vogue
11-20-2002, 04:02 AM
Hi,
I'm curious to know if anyone has been able to try codeine?
I ask because I read a short article written by a man in the UK who had good luck with it. I've been given oxycodone 4 or 5 times, and each time I feel normal while taking it. Loperamide (immodium) works pretty good for me too, however, my doctor told me taking it constantly can cause ileus or ischemic colitis, which I understand to be a paralyzation of the intestinal tract that requires surgery. So I'm curious to know if codeine has this same ill effect possibly?
Also, I am aware doctors hate to prescribe opiates, addictives... etc. I'm thinking of demanding it though, I've tried just about everything else, I could name a whole ton of products, some prescription, some herbal, nothing seems to work. My problems are 1) frequency 2) pain 3) diarrhea, listed by most annoying first.
So, if anyone has tried codeine with success, or has any suggestions for other medicines, please let me know :)
=============
additional info, if you are interested
=============
I put this here for any doctors that might read this... what should I do??
a partial list of medicines I have taken so far :
lomotil - works for about 2 days, worse afterwards
hysocyamine (sp? levsin, nulev,levbid)- didn't do much
trazadone - no help.. made me TIRED
zoloft - made diarrhea much worse
dicyclomine (bentyl) - a bit better after meals, still wake up sick
Also, I have adjusted my diet, although I see no rhyme or reason, I can eat very well and get sick.. then eat pizza and not get sick at all. I don't eat any dairy for the most part (only cheese on pizza on special occasions), tried fiber but it made me worse.
I also exercise as much as I can, like the doctor suggested, but I usually feel sick while doing it. And it hasn't helped so far.
Thanks again,
ben
[This message has been edited by vogue (edited 11-20-2002).]
I'm curious to know if anyone has been able to try codeine?
I ask because I read a short article written by a man in the UK who had good luck with it. I've been given oxycodone 4 or 5 times, and each time I feel normal while taking it. Loperamide (immodium) works pretty good for me too, however, my doctor told me taking it constantly can cause ileus or ischemic colitis, which I understand to be a paralyzation of the intestinal tract that requires surgery. So I'm curious to know if codeine has this same ill effect possibly?
Also, I am aware doctors hate to prescribe opiates, addictives... etc. I'm thinking of demanding it though, I've tried just about everything else, I could name a whole ton of products, some prescription, some herbal, nothing seems to work. My problems are 1) frequency 2) pain 3) diarrhea, listed by most annoying first.
So, if anyone has tried codeine with success, or has any suggestions for other medicines, please let me know :)
=============
additional info, if you are interested
=============
I put this here for any doctors that might read this... what should I do??
a partial list of medicines I have taken so far :
lomotil - works for about 2 days, worse afterwards
hysocyamine (sp? levsin, nulev,levbid)- didn't do much
trazadone - no help.. made me TIRED
zoloft - made diarrhea much worse
dicyclomine (bentyl) - a bit better after meals, still wake up sick
Also, I have adjusted my diet, although I see no rhyme or reason, I can eat very well and get sick.. then eat pizza and not get sick at all. I don't eat any dairy for the most part (only cheese on pizza on special occasions), tried fiber but it made me worse.
I also exercise as much as I can, like the doctor suggested, but I usually feel sick while doing it. And it hasn't helped so far.
Thanks again,
ben
[This message has been edited by vogue (edited 11-20-2002).]
Sponsor
Super Sarah
11-20-2002, 07:27 AM
Hi,
Firstly, your doc is correct about the continued use of Immodium possibly causing a paralytic ileus. Immodium is not designed for long term use such as this.
Also, Codeine is available on prescription in the UK, but I have to say that prescriptions for Codeine are not given out lightly, as it is an opioid analgesia. This type of analgesia is normally only prescribed to be taken sparingly in cases of severe pain and diarrhea. As it is an opioid it has a constipatory effect so can be efffective for diarrhea, however, being an opioid, it also has side effects. It is normally given in doses of 30mg and is one of those drugs where the most analgesic effect is felt after just one dose. Taking another dose will not give an increased analgesic effect.
