For people taking Fiber supplements - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

andyM · 04-30-2003, 06:42 AM

Hi guys...

I have sort of an interesting question for anyone with experience starting a Fiber supplement.

I started introducing Citrucel into my diet for the past couple of days. I take it first thing in the morning. It seems within 5-10 minutes of taking it, I have a BM. (I rarely even go in the morning prior to starting this).

My question is, could this be the fiber working that fast or is this a fluke?

Thanks
A

Katie G · 04-30-2003, 07:56 AM

Hi andy. I don't think that the dose you take in the a.m. is actually stimulating a BM that soon, but the act of drinking it, may be stimulating your bowels to move because the previous day's fiber is in your lower intestine and ready to come out? Just an idea.

Are your stools formed or diarrhea? The only reason I ask is that if you're having diarrhea 30 minutes after your fiber intake, it could be gall bladder dysfunction. However, many people (including myself) will have daily BMs at about the same time every day, right after waking up and drinking or eating something. The initial act of eating/drinking after sleeping all night seems to just "jump start" everything.

Katie G

andyM · 04-30-2003, 10:38 AM

Hi Katie,

Thanks for your response.

I have not had any diarrhea. I rarely ever get Diarrhea in general anyway. I am more a IBS-pain predominant sufferer, but am closer to IBS-C. I almost NEVER get the urge to have a BM, unless there is pain. This includes in the morning AND after meals. I have to pick a time usually and just go in and sit on the toilet and wait to go. I can usually always go when I do this, but like I said, most times, if I didnt go in and sit down, I dont think I would get the urge.

So like I mentioned before, since I have started the fiber, I actually have the urge to go, and its within 5-10 minutes? Odd, right?

Also, I chose Citrucel b/c I read Metamucil can cause excess gas...and LORD KNOWS I dont need that!!!! But since I have taken the Citrucel, I also have felt an increase in gas pains. Is this normal? Its not like I am taking large doses either. I am starting off below the minimum. I also have increased bloating (if that is even possible. LOL).

Any insight or experience from anyone would be wonderful. Thanks.

A

Katie G · 04-30-2003, 11:37 AM

Hi again Andy. Yes, any kind of increased fiber can cause gas - just hang in there, it should improve (or decrease) over time as your body adjusts. Sounds like the fiber has really helped your bowels regulate and should be continued for life for good bowel health.

Good health to you,
Katie G

andyM · 05-02-2003, 09:46 AM

Katie (or anyone else who may have any advice)

I have continued the Citucel for the past 5 days. Like I said, Initially I seemed to see an improvement (except for the increased bloating and gas pains). And I have continued to have a BM immediately after taking it in the morning.

However the last 2 days, I have not felt well again, and then this morning, immediately after my Citrucel, I had diarrhea. Now this is uncommon for me, as I rarely get diarrhea in general. (I am a IBS-Pain pred).

I dont know what to do. Should I stop the fiber? I am so confused and worried and depressed.

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks