IBS Help Tips

[ChildCareWorker]

I've been grappling with IBS for about ten years now, since doctors misdiagnosed for decades, a parasite infection that I had to diagnose and treat myself and which probably damaged my lower bowel. Since then I've experimented with doses of probiotics as high as 400 billion (the magic number at which normal returns), Flagyl (sometimes helpful - sometimes not) pulse dosing that and probiotics together, fasting, diet changes, bioidentical hormones (progesterone will relax and put you to sleep if high enough dose), alteration of work schedule - opting for occasional work instead of constant or scheduling afternoon or evening work as mornings are so unpredictable. Morning diarrhea always a rough start to the day unless probiotics have kicked in and are working. Whole food vitamins (because of malabsorption) and of course, never go anywhere without spare underwear, panty-liner, bladder leak disposable underwear. I've had to work in them sometimes, just in case. I am 65.

[Hidden]

Maybe you are trying to hard and making yourself anxious which in turn makes your ibs worse?

[b1b1b1]

I agree with Jimmyjimmy. You are doing too much. It sounds to me like you are way over medicating yourself and doing too much self diagnosing. It might be good to see a gastroenterologist.

[sweetsusie]

Childcareworker: .my doctor put me on a drug called Welchol, and it stopped the diarrhea in it's tracks. Very expensive here in the States, though, so now I'm on Colestipol...works just as well and less expensive. These drugs are sometimes used in combination with a statin to lower cholesterol and also to treat Type II diabetes. But, thankfully, they also work to bind bile acids, hence, stopping diarrhea.Talk to your doctor about these drugs. Ask your doctor to put you on one of these..just to experiment..I have a feeling they'll change your life. Good luck and keep me posted! (Oh...and I have neither of the conditions they were manufactured for - high cholesterol and type II diabetes.)

[Hidden]

Hi there,

A former IBS sufferer (I have now fully recovered), I have created a blog where I talk about and give tips on many aspects of IBS. You may find something of interest on there for you: SickofIBS.com

Alison