However, if you are not already taking Metamucil, then I suggest that you should start this asap. It is a water soluble fiber supplement that can safely be taken twice daily. It is as good for diarrhea as it is for constipation and will help to bulk up your stools. If you bulk up your stools, then your stomach pains may resolve too. Ensure that you drink enough water with this also, as it can make your belly a little bloated until you get used to it. You need a good amount of fiber in your diet for your gut to work effectively. It was designed to work with fiber. If you have gas pains at all, it may also be worth considering eating some live yogurt, or at least taking some Acidophilus caps. Take them twice daily on an empty stomach and keep in the fridge. This will help top up the good bacteria that live in your gut. These contain Lactobacillus and Bifidus which are the good bacteria that live in your gut naturally. If you are having diarrhea constantly, then these get washed out of your gut and you need to replace them. By doing this you may find that your diarrhea decreases and also your pain and frequency. Your frequency should also decrease with the increase of fiber in your diet.
Also, I would suggest that you take Calcium supplements. Calcium is a natural way of stimulating the bowel to absorb more water. If it absorbs more water, then your stools will be firmer and you should not have diarrhea. Immodium also works in this way too, but Calcium does this naturally.
Also, ensure that you eat a good diet that contains plenty of fruit, veg and also carbs - rice and potatoes are good and these also help to bulk up your stools.
It may also be helpful for you to find the cause of your stomach problems? How long have you had IBS and can you remember when it first started and if it was related to any specific incident? If you can find the cause of your problems and solve them, then it is more likely that you will be able to solve your problem for good. If you just treat the symptoms, then your problems will just drag on, as you have not really solved the cause.
Are you under a lot of stress? If so, then you need to work on reducing this, as the mind affects the body and there is also the mind/gut link, so the more stress and anxiety you have the worse your stomach will be.
So to re-cap:-
1. Try and identify the cause of your stomach problems and eliminate these. If you do this, you have more chance of solving your problem for good, rather than just treating the symptoms.
2. Add Metamucil twice daily. This is a water soluble fiber supplement and will help to bulk up your stools, thus decreasing pain, frequency and diarrhea.
3. Add Acidophilus/Probiotic supplements to your diet. This can be taken as capsules and also as live yogurt. This will increase the good bacteria in your gut that you lose after constant diarrhea and will help replenish. This should help diarrhea and pain.
4. Add Calcium supplements. This should decrease diarrhea and frequency by encouraging the gut to absorb more water naturally.
5. Ensure a good dietary intake with plenty of fruit, veg, carbs and fluids - upto 2 to 3 litres daily.
Firstly, your doc is correct about the continued use of Immodium possibly causing a paralytic ileus. Immodium is not designed for long term use such as this.
Also, Codeine is available on prescription in the UK, but I have to say that prescriptions for Codeine are not given out lightly, as it is an opioid analgesia. This type of analgesia is normally only prescribed to be taken sparingly in cases of severe pain and diarrhea. As it is an opioid it has a constipatory effect so can be efffective for diarrhea, however, being an opioid, it also has side effects. It is normally given in doses of 30mg and is one of those drugs where the most analgesic effect is felt after just one dose. Taking another dose will not give an increased analgesic effect.
However, if you are not already taking Metamucil, then I suggest that you should start this asap. It is a water soluble fiber supplement that can safely be taken twice daily. It is as good for diarrhea as it is for constipation and will help to bulk up your stools. If you bulk up your stools, then your stomach pains may resolve too. Ensure that you drink enough water with this also, as it can make your belly a little bloated until you get used to it. You need a good amount of fiber in your diet for your gut to work effectively. It was designed to work with fiber. If you have gas pains at all, it may also be worth considering eating some live yogurt, or at least taking some Acidophilus caps. Take them twice daily on an empty stomach and keep in the fridge. This will help top up the good bacteria that live in your gut. These contain Lactobacillus and Bifidus which are the good bacteria that live in your gut naturally. If you are having diarrhea constantly, then these get washed out of your gut and you need to replace them. By doing this you may find that your diarrhea decreases and also your pain and frequency. Your frequency should also decrease with the increase of fiber in your diet.
Also, I would suggest that you take Calcium supplements. Calcium is a natural way of stimulating the bowel to absorb more water. If it absorbs more water, then your stools will be firmer and you should not have diarrhea. Immodium also works in this way too, but Calcium does this naturally.
Also, ensure that you eat a good diet that contains plenty of fruit, veg and also carbs - rice and potatoes are good and these also help to bulk up your stools.
It may also be helpful for you to find the cause of your stomach problems? How long have you had IBS and can you remember when it first started and if it was related to any specific incident? If you can find the cause of your problems and solve them, then it is more likely that you will be able to solve your problem for good. If you just treat the symptoms, then your problems will just drag on, as you have not really solved the cause.
Are you under a lot of stress? If so, then you need to work on reducing this, as the mind affects the body and there is also the mind/gut link, so the more stress and anxiety you have the worse your stomach will be.
So to re-cap:-
1. Try and identify the cause of your stomach problems and eliminate these. If you do this, you have more chance of solving your problem for good, rather than just treating the symptoms.
2. Add Metamucil twice daily. This is a water soluble fiber supplement and will help to bulk up your stools, thus decreasing pain, frequency and diarrhea.
3. Add Acidophilus/Probiotic supplements to your diet. This can be taken as capsules and also as live yogurt. This will increase the good bacteria in your gut that you lose after constant diarrhea and will help replenish. This should help diarrhea and pain.
4. Add Calcium supplements. This should decrease diarrhea and frequency by encouraging the gut to absorb more water naturally.
5. Ensure a good dietary intake with plenty of fruit, veg, carbs and fluids - upto 2 to 3 litres daily.
vogue
11-20-2002, 02:29 PM
All I have to take right now is lomotil. Codeine can't be worse than that.
Also, I've taken acidophilus for a very long time and it has done little to help. I've also taken metamucel for quite some time, and it just makes diarrhea worse for me. In fact diarrhea isn't my biggest problem now, although I have it off an on. Mostly just extreme frequency and pain.
I tried eating rice for quite a while, I usually eat pretty well. I often get sick after eating rice though, I don't know why. Last week I ate very well because my friend was coming on friday, and still, friday morning I woke up with such severe pain I thought my intestines could rupture... it woke me out of my sleep and I was in the bathroom for hours with diarrhea, and laying on the floor hurting. This is getting less common, but still seems to happen a lot regardless of what i eat :(
The original cause, I believe, was food poisoning from eating out. For about a year I thought it was from the inguinal hernia I had, that's what the doctors told me. But after having that repaired, I am still sick. And I've been sick with no real relief for about two years now.
The only stress I'm under is due to IBS right now, my fiance has left me, I was chosen to be laid off for missing days of work. Things would be great if I wasn't feeling this way constantly.
I've taken calcium for a couple months, but it has magnesium in it, I'm told I need to get a brand without it. So, I could try that again, but I'm really at the end of my rope, I can't find anything that helps, and spent all the money I ever had on doctors and procedures and tests.
I also have some chronic pain stemming from the hernia surgery. After the second time they went in to correct it and removed some staples, the pain is better, but still there. I was hoping codeine would help both,
It seemed promising to me, I always wake up with stomach pain and an urgent need to go, then my stomach aches for the rest of the day.
I have a lot of metamucil, I could try that again also. The suggestions are good, and it's the same stuff I got from my doc, I feel like I've tried most of it though, and I just don't seem to feel any better. And not good enough to work, or go out anywhere.
Thank you for responding :)
ben
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 11-26-2002).]
Also, I've taken acidophilus for a very long time and it has done little to help. I've also taken metamucel for quite some time, and it just makes diarrhea worse for me. In fact diarrhea isn't my biggest problem now, although I have it off an on. Mostly just extreme frequency and pain.
I tried eating rice for quite a while, I usually eat pretty well. I often get sick after eating rice though, I don't know why. Last week I ate very well because my friend was coming on friday, and still, friday morning I woke up with such severe pain I thought my intestines could rupture... it woke me out of my sleep and I was in the bathroom for hours with diarrhea, and laying on the floor hurting. This is getting less common, but still seems to happen a lot regardless of what i eat :(
The original cause, I believe, was food poisoning from eating out. For about a year I thought it was from the inguinal hernia I had, that's what the doctors told me. But after having that repaired, I am still sick. And I've been sick with no real relief for about two years now.
The only stress I'm under is due to IBS right now, my fiance has left me, I was chosen to be laid off for missing days of work. Things would be great if I wasn't feeling this way constantly.
I've taken calcium for a couple months, but it has magnesium in it, I'm told I need to get a brand without it. So, I could try that again, but I'm really at the end of my rope, I can't find anything that helps, and spent all the money I ever had on doctors and procedures and tests.
I also have some chronic pain stemming from the hernia surgery. After the second time they went in to correct it and removed some staples, the pain is better, but still there. I was hoping codeine would help both,
It seemed promising to me, I always wake up with stomach pain and an urgent need to go, then my stomach aches for the rest of the day.
