New to board, but not IBS

[michelejw]

Hi-

I just recently found this board, and I'm so glad I did. I've had IBS for the past few years, but have not had many problems, until recently. Over the past 2 wks or so, I have been so uncomfortable. If I drink a sip of water, I get so bloated. My stomach actually looks like I'm pregnant, even after something so small as a drink of water. I'm so tired of feeling like crap all the time. I'm tired of being bloated 24/7. I've lost weight recently, but you can't tell b/c my stomach constantly looks big.

My doctor started me on Bentyl today. But after doing some research on it, I'm a little afraid to keep taking it now. Some of the things I read were positive, some were very negative. Does anyone here take it? What exactly *does* it do? I know it's an antispasmodic, but I'm not sure of what symptoms it helps.

Thanks for reading this

Michele

[Katie G]

Hi, Michelle. I was on Bentyl for awhile to try to control the spasms and diarrhea I suffered from IBS. It did nothing for the diarrhea; it did help with the crampy-like pain I suffered from. However, it also made me feel woozy/drowsy, with a very dry mouth, so I could only take them when I was at home. I quit taking them after a few months because they weren't helping me with the diarrhea problem.

Good luck with it - I didn't really suffer any severe side effects; just couldn't be trusted to function well on the job if I was taking it.

Katie G

[awsx2]

I am a 40 year old female. I had lower and upper right abdominal pain for over 2 years, accompanied by some constipation, excessive bloating, extreme gas, worsened by exercise. Undiagnosed after several doctors and tests. I figured out on my own that the major problem was eating beef...so I stay away from it. It has made a big difference and my quality of life is much better now. If you eat beef you may want to try giving it up and see what happens. Good luck!