posted 02-02-2003 01:36 AM            

For all the times I go you'd think I'd lose weight but I seem to be gaining inches and well some lbs as well, I am very fustrated. I am always thirsty and I am drinking loads of water, liquids.

I'm taking calcium and Acidophilus, fiber, water, mult vitamin, b & c stress, I can't think of what else at the moment.

If anyone could shead some light on this I'd be very grateful as I feel like I'm fighting an useless battle with no wins here.

thanks

posted 02-02-2003 05:17 PM            

Did you start the fiber slowly and gradually increase it? I have been on the metamucil since just before Christmas and I also had a lot of gas and bloating. I still get it a little bit. But remember you still need to watch what you eat also. I also noticed that the active cultures in the yogourt gave me very foul gas. I think you just need to stick it out!! I still get "D" as well but I guess we really have nothing to lose. Keep working at the right does for you!!
Hope this helps!

posted 02-02-2003 07:19 PM            

The doctor is trying to get me in to see a specialist. but there is a 3 month waiting period for that.

You'd think with all the trips to the bathroom I'd loose weight.. it at least would be a plus..

thanks lil red chevy any advice is good..

posted 02-02-2003 07:57 PM            

What type of fiber are you taking?
Why can't you eat yogurt? What type foods are you eating --- there has got to be something food intolerances thats triggering the diarrhea???

If not ---it sounds like you have an intestinal infection--- having that many BMs has got to be affecting your absorption of nutrients as well as electrolytes.

posted 02-02-2003 09:14 PM            

I'm taking ultra fiber pills. 9 a day gives you 5 grams of fiber. I also eat at least 2 packages of the Medamucil waffers. thats another 6 grams if I'm correct. I basicly eat steamed or raw veggies, brown rice and fruit. mostly bananas. I'm taking the Acidophilus capsules 3 times a day. I don't like yogurt and really I did try to eat some.. but I couldn't. I also eat all bran 1/2 cup usually in the evening. and at breakfast I have been eatting oatmeal.

I am really trying to come to grips with this. But it doesn't seem to be working all that well. Oh I am also taking calium twice a day (cal-mag 2:1 w/ vit D and zinc. I have been taking a multvitamin every other day and B stress everyday.

As for a food intolerance, I can't see anything that would be. I've basicly changed my whole eatting habits. I can't eat beef or pork or lamb. I also have problems with turkey or chicken.. but I discovered these things months ago and stop eatting them. I eat very little bread. and I have pretty much elimated wheat except for the maybe 2 slices of bread I might eat a day. Have stayed away from pasta as well. Oh and tomatoe or tomatoe sauces.. just in case. I switched to 2% mild from Homo.

I drink probably 2 or 3 liters of spring water everyday. and a couple of cups of tea. sometimes a juice.

I agree there is something causing it but I'm at a loss of what it is.

I'm also taking pariet prescribed by my family doctor and I am waiting for an appointment with a specialist.

If you can think of anything I have missed.. I'm all ears..

thanks in advance

posted 02-03-2003 12:51 AM            

With a transit time as fast as yours any pills or capsusles are probably not doing you any good. This includes fiber capsules, vitamins, acidophilus caps and even wafers don't have time to work.
Don't eat any fresh fruit or fruit juices especially apple juice.

Eat only things that are easy to digest like cooked potatos, rice, canned applesauce and pears--- chicken and rice soup ---homemade --use a blender if you have to!!
Oatmeal is not easy for some people to digest.
It sounds like your intolerant to Gluten---if you are intolerant to gluten then you have Celiac disease ---- gluten is contained in All wheat products, oats, barley and rye grains have to be eliminated from your diet.

Rice, corn and potatos are ok. You can buy gluten free cereals and breads at the health food stores. Use rice milk.

EAT YOGURT it's already predigested by friendly bacteria. Chew all vitamins and minerals and get some Probiotica from Wal Mart--- It's a chewable probiotic supplement.

Take Metamucil in a powder form so you know it is dissolved. Stir it then drink it fast. I don't think fiber caps will work and as you say they aren't.

The worse person I ever knew with chronic diarrhea was cured with Metamucil that you stir in water. It was in San Francisco --20 years ago this year. Many times he could not get to the bathroom in time --- completely un-controllable.

If this does not work you need to go to a Hospital ER because depleting your electrolyte(minerals) is Extremely dangerous----even life theatening---nothing to fool around with!!!

posted 02-03-2003 03:08 AM            

for you input.. I don't think I do have Celiac disease but I certainly will ask my doctor to run some tests. I had blood test in December although I'm not sure for exactly what they were for. most of the symtoms I don't have.. All though I'm going all the time now.. Its not liquid. Its more like the consistance of .. ummm oatmeal. usually thin stools they don't float and they are not pale. they are usually a medium brown colour.. Before the fiber intake they were like water most of the time and very little control. I have more control now. and rarely I dont' make it unless I was sneezing or coughing. but even then its not real bad.

I am gaining weight rather then loosing it. My skin if anything is better now then ever.. silky soft .. not rash no rough spot. I do have the gassiness and the bloating tho. I have always been prone to cold sore but I have to say in the last several months not a one.

health wise I'd have to say this fall and winter I've been healther now then I have been in years.. Less headaches. I have been getting a sore mouth but I think thats from the burping and sometimes bile that I bring up.. I think its has some kind of acid in it burning the tissue on my tongue.

I see my doctor on the 14th I will ask him about tests that can be done.. I don't want to leave any stones unturned. I don't know if a upper GI series or a baruim enima x ray would have shown any signs of Celiac disease. I also had them done in December. According to the results of those they found nothing.

thanks again.

posted 02-03-2003 03:23 AM            

I want to thank you again Harry, you have given me something to work with, who knows maybe I can get a grip on this finally and control it.

I've never heard of rice milk? I guess you would find it in a health food store right? How bad does it taste? Would goats milk be better?? I will also see about getting chewable vitamins can't imagine trying to chew the ones I have now.

thanks again

posted 02-03-2003 01:41 PM            

Gluten if you are intolerant also causes diarrhea and bloating pain plus alot of other symptoms. I would say you should suspect both of these foods and change your diet for a few days ---- you'll know pretty fast--- at least in several days.

Also, people that have alot of diarrhea need 40% more protein than normal ---the problem is you lose muscle mass ---and you don't want heart problems --your most important muscle. Where do you get protein from??? I hope fish or soy. You said you don't eat meats, chicken or turkey.

Harry

posted 02-03-2003 06:53 PM            

I'll see if I can pick up the rice milk tomorrow, I have a bit of time after work.

I ate fish last nite first time in months.. Well I don't think it did so well.. I was up during the nite and by 11 am I had been to the bathroom 8 times,at work that is. Good thing I'm on light duties, alot of my time is my own to do little things so I'm not missed if I spend half of it in the bathroom. I took a imodium .. I know its not good to use it often and I don't.. but like today it was kinda necessary. I eat beans for protein, lima, kidney, chick peas etc. not the best flavour of foods but I can eat them in small quanities. I've stayed away from cheese and well I did switch to 2% milk, but I will try the rice milk.

I will also try and stay away from wheat I have been buying rice cereals and oatmeal and bran .. so for the most part the only wheat is in bread.. I might eat 2 slices a day.

I'll give it a go, I have nothing to lose thats for sure.. I think I lost everything already today.. lol.. I only wish I'd lose weight as well I keep gaining and bloating.. I look 9 months pregant.. its a wonder no one has asked me at work yet.. I changed from size 9 to 13 in 3 months. Kinda limits my attire as well.

I'll keep you posted to the results, I should be able to start tomorrow or wednesday.

thanks again for the advice.

posted 02-06-2003 12:02 AM            

Here are some more, if you think they would be helpful.
I edited a lot of it out, to save room.

Eat small portions of food, and eat frequently - the emptier your stomach is, the more sensitive you will be.

Avoid ice-cold foods and drinks on an empty stomach. Cold makes muscles contract, and your goal is to keep your stomach and the rest of your GI tract as calm as possible.

Drink fresh water constantly throughout the day (not ice cold). Limit the amount of water or other fluids you drink with your meals, as this can inhibit digestion.

Eat green salads -tiny portions, non-fat dressing-at the end of the meal, not the beginning.

Use only egg whites (2 whites can substitute for 1 whole egg), and try to buy organic. [to avoid fat]

Reduce the amount of oil called for in recipes when possible by at least 1/3.

Use non-stick pans and cooking spray.

Think Substitution, Not Deprivation

Substitute soy, rice, or oat milk for all dairy milk (check the ingredients to be sure there is no oil added). [I use rice milk, doesnt always work well in recipes, soy works better but I find the ones I tried hard to digest]

Use only fat-free salad dressings, mayonnaise, etc.

Watch out for hidden fat in seemingly safe foods: [also watch for milk in these foods]

Peppermint is a smooth muscle relaxant, and can be very helpful.

Be Active! But Rest When You Need To

Try to be in motion after each meal The point is to not become immobile on a full stomach, particularly while sitting down (and NEVER lying down). You want to be gently active.

Try to get 30-60 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every day. Daily practice of yoga, meditation, or tai chi can significantly reduce stress-related attacks

posted 02-06-2003 12:59 AM            

I read the box with the fiber tablets several times. It says that daily amount is 9 per day.. 3 at a time 3 times a day. equals 4500 mg of fiber. I could be wrong but I think thats close to 5 grams.. I started off with 1 tablet 3 times a day.. for about 4 or 5 days .. then 2 ..then 3 .. took about 2 1/2 weeks if I recal. I did try and add the fiber slowly.