I have a lot of metamucil, I could try that again also. The suggestions are good, and it's the same stuff I got from my doc, I feel like I've tried most of it though, and I just don't seem to feel any better. And not good enough to work, or go out anywhere.
Thank you for responding :)
ben
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 11-26-2002).]
Super Sarah
11-21-2002, 01:29 PM
Have you ever had tests for food allergies? This could cause your problems. Also, I know you said that you have had tests, but have you had blood tests, endoscopies or a colonoscopy?
The thing is that what you describe sounds as if your bowel is severely inflammed and the fact that you have such severe belly pains and belly aches could be indicative of something like ulcerative colitis rather than IBS. Do you ever have blood and mucus in your stools? This a thought, but if you have already had these tests.
It is just that a dose of food poisoning could leave residual bacteria within your gut and you could still have some kind of lingering and chronic infection. This is possible. Have you had stool samples taken recently to see if they can isolate any bacteria?
It might well be worth trying the Calcium supplement without the Magnesium and seeing if this works better. This will encourage your gut to absorb more water back. Also, try the Metamucil again and see.
I did read the article and it sounded quite interesting, however have you considered going to see an ND about this rather than an MD? It might be worth exploring the alternatives, as they use herbs and acupuncture. I have to say that I have had stomach problems myself and have had herbs and acupuncture and acupuncture is fantastic for belly ache. You may have to have some needles in your belly, but this does not hurt at all. I feel much better for this and my stomach is a lot better.
You seem to have done your research on this one, but why not see what the alternatives have to offer before going down the Codeine route? Codine is an opioid after all and opioids can be addictive.
Good luck.
The thing is that what you describe sounds as if your bowel is severely inflammed and the fact that you have such severe belly pains and belly aches could be indicative of something like ulcerative colitis rather than IBS. Do you ever have blood and mucus in your stools? This a thought, but if you have already had these tests.
It is just that a dose of food poisoning could leave residual bacteria within your gut and you could still have some kind of lingering and chronic infection. This is possible. Have you had stool samples taken recently to see if they can isolate any bacteria?
It might well be worth trying the Calcium supplement without the Magnesium and seeing if this works better. This will encourage your gut to absorb more water back. Also, try the Metamucil again and see.
I did read the article and it sounded quite interesting, however have you considered going to see an ND about this rather than an MD? It might be worth exploring the alternatives, as they use herbs and acupuncture. I have to say that I have had stomach problems myself and have had herbs and acupuncture and acupuncture is fantastic for belly ache. You may have to have some needles in your belly, but this does not hurt at all. I feel much better for this and my stomach is a lot better.
You seem to have done your research on this one, but why not see what the alternatives have to offer before going down the Codeine route? Codine is an opioid after all and opioids can be addictive.
Good luck.
vogue
11-21-2002, 01:55 PM
Thanks again for the reply!
I've had a colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, and 3 stool tests, one from great smokies diagnostics.
I sort of went to an ND, not exactly her title, but that's what she was, she called herself a "health consultant" or something. I bought quite a few herbal remedies on her advice, they didn't help much.
I will definitely try calcium and more fiber, I've got a few months before I get insurance again.
I would try acupuncture, but I truly am totally broke. :) I've seeen about 6 GIs... heh, my fiance was angry because I only saw most of them once. Some of them said "you just have to learn to live with it" verbatim, so I figured they wouldn't be of much help. Heh, I'm 22 and really in a bad spot, no money, no fiance, my parents are getting tired of me sitting around here all day. Maybe I can try it if it's covered by insurance. :)
Thanks for taking the time to reply
and I will try your suggestions!
ben
-edit-
I forgot to mention, have been tested for celiac disease, and crohns, and UC (just looking for signs of inflamation in the blood I guess) and deficiencies. None for specific food allergies besides celiac though.
What else is there?
Also, tried questran for quite a while too. It helped with the stool, but not with urgency and pain.
thanks again :)
ben
[This message has been edited by vogue (edited 11-21-2002).]
[This message has been edited by vogue (edited 11-21-2002).]
I've had a colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, and 3 stool tests, one from great smokies diagnostics.
I sort of went to an ND, not exactly her title, but that's what she was, she called herself a "health consultant" or something. I bought quite a few herbal remedies on her advice, they didn't help much.
