Hi all

I've just found this site (thank heavens) and I need some advice. I'm a 50 year old female and I've suffered with IBS for over 20 years and had learnt to live with my symptoms. However, in the last 3 months it's got really bad. I have diarrhoea about 10 to 12 times a day. Medication (have tried imodium, codeine phosphate, spasminal and buscopan) but still get the diarrhoea.

The medication slows it down a bit, but I still get the diarrhoea about 4 to 5 times a day - minimum. Stool tests and blood tests reveal no blood in the stools or anything out of the ordinary wrong with me. I'm waiting a hospital referral for further tests by a hospital consultant.

My huge problem is that I fly to Australia (from Britain) next Friday, and I am so scared about needing the toilet urgently. I will be travelling for about 26 hours! What happens if I'm standing in a queue for the loo, or if there's air turbulance and I am not allowed to leave my seat. I hate flying at the best of times but this has me really worried, which does not help my problem at all!

Does anybody know of any medication that will supress this monster, at least while I travel.

Many thanks
Marilyn

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Marilyn

You need to include more fiber in your diet and you should start some Metamucil. It is a water soluble fiber supplement that is safe to be taken on a daily basis and is as good for diarrhea as constipation, as it will bulk up your stools. Ensure that you drink enough water with it though.

As you have diarrhea for sometime, it is possible that your natural gut flora are out of balance and you probably need to either start eating some live yogurt or taking some Acidophilus Caps, twice daily on an empty stomach to restore this balance. This can help stop diarrhea, gas and bloating too. Keep them in the fridge though, as heat kills bacteria.

Also, taking Calcium supplements is also a good natural way for stopping diarrhea. Calcium will help your colon to absorb more water back naturally and thus make your stools bulkier. Also, the herb slippery elm is also very good for diarrhea.

You should take a look at your diet too, to determine whether your diet is causing your symptoms. It could easily be and you could be intolerant to dairy and wheat products and lots of people with IBS find this to be the case. Try to cut out caffeine, alcohol, soda and junk food and increase your dietary carbs and see if this makes a difference too.

If you start experimenting with this now, you should be able to see if it helps before flying to Australia.

Sometimes, it is simple measure that can work best in this situation, rather than conventional drug therapy, as you have already found out.

Also, the homeopathic remedy ARSENICUM ALBUM is extremely effective for stopping diarrhea or diarrhea plus vomiting and stomach pain and any combination of this. These remedies are freely available from all pharmacies and healthfood stores in England and cost about £3.50-4.00. I would suggest that you purchase either a 6 or 30c potency and take some before your journey. Up to three doses should stop it, so that you have a comfortable flight to Australia.

There are lots of wonderful Naturopaths working in Australia and you could consider consulting one whilst you are out there to get some more natural help with your stomach problems. They make these wonderful herbal tinctures specifically for you that can make a world of difference.

Good luck and happy holidays.

Hi Marilyn. Ditto for what Sarah says. Also, if your "D" is related to eating, then maybe you have Habba syndrome. You might want to research that and talk to your doctor about treatment for it.

Good luck and safe travel,
Katie G

I could not agree more with the previous posts. I have flown for long durations as well. Due to the time factor, it may be difficult. But this is what I suggest.

1) Drink a lot of water. If will help you keep your system hydrated while you are away.

2) See if you can obtain a special meal from the airlines, if you contact them they may be able to have your meal changed for you dietary needs. If you cannot, really review what they are serving you on the plane. A long flight like this will have a dinner, breakfast and a couple of other meals. I normally stay away from the pancakes, breads, pastas and desserts. These foods contain wheat and diary which for many cause problems, especially on long flights.

Also, bring your own food if possible, i.e. hard boiled eggs, or items you know from your experience are OK.

A week is a very short time to determine if you are allergic without a medical diagnosis.

Have a great flight