suggestions for IBS sufferer - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

lil red chevy · 12-11-2002, 10:18 PM

Hey,

I have been suffering from bowel problems for the past 10 years. I usually take Immodium and I have been for quite a few tests. I am interested in some suggestions that may help relieve some of the symptoms especially the diarreha. Please Help!!

Desperately waiting!

12-12-2002, 05:19 AM

Metamucil twice daily with 6-8 glasses of water. This is a water soluble fiber source and is helpful in constipation and diarrhea. Your GI system needs it to function well.

Acidophilus caps or live yogurt to help rebalance the good bacteria in your gut. Once the balance is restored, then diarrhea, gas and bloating should resolve.

Calcium. This is better for diarrhea and you may well run short on this if you have constant diarrhea. This helps the bowel to absorb water back naturally, thus bulking up your stools.

Take a look at your diet too and cut things out which aggravate such as wheat, dairy, junk food and coffee, soda, alcohol.

Reduce stress levels if you can. This contributes to IBS via the mind/gut link.

Long term use of Immodium can cause more problems than it solves in the long run, so I would suggest that you try the Calcium supplements to help your diarrhea and ditch the Immodium.

lil red chevy · 12-12-2002, 08:36 AM

Thanks for the quick reply,

I have tried "fiber" before but it was years ago and it was not Metamusil. The health care person told me to put it into caplets and take two or three a day. This program did nothing so I quit doing it. I guess I was not taking enough. With the fiber does it get worse before it gets better? I find somethings seem to do that and then I get worried that it doesnt work. I have also tried to adjust my diet but the problem is one week I can have ice cream the next week the very same ice cream bites back in severe diarrehea.
I will try the Metamusil though. Thanks!!

lil red chevy

Katie G · 12-12-2002, 11:27 AM

Hi lil red chevy. Ditto what Sarah says - try the Metamucil powder or wafers, not caplets you took before because those may not be water soluble. I was taking Metamucil wafers & calcium supplements too, but it wasn't until I started Colestid that my "D" got under control. Colestid is prescription, so try the OTC stuff mentioned first. Diet changes sometimes make all the difference in the world.

Good luck to you,
Katie G

lil red chevy · 12-12-2002, 11:52 AM

hi,

I have been on a few prescribed drugs before but none that seem to help much. My family is planning a trip to Disneyland and I would love to be as "normal" as I can before then. Thanks for the info I will try the Metamusil and the calcium too. Do I take them at different times or does it really matter?

lil red chevy