I will definitely try calcium and more fiber, I've got a few months before I get insurance again.
I would try acupuncture, but I truly am totally broke. :) I've seeen about 6 GIs... heh, my fiance was angry because I only saw most of them once. Some of them said "you just have to learn to live with it" verbatim, so I figured they wouldn't be of much help. Heh, I'm 22 and really in a bad spot, no money, no fiance, my parents are getting tired of me sitting around here all day. Maybe I can try it if it's covered by insurance. :)
Thanks for taking the time to reply
and I will try your suggestions!
ben
-edit-
I forgot to mention, have been tested for celiac disease, and crohns, and UC (just looking for signs of inflamation in the blood I guess) and deficiencies. None for specific food allergies besides celiac though.
What else is there?
Also, tried questran for quite a while too. It helped with the stool, but not with urgency and pain.
thanks again :)
ben
[This message has been edited by vogue (edited 11-21-2002).]
[This message has been edited by vogue (edited 11-21-2002).]
Super Sarah
11-24-2002, 11:48 AM
Hi Ben,
Maybe you could have some food allergy/intolerance tests done just to see what comes up. Also, if you have gut gluten out of your diet Celiac tests may come back negative.
Anyway, I am sorry that you are going through this at such a young age, but I suppose it is nasty whatever age you are. I have been through the same things with the diarrhea and severe stomach pains most days, but I found that I had lots of food allergies and once I cut these out of my diet and started taking Metamucil, Calcium, Acidophilus a few herbs and having acupuncture, my stomach has been a lot better. I feel better generally in myself and have a lot more energy.
There is no reason why health insurance should not cover something like acupuncture. This has been proven to be effective now, so have a go and you could feel a lot better - as long as you don't mind having needles in your belly?
Seriously though, good luck and I hope you can find some relief quickly.
Take care
Maybe you could have some food allergy/intolerance tests done just to see what comes up. Also, if you have gut gluten out of your diet Celiac tests may come back negative.
Anyway, I am sorry that you are going through this at such a young age, but I suppose it is nasty whatever age you are. I have been through the same things with the diarrhea and severe stomach pains most days, but I found that I had lots of food allergies and once I cut these out of my diet and started taking Metamucil, Calcium, Acidophilus a few herbs and having acupuncture, my stomach has been a lot better. I feel better generally in myself and have a lot more energy.
There is no reason why health insurance should not cover something like acupuncture. This has been proven to be effective now, so have a go and you could feel a lot better - as long as you don't mind having needles in your belly?
Seriously though, good luck and I hope you can find some relief quickly.
Take care
vogue
11-26-2002, 12:40 PM
Thanks, I will look into it in january. The fiber seems to be helping a bit, I'll keep taking it.. thanks.
How long have you been ill sarah?
How long have you been ill sarah?
Super Sarah
11-27-2002, 09:13 AM
Hi,
I don't really consider myself as being ill, but I have been having stomach problems for about 2 to 3 years now. I went to see a lot of MD's and they just dismissed my stomach pains as being all in the mind. Some were better than others and tried me on a few meds that did absolutely nothing for my stomach. I carried on like this for sometime, until earlier on this year things came to a head. I went and got referred to a gastroenterologist who told me that I had IBS, which I already knew and I then got referred for allergy/intolerance tests and found that I was intolerant to dairy and wheat. I radically changed my diet and my stomach was a lot better. This year also, I landed up in the ER with severe stomach pains, blood in my stools and fever and was diagnosed with diverticulitis. After taking the antiboitics and steroids I decided to go and see an ND (Naturopathic Doctor) and have never looked back. He does my acupuncture and has given me herbs and I am doing real well on the Acidophilus, Metamucil and Calcium, plus the herbs and acupuncture. Acupuncture is great for all types of stomach pains.
Anyway, I do know what you have been through as I have been there myself and I only recommend treatments to people that I have used myself. Continue with the Metamucil and try the calcium on its own and hopefully this might help.
I am just trying to offer all the alternatives before you go down the Codine route, which I really hope that you don't have to.
