IBS Flare up ? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

bellytrouble · 02-09-2005, 11:15 AM

I haven't posted in a long time, almost 2 years. I was pretty much symptom free until about 1 month ago. Then on Monday, I couldn't stop going ! I called my MD and got in quickly. He said, unless I scheduled an appointment with a Gastro he would NOT give me any medication ! I abhore being blackmailed. I swore I would go see Gastro, whom I saw 2 years ago and who said my symptoms were IBS. I am not a fan of Colonoscopies because I have read that the instrument can never be completely sterilized and that tissue/matter gets stuck in the flex parts (YUCK). 2 yrs ago Gastro did not push the issue because I had begun to stabilize and the prep for the procedure would have started me all over again. SO, I have an appointment with Gastro on 2/17 and I am sure she will demand the procedure. The MD gave me Bentyl and it seems to be helping with the cramping and he also gave me a script for something like a fiber supplement but BOY did it cause havoc on my stomach ! I didn't take that today because I had to stop over 5 times before getting to work yesterday. Anyway .. does Bentyl cause severe headaches? I've had one since yesterday and Tylenol is not helping. Also, does Benytl help ? I see some relief but don't know if its just because all I'm having is Gatorade and Chicken broth ... Thanks for any and all replies.

Georgette · 02-09-2005, 12:08 PM

I didn't get any headaches with Bentyl, but it made me extremely lightheaded and dizzy, like I was getting drunk. And I was only taking less than 1/3 of the dose I was prescribed. It didn't give me any relief from my symptoms. The only good thing was that it improved my eyesight! It must work for some people though, otherwise they wouldn't prescribe it. I would definitely recommend trying the fiber. I have been taking Metamucil for almost a month and even though I still have pains and urgency, I haven't had diarrhea since.

IBS is such a mean-spirited syndrome. You can go for days, weeks, even months with no symptoms and think that you're home free and then BAM! Back with a vengeance!!!

bellytrouble · 02-09-2005, 12:38 PM

Thanks Georgette: I was taking acidophilus for a long time and a multi-vit at night and I was ok, then I stopped the regimen and Whamo ! I called my pharmacist and they said that Bentyl WILL give headaches, so I have a call into the MD ... see what they say. Thanks for the quick reply !!