Fibrogel

[Motherhen1]

I have had part of my small colon removed and suffering with severe diarrhoea,and been given Imodium,consultant okayed 6 or more a day but go has changed it for fibrogel instead because of my kidneys, but it’s not working, HELP!!!!

[Boudica1]

Hi, I was prescribed that when a GP diagnosed "IBS" over the phone. Did nothing except cause more problems and extreme abdominal pain and swelling within half an hour of taking it. In fact in my case it made whatever the problem was/is that bad I was almost rushed to hospital by my husband.

It does not suit everyone so if you have any problems after taking it, stop and tell your GP. It was my chemist who told me that the symptoms I was getting after taking it was a common problem with that particular medicine.

I just use high fibre, lots of water and massage my abdomen. Oh and if my tummy starts to swell and feel tender I take something to help with trapped wind, which also helps.

Good luck.

[stevejb1810]

Fibrogel is usually prescribed for constipation. Immodium for the entirely opposite reason. I think you should go back to your GP and have another chat.

[Maninblack in reply to stevejb1810]

I have episodes of diarrhoea and take Imodium. You have to take one after every ‘episode’ even if they are 20 mins apart. Usually after having taken 3 tablets it stops. Keep hydrated and have white bread, rice or pasta but no veg or fruit for 24 hrs. Avoid whole grains.

[shopman]

I found that going on to Activia Yogurt did the trick for me.

[humph3]

I have taken fibrogel for many years - I had diverticulosis . It is a bulking agent and is supposed to create soft stools that pass easily. I find that it might bloat your stomach. If I miss taking it I usually get constipation. I also take probio 7 about twice a week (it's expensive) to keep the plumbing going. Hope this helps

[Bayley13]

Hi have taken Fibragel for years, because of pain killers I sometimes get constipation. My advise is be patient they will work, One after every meal. They are gentle but do what it says on the label.

[rockie1952]

When I get diarrhoea I find that eating a Weetabix dry every few hours helps a lot. It is not that nice eating it like a dry biscuit but it helps to soak up all the liquid and create nice soft stools.

As I understand it (what my GP told me a few years ago), things like Immodium do not actually cure the diarrhoea, they just hep to relax the muscles to reduce the urge to go to the toilet, so give the impression of curing the problem. This gives the body time to fight the problem with its own defences until things settle down.

The problem with things like Immodium is that, if the problem is caused by some bacterial problem, by reducing the urge to go to the loo, the bacteria can multiply and make the problem worse.

Think you need another chat with your doctor, though.

[Rosei]

If you read the instructions carefully you will read that Fibrogel is for both constipation and diarrhoea. I have taken it for years. I was surprised at first when I read the instructions.

[Dockdog]

Among my ills I was diagnosed with IBS previously and my GP prescribed Mebeverine which I found works well as a truly gentle relief for constipation and or the opposite because it helps to regularise muscle spasms to move things along. Still using it after my Pericardiectomy and constipation caused by the meds. Good luck and I hope all goes well!