Take care
Sarah
I don't really consider myself as being ill, but I have been having stomach problems for about 2 to 3 years now. I went to see a lot of MD's and they just dismissed my stomach pains as being all in the mind. Some were better than others and tried me on a few meds that did absolutely nothing for my stomach. I carried on like this for sometime, until earlier on this year things came to a head. I went and got referred to a gastroenterologist who told me that I had IBS, which I already knew and I then got referred for allergy/intolerance tests and found that I was intolerant to dairy and wheat. I radically changed my diet and my stomach was a lot better. This year also, I landed up in the ER with severe stomach pains, blood in my stools and fever and was diagnosed with diverticulitis. After taking the antiboitics and steroids I decided to go and see an ND (Naturopathic Doctor) and have never looked back. He does my acupuncture and has given me herbs and I am doing real well on the Acidophilus, Metamucil and Calcium, plus the herbs and acupuncture. Acupuncture is great for all types of stomach pains.
Anyway, I do know what you have been through as I have been there myself and I only recommend treatments to people that I have used myself. Continue with the Metamucil and try the calcium on its own and hopefully this might help.
I am just trying to offer all the alternatives before you go down the Codine route, which I really hope that you don't have to.
Take care
Sarah
vogue
11-27-2002, 06:18 PM
Thanks :) Glad to hear that you are doing better now.
I, too, cannot handle much dairy at all, basically none. :) I've been doing the fiber since you suggested it, seems to help although today I felt pretty crappy. I can never tell what makes me ill, I think this time it was smoking, haven't smoked in a while... I think I need to throw these away and keep taking the fiber. Although, I've gotten incredibly sick plenty of times while not smoking, but it can't help.
Yea, I've been reading some stuff on codeine, not sure it would help at all in the long run. I might try librax in january first... or maybe another type of antispasmodic combined with the fiber. I'd rather not have to take anything all the time, I just wanna get my life back together... it's really falling apart lately :) I feel like i will never be better. How did your significant other deal with you being sick?
Mine did not understand, or she did, but she just got tired of it... she thought breaking up with me would shock me into getting better I think. :) She told me to come talk to her when I am better.. but I feel like I will never be better from this, even if I feel better for a while, from what I hear, it can return at any time. :(
Anyway,
Thanks again for all the suggestions!
ben
I, too, cannot handle much dairy at all, basically none. :) I've been doing the fiber since you suggested it, seems to help although today I felt pretty crappy. I can never tell what makes me ill, I think this time it was smoking, haven't smoked in a while... I think I need to throw these away and keep taking the fiber. Although, I've gotten incredibly sick plenty of times while not smoking, but it can't help.
Yea, I've been reading some stuff on codeine, not sure it would help at all in the long run. I might try librax in january first... or maybe another type of antispasmodic combined with the fiber. I'd rather not have to take anything all the time, I just wanna get my life back together... it's really falling apart lately :) I feel like i will never be better. How did your significant other deal with you being sick?
Mine did not understand, or she did, but she just got tired of it... she thought breaking up with me would shock me into getting better I think. :) She told me to come talk to her when I am better.. but I feel like I will never be better from this, even if I feel better for a while, from what I hear, it can return at any time. :(
Anyway,
Thanks again for all the suggestions!
ben
Super Sarah
11-28-2002, 08:33 PM
Hi Ben,
Please don't give up hope. I did get better and you can too.
I was really lucky that my boyfriend was very supportive when I was sick. Having said that though, I was only really sick for about a month before having my allergy tests done and then when I got sick with diverticulitis. If my stomach does give me problems now, I tend not to mention it, as it is never that bad and there are other natural remedies that I use to help too and these all seem to sort it out very quickly.
Sorry to hear about your girlfriend, but maybe she does not understand. I was extra lucky I suppose in that my boyfriend has also had stomach problems so does know what I am going through if I ever have diarrhea and complain of stomach pains.
Anyway, glad to hear that you are taking the Metamucil and that it is helping. What about the Acidophilus and the Calcium to help your stomach pains and diarrhea?
Also, rather than taking an antispasmodic medication, I think that you should firstly try acupuncture if you can get this paid for on health insurance.
It has to be better than chemicals and I used to find that alot of the drugs I was given had side effects which I did not like, which is why I switched to other methods.
Also, cut out the smoking, the nicotine can definitely cause or make stomach pains and diarrhea worse.
Never give up hope that you will get better. I have managed it, but you sometimes have to experiment a little before you can find what works best for you.
Good luck anyway and take care.
Sarah
Please don't give up hope. I did get better and you can too.