I started with all bran as my doctor suggested.. a table spoon at.. at time working up to 1/2 cup. that took 2 or 3 weeks as well.

Now I'm not possitive about the soluable and non solubale fiber.. which is which.

I eat 4 or 5 tiny meals a day.. usually 3 small meals and 2 snacks.. I never lay down after. I rarely drink anything when I eat. usually drink after.

I don't eat or cook with salt.. I rarely fry anything. I bake or steam. I don't use fats or oils unless you really have too. I eat nothing but non hydrated margerine.. I know I spelled that wrong. My mother had several health problems.. heart etc.. I grew up with these things.

I always ate lots of vegetable.. 1 yellow 1 green and potatoe or rice. pasta.

I can't eat any meat, poulty, or fish my system can't handle it.

I eat salads or steamed vegetables.. fresh if possible. If its canned I rince it before heating it up.

I usually drink room temp. water. I use no dressing on salad. but I do like some margerine on my cooked veggies. I've tried to lessen that. I use pepper no salt.. I cook with very little spice.

I haven't eatten any eggs, cheese in months. I usually use mircle whip.. light.. but that too I haven't had any in months. I have eatten none or very few prepared foods. bread was my only one that I can think of. and well I'm trying to elimate it all together.. I was eatting 2 slices a day.

I've been eatting meals that contain vegetables. and brown rice. usually about 1/2 cup of rice (steamed no salt or any additives) and probably 1/2 cup of vegetables. if I have potatoes its 1 potatoe. I have been eatting 1 or 2 servings of fruit.. usually a banana and some apple sauce. I did buy some fruit cups of pears this week to take for a snack at work.

I been eatting those metamucil waffers as well.. 1 pk sometimes 2 per day as snacks. Basicly almost everything I eat is some sort of fiber. but I have always ate this way. Sometimes I would have pasta.

I bought some lactose free milk.. (Nellson Trutaste low fat 100% lactose free, Microfiltered) I don't drink coffee.. but a couple of cups of tea with this stuff.. and I have used it on my all bran.

As for exercise I get loads of walking at work. but I have to say I've never been much for exercising. I am also going to physio for my wrist and arm.. working that out 3 times a week aprox 1 hr a time.

I've had a sleeping disorder for about 3 yrs.. Started with the carpal tunnel and the tendonitis in my right shoulder. I would walk up several times a nite and most of the sleep I got was restless.. Its improving but my system is screwed up. I had one of my wrist operated on at the end of november but my other wrist still hurts.. my shoulder is up and down.

So are vegetables and fruit soluble or non soluble fiber.? brown rice as well?

I am open for any other suggestions..

thanks

posted 02-07-2003 12:32 AM            

It is hard to say until you get to see the doc & find out what your allergies are (if that is it) but you should be able to eat cheddar cheese, if it is a lactose problem. It is very low in lactose, I look for the low fat kind. I find it actually settles my stomach.

When I knew I had my appt coming up, I made a lil journal - everything I ate and times, times of bathroom visits & description, exercise, abd pain, anything that I thought would be helpful.

It is so complicated, most fruit & vegetables contain both.

What is the difference between insoluble and soluble fiber?
(I copied this)
Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not. Insoluble fiber passes through your digestive tract largely intact. Both types of fiber are important in the diet and provide benefits to the digestive system by helping to maintain regularity.

What are some good sources of soluble fiber?

Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, certain fruits, and psyllium (pronounced sil'e-um). Psyllium is a grain that is found in some cereal products, in certain dietary supplements, and in certain bulk fiber laxatives. Read labels carefully to check for the addition of psyllium.

So are vegetables and fruit soluble or non soluble fiber.? brown rice as well?

White rice, brown rice, corn flakes, totally soluble.

Sources of Soluble Fiber - Barley, Brown rice, currants, Dried beans, Figs, French bread, Fresh peas
Methylcellulose (Citrucel), Oat Bran, Oatmeal, Pasta, prunes , Psyllium husks (Metamucil), Raisins, Rice,
Sourdough bread, Soy , Wheat

Problem is, some of these foods also contain insoluble fiber, and should not be eaten on an empty stomach, depending on the amt of insoluble.

I found it really hard to find info on soluble versus insoluble because so many foods have both. & you need both. It makes it really hard for you when you eat mostly fiber foods, but once you get diagnosed, and get things under control, you may find you can eat other foods as well.

Good luck, I hope that was helpful, it was a little disorganized, I was doing searches & putting stuff down.