Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diverticulosis

Question:
Well, after years of stomach trouble, I finally got referred to a gastroenterologist, who said that, considering my age (30) and my symptoms (mostly lower abdominal pain, back pain, pain triggered by food, big change in bowel {what's the word}...I am constipated all the time suddenly, etc), and the fact that I have fibro, that this is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I came home and read up on IBS in my Nutritional Healing book and am doing the things recommended, but I am still unable to eat much of anything that isn't mushy (applesauce with protein powder, soup, an occasional MetRX bar, etc.) I just wanted to know what any of you that might have IBS are doing in way of diet, meds, etc...I need to get back with the doc of course, but I always like to talk to people that actually -have- the ailment. Aloe (liquid and gel form) and chamomile (in tea) have done me the most good, but only when I am in so much pain that I can hardly see; nothing seems preventative. So any help would be greatly appreciated!! I'll probably totally forget that I posted this, so if you wouldn't mind e-mailing me, that would be so very helpful!

Answer:
I, too, have problems with constipation. Psyllium husks or flax seed (some people use oil) works well. My gastroenterologist recommended FiberCon for my IBS. I think you will find most of us with FMS have IBS. For me the FiberCon works very well and I haven’t had a bad bout of IBS in some time...I take it everyday, without fail and I am fine...Stay Warm... I take psyllium seed (Metamucil). Three teaspoons in a glass of juice every day without fail. Of course, since I started on the MS Contin I haven't had any diarrhea- just the constipation. But the psyllium seed is good for that too. Psyllium seed is also wonderful for your heart. The soluble fiber feeds the good bacteria in your colon and enhances all the wonderful things they do for you. I am new here. I do not have FM, but a friend of mine does. I have seen how debilitating this illness can be. I am addressing the irritable bowel problem because I too was diagnosed with that when I was 25. I discovered that my symptoms matched with Candidiasis (at the time my Doctor told me that there was no such thing). I purchased a book some time ago which talked a lot about a connection between candida overgrowth and Fibromyalgia. I started ingesting a solution of 35% Food- grade H202, in water, back in 1984 and it restored normal bowel movements as well as lifting the fog which was caused by food allergies.  The basis with candida is that it compromises the immune system causing all kinds of illnesses.  H202 works by boosting a lagging immune system.  Also, the benefits of extra oxygen in your system can increase energy, improves hormone functions, and helps your body to kill viruses, bacteria and fungus.  I had been trying for at least 3 years to get this friend to try the H202, feeling that it might help.  She kept resisting because her Doctor was continually trying some new thing that just came out.  She was smart in her therapy in that she would try only 1 new thing at a time.  Just in the last 3 months, she was getting worse (depressed, barely able to get up to take a shower) this went on for a couple of weeks.  She had just been to her Doctor again and he told her he suspected Chronic Fatigue (Epstein Barr) which is now thought to be a virus.  He gave her anti-depressants. I sent her the link to OXYTHERAPY.COM and told her what have you got to lose. There are testimonials from MS, FM, IBS, Aids, Cancer patients who have also used H202 and have gotten relief or been cured. She was at her lowest, low!  Within the first two weeks of using H202, she is reporting that this stuff is great!  I saw her a week ago and had to comment that I have never seen her walk this well in the 3 years I have known her. Sorry for the book, but I have become a firm believer in Hydrogen Peroxide. I have both irritable bladder and bowel with FM - lots of us do. I became an almost vegetarian and my IBS is usually under control as it is high fiber by nature. If I cheat, I flare. My doc has given me Bellergal spacetabs - Belladonna, ergot and phenobarbital combo - if I start to spasm and have pain with pencil thin movements (sorry for being graphic, but that's what he said to watch for) or explosive diarrhea, then I use the meds.  Since I started on MSM, http://www.worldimage.com/products/msm/msmfacts.html, I have had so few episodes with either orifice.  I have had to change my diet yet again - no coffee, pop, and absolutely no beef - (I can eat fish with no problem) - it's all trial and error - I can't digest apple skins, pop corn or poppy seeds, for instance - keep a food diary and see how you do. If the FM is flaring, I take high doses of codeine, so it calms the bowel from being overactive which is my pattern. Sorry this is happening to you.  Make sure it is IBS - you don't want anything more serious in there going on without investigation. What I find interesting in my body, is that for many years I worked hard to get 'regular'. I would go two or three days without a BM. A couple of years ago, I had a hysterectomy, and suddenly, I'm as regular as a clock. I hardly finish breakfast, and off I go to the loo. Did the operation get things 'untangled' in there, make more room, etc., or is it another hormonal or FM thing?  So many questions. . .so few answers. Here are a few links that may help. National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Disease Home Page: http://www.ibsgroup.org/ Celiac Disease: http://www.celiac.com The Gluten-Free Page: http://www.panix.com/~donwiss/ http://www.sover.net/~devstar/siteindx.htm http://www.mwilliamson.com/ I think IBS is related more to hormones than FM itself. My IBS was at its worst ever just before I had hormone treatment and surgery for endo. Mind you, I have also been careful to stay with the lower fat diet so as not to aggravate it. My specialist told me irritable bowel is related to FMS. I have had ibs for over 22 years, my major problem over the years has been with loose bowel movements, during my severe episodes I can have up to 35 to 40 bowel movements and urges in a 24 hour period. I have tried anti-diarrhea, anti spasmodic medications witch are useless, forget bulk fiber powders they only made me even more sick. When I had my first bout of ibs it lasted for 3-1/2 years, all I eat was chicken, mash potatoes, boiled mushrooms nothing fried the only liquid that I drank were water and decaf coffee. That was it, I went from weighing 182lbs to 130lbs. I can't begin to tell you how many doctors I have gone to and all the tests that I have had including psychiatrist, the conclusion and diagnosis is that it is all in my mind. That leaves me with no hope. Is there anyone with a similar problem and maybe a suggestion. I don't think it is in your head. You need a doctor who will help you. My ibs has cleared up with MSM but it doesn't work for everyone. Spouse-thingy has diverticulosis and has been told he will always have loose stools. I hope you are taking vitamins and minerals that are easily absorbed or you will soon have worse problems. Bob has some relief with extra-strength Imodium but it is certainly not a med that I would want to be on for life. Maybe a teaching hospital would be able to help. Where are you near? Maybe someone here knows a good place. I also have I BS, and I am currently on a drug study for this very thing. The good thing is the drug will be available next year and as it seems to help I hope you will be watching for it.