I was really lucky that my boyfriend was very supportive when I was sick. Having said that though, I was only really sick for about a month before having my allergy tests done and then when I got sick with diverticulitis. If my stomach does give me problems now, I tend not to mention it, as it is never that bad and there are other natural remedies that I use to help too and these all seem to sort it out very quickly.
Sorry to hear about your girlfriend, but maybe she does not understand. I was extra lucky I suppose in that my boyfriend has also had stomach problems so does know what I am going through if I ever have diarrhea and complain of stomach pains.
Anyway, glad to hear that you are taking the Metamucil and that it is helping. What about the Acidophilus and the Calcium to help your stomach pains and diarrhea?
Also, rather than taking an antispasmodic medication, I think that you should firstly try acupuncture if you can get this paid for on health insurance.
It has to be better than chemicals and I used to find that alot of the drugs I was given had side effects which I did not like, which is why I switched to other methods.
Also, cut out the smoking, the nicotine can definitely cause or make stomach pains and diarrhea worse.
Never give up hope that you will get better. I have managed it, but you sometimes have to experiment a little before you can find what works best for you.
Good luck anyway and take care.
Sarah
vogue
11-29-2002, 03:07 AM
Thanks. :) Yea, I have been sick for quite a while... seems like the longer I feel sick and have more setbacks, the harder it is to even leave the house. :) But I'm still hopeful too.. heh.
I probably should have mentioned it less, but it always seem to come up, esp when we had to go somewhere. Sorry about the diverticulus, sort of the same thing happened to me, stomach problems, then a hernia.. then pain for a year, then hernia repair. Sort of all came at once.
I think I have given up on acidophilus, I've taken SO much of that stuff it's unbelievable. It didn't seem to help at all. I tried the kind you get refrigerated, the liquid kind, the capsule kind, for a long time, 6 mos? Quite a while... I'm trying the calcium though! I will also look into acupuncture! :)
The fiber is helping a bit, still got sick today. Seems like no matter what I do I'm BOUND to have one or two extra bad days a week.
I dunno if I posted it here, but I'm curious, can an ulcer or stomach inflamation cause these type of problems? I have noticed when I eat spicy foods (and I know I shouldn't), but I get a pretty nasty pain. And I looked it up, and it's like the sternum.. right below the rib cage, I read that's where the stomach is. Then the pain seems to move down and I often get sick. I've never had any stomach tests done... Anyway, just a thought.
Thanks again for your time and kindness :)
ben
I probably should have mentioned it less, but it always seem to come up, esp when we had to go somewhere. Sorry about the diverticulus, sort of the same thing happened to me, stomach problems, then a hernia.. then pain for a year, then hernia repair. Sort of all came at once.
I think I have given up on acidophilus, I've taken SO much of that stuff it's unbelievable. It didn't seem to help at all. I tried the kind you get refrigerated, the liquid kind, the capsule kind, for a long time, 6 mos? Quite a while... I'm trying the calcium though! I will also look into acupuncture! :)
The fiber is helping a bit, still got sick today. Seems like no matter what I do I'm BOUND to have one or two extra bad days a week.
I dunno if I posted it here, but I'm curious, can an ulcer or stomach inflamation cause these type of problems? I have noticed when I eat spicy foods (and I know I shouldn't), but I get a pretty nasty pain. And I looked it up, and it's like the sternum.. right below the rib cage, I read that's where the stomach is. Then the pain seems to move down and I often get sick. I've never had any stomach tests done... Anyway, just a thought.
Thanks again for your time and kindness :)
ben
Super Sarah
11-29-2002, 09:47 AM
Hi Ben,
Yes, ulcers and inflammation in your stomach can certainly cause these problems and this is something that you should really get checked out if you have stomach pains after eating spicy food. Have you ever been tested for H.Pylori? This is the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and other such problems. If not, then you should consider it.
Your stomach is divided into areas and anything above your belly button and around your ribs is your stomach area and anything below your belly button is referred to as your abdomen or belly area.
Do you have pains in your belly as well as your stomach when you have diarrhea and do you also vomit?
I have been lucky in that I have only ever really had belly pains, but in your case the two may be connected and if you can solve your stomach problem, you may not have the belly pains and diarrhea as much.
It could well be the stomach inflammation that is causing your IBS belly symptoms.
Anyway, it might be worth seeing your doc again and getting an H.Pylori test done and also seeing if he will do en endoscopy for you to see what is going on.
