Whats working for me.

[Frillylili]

Ive had IBS-C since I was 19, I am 48 now and as I've gotten older it's become much worse. I have found some things that help me feel better and want to share them. As with everything it may not work for someone else, so I'm not telling anybody what to do, just sharing what's working for me.

No gluten, limit refined sugars, No restaurant food, small meals, very little dairy (lactose free milk), meal replacement shakes to get needed nutrition. Eat the proteins you can tolerate.

Of course I'm not always symptom free. It's hard to never enjoy an out to eat meal, but I know what's coming if I choose to. I still have constipation. But it