please help, symptom change - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

worrywort · 06-20-2005, 01:29 PM

I have been diagnosed with ibs about 2 years ago through a colonoscopy when I was 24. I have had constipation and sometimes loose stools but hardly ever diarreah. I have had d for about 7 days now, I called the doc and he sent out a med to control it. I am having lots of anxiety cause of this and I am worrying when the next time will hit. It is frustrating. how long can a bout last? any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate it.

Carly

bulletinboard25 · 06-20-2005, 02:25 PM

hey... sound a lot like me worrywort. i've been 5 years diagnosed, but i just recently started having the d, when i normally would just have the loose stools.

have you tried any rounds of flagyl? if you haven't, ask more about it, and i'll explain it.. if you have, you might wanna try another week or 2 course of it...

other than that i'm sure you've heard of the B(bananas).R(rice).A(applesauce).T(toast ). diet. it's a very bland diet that will help bind you up. doctors often recommend this diet with adolescents and adults who are going through bouts of diarrhea.

let me know a little bit more... i can try and suggest/help with a little more details.

what are you currently doing, what med did your doctor prescribe.. etc?

worrywort · 06-21-2005, 03:58 PM

I have tried flagyl once. I don't know if it helped or not. My doc gave me an anti diareah med! I have tried bentyl but it makes me sleepy. I feel kinda sick and really don't have much of an appitite. I know it is my ibs but I need a break. I have never heard of that diet. what kind of rice...brown or white, I know you are supposed to stay away from white bacause there is no fiber. let me know you are a big help!!!! I don't feel so alone. I have so much anxiety from this.

I appreciate it soooo much.
Carly

bulletinboard25 · 06-21-2005, 05:14 PM

believe me, i know EXACTLY what you are talking about. it has caused me tremendous amounts of anxiety!! and i'm going through one of the bad weeks, and the past 2 days i've had absolutely no appetitite because my stomachs been in knots.

I would try that diet for a week, just to give your digestive system and intestines a break, as it is very bland, and does a good job of slowing things down.

the brown rice is what you want to go with. as far as the applesauce, go for the natural/unsweetened kind.

there are a lot of different anti-spasmodics out there. i've heard of some people that try one name brand, have no luck... go to the next, and get relief.

have you tried Librax? its a combination of an anti-spasmodic and anti-anxiety drug(benzo). thats supposed to be one of the better options for IBS as far as anti-spasm. go.

i've seen on you post before, and can't remember if you've been on xanax before, have you?

have you tried the calcium supplements, like caltrate? it's not an instantaneous change, but if you are religiously taking it every night, some say it will start to work within 2-4 weeks. and i've visited a lot of different IBS boards, and a lot of people say it's helped with the urgency that accompanies the diarrhea. some have even gone off their 12 per/day imodium routine after being on calcium for awhile.

i really wish you well, and will say a prayer for you

we seem to be suffering similarly right now.

any more questions ask away!

worrywort · 06-24-2005, 02:47 PM

Hi, thank you for getting back to me, I have not been on the computer lately because my parents are moving. I have tried xanax, I am on lexapro now. I have had an anxiety issue for about 5 years. I will ask my doc about librax, I wonder if it o.k to take with lexapro. I mean seriously.. how long can a bout last. I am dying here, I have lost 4-6 pounds. I am going to try that diet, the other night I had brown rice and felt o.k same when I eat oat bran or cream of wheat. I appreciate all your help. I will also try caltrate!

I will say a prayer for you also.thanks again
Carly