Good luck
Sarah
Yes, ulcers and inflammation in your stomach can certainly cause these problems and this is something that you should really get checked out if you have stomach pains after eating spicy food. Have you ever been tested for H.Pylori? This is the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and other such problems. If not, then you should consider it.
Your stomach is divided into areas and anything above your belly button and around your ribs is your stomach area and anything below your belly button is referred to as your abdomen or belly area.
Do you have pains in your belly as well as your stomach when you have diarrhea and do you also vomit?
I have been lucky in that I have only ever really had belly pains, but in your case the two may be connected and if you can solve your stomach problem, you may not have the belly pains and diarrhea as much.
It could well be the stomach inflammation that is causing your IBS belly symptoms.
Anyway, it might be worth seeing your doc again and getting an H.Pylori test done and also seeing if he will do en endoscopy for you to see what is going on.
Good luck
Sarah
vogue
11-29-2002, 01:48 PM
Sarah,
I will get that checked out too... i think in the mean time I'll take some antacids, I hear that's usually what they suggest to try first anyway.
Thanks again!!
ben =]
I will get that checked out too... i think in the mean time I'll take some antacids, I hear that's usually what they suggest to try first anyway.
Thanks again!!
ben =]
Super Sarah
11-29-2002, 02:24 PM
Yes, lot of people do and they also take things such as tums, but then again there is the word ant-acids.
Aloe juice is meant to be a good natural way to help gastritis and stomach inflammation and Peppermint and Chamomile tea is also good for settling a painful and upset stomach.
Also, if you do find that you have H.Pylori then Mastic gum is a good alternative to the antibiotics that are normally prescribed.
Good luck and give my suggestions a try.
I use Chamomile tea myself if I have an upset stomach these days and it works very well indeed.
Take care
Sarah
Aloe juice is meant to be a good natural way to help gastritis and stomach inflammation and Peppermint and Chamomile tea is also good for settling a painful and upset stomach.
Also, if you do find that you have H.Pylori then Mastic gum is a good alternative to the antibiotics that are normally prescribed.
Good luck and give my suggestions a try.
I use Chamomile tea myself if I have an upset stomach these days and it works very well indeed.
Take care
Sarah
vogue
12-02-2002, 05:37 PM
I found some antacids with calcium =]
I have been taking the fiber, and haven't had D yet, but every day it feels like I will from the cramps. They seem to be a bit worse with the fiber.. :(
What causes them?
ben
I have been taking the fiber, and haven't had D yet, but every day it feels like I will from the cramps. They seem to be a bit worse with the fiber.. :(
What causes them?
ben
Super Sarah
12-03-2002, 03:26 AM
You need to persevere and give it sometime though. The cramps are just the peristaltic action of the gut getting used to the fiber. Make sure that you drink a good amount of water with it and you should be ok.
Sometimes Acidophilus caps can help with the cramps too by rebalancing your gut bacteria.
Also, I have to say that it is not a good idea to take antacids unless you are really sure that you have excess stomach acid? A lot of people take antacids and they work for a bit and then stop and this is because they really have too little stomach acid rather than too much. When you take the antacids, they will then encourage your stomach to pump out more acid and this makes your stomach better for a bit, but then this stops and the antacids stop working, because your problem is too little stomach acid rather than too much.
Please do not take them. As I said in my last post, Aloe juice is a good alternative and can soothe stomach pain from this. Also Peppermint and Chamomile tea.
You actually need to work with your body rather than against it.
Sometimes Acidophilus caps can help with the cramps too by rebalancing your gut bacteria.
Also, I have to say that it is not a good idea to take antacids unless you are really sure that you have excess stomach acid? A lot of people take antacids and they work for a bit and then stop and this is because they really have too little stomach acid rather than too much. When you take the antacids, they will then encourage your stomach to pump out more acid and this makes your stomach better for a bit, but then this stops and the antacids stop working, because your problem is too little stomach acid rather than too much.
Please do not take them. As I said in my last post, Aloe juice is a good alternative and can soothe stomach pain from this. Also Peppermint and Chamomile tea.
You actually need to work with your body rather than against it.
vogue
12-03-2002, 01:25 PM
Thanks. I only take when needed then... heh. And keep up with the fiber... hopefully it will get better.
ben
ben
Super Sarah
12-04-2002, 09:28 AM
Yes. However, try not to take the antacids at all if you can help it, try the natural alternatives, but once in a while and if you really need to will not hurt.