Hey, TX............... - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Katie G · 12-11-2002, 11:14 AM

Hi, TX - I just read your post to Russell that followed mine. I feel for your pain, but after suffering with IBS for 20+ years myself, and trying all different things to control it, I've finally found something that works the best for me.

What things have you tried? If you've read this board, you'll know many posters recommnend Metamucil, calcium supplements and acidophilus capsules. I do those things, and in addition, I take 2 Colestid every a.m. I have had normal stools now for about a year since starting the Colestid. I found out about it on this site, and then did additional 'net research on bile salt diarrhea.

Is your "D" related to eating? Stress/anxiety? Any known triggers? I know what you mean about applying for disability; I was about ready to try for that myself since I had to leave work if I soiled myself, or I couldn't leave the house in the morning because I was chained to the bathroom with 5-6 trips in a 20 minute period. After lunch, the same thing. Colestid is the only thing that gave me some sense of normalcy and improved self-esteem. Now I don't have to worry where the nearest bathroom is. I still get the cramps, gas, bloating, and pain from IBS, but at least I can get to the bathroom in time.

Hang in there, and hopefully someone's story will help you find relief.

Wishing you the best,
Katie G

TX · 12-12-2002, 09:45 AM

I have tried most of the remedies mentioned on the boards. I haven't tried the colestid you mentioned so I'll give it a shot. The problem for me is that lots of the treatments provide a more "normal" stool but at some point, usually from 2-4 days, my body seems to reject whatever food I've eaten. Without revealing too much about myself, my job is a high profile job and requires that I am in control for at least several hours a day. Work can certainly be a trigger but I love my job and I have episodes at home with nothing going on. So I don't think it's always stress. It's just my body saying no to what food I've eaten. I and my doctor have tried to isolate foods that may trigger my stomach but with no success. The way I have learned to cope is to tell my body when it's ok to be sick. I eat supper late and usually sometime that night or early morning the "d" hits. If I take a couple immodium then I'm usually ok for the rest of the day. If I don't then I'm in trouble. I'm just concerned at this point the immodium may hurt me more than they help me.
It's nice to read all the posts here but I still feel alone. My wife, kids, parents, friends, will never truely understand what it's like to suffer from IBS. I remember once a few years ago my mother having a several week period where she had a bad upset stomach. She was one of the people who always told me I could overcome my IBS with my mind. As her stomach got back to normal I told her, "If the rest of your life were spent like the past few weeks, you would understand how I feel."
I will continue to read posts here and am always open to trying new things but at least for now I am still battling an uphill war. And I'm at the bottom of the hill.

Katie G · 12-12-2002, 11:37 AM

Hi, again TX. I know exactly what you're saying, but the top of the hill will come again. Do some internet research on bile salt diarrhea and the use of Colestid (usually prescribed for high cholesterol), and post a question to others who use it to see what kind of relief they have gotten.

Believe me when I say I was almost suicidal about 8-12 months ago, when life revolved around the next run to the bathroom. I did not want to give up my job either, nor could I afford to. And although my family was supportive, they truly did not understand how bad things were for me. My life has completely turned around since taking Colestid. To give you an idea of how much I believe it has helped me - if I found out today that Colestid would cause cancer tomorrow, I'd still take it.

Don't give up - you will find some relief out there whether through my post or someone else's. I tried the fiber + calcium and like you, it stopped working within a month. But I still take them anyway for my health and with the addition of the Colestid, I am a whole person again. I noticed a difference within a couple of days, and have had only a couple episodes of breakthrough diarrhea, when something upset my stomach. That's 2-4 days in an 8-9 month period, compared to multiple times per day!

Keeping you in my prayers,
Katie G

TX · 12-12-2002, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the support Katie. I will definitely check into it. I can't imagine 2-3 episodes per 8-9 months but it sure sounds good to me!!!
I'll repost with results in the future.