every day. For me they don't do a thing. One of my docs advised the safest laxative is Milk of Magnesia. You can take it several times a week. I don't know about every day. It is true that you can become laxative "dependent", and then you'll never go on your own. I take Milk of Magnesia every so often but, once again, for me it causes diarrhea and more bloating.

There are now prescription meds that you can take. One is Zelnorm and it targets abdominal pain, bloating and constipation. It is given to patients who suffer from either IBS-C or chronic constipation. It is a fairly safe drug, some patients experience diarrhea but usually only in the first week. Good luck!!

Tried Zelnorm. It worked but its not for long term use. Once I was off it, back to the same ole problem.

Deb in CT

It actually is approved for long term use if your diagnosis is chronic constipation. If you are given it for IBS, most managed care companies will not approve it long term. It can be written for chronic constipation for up to a year at a time, then requiring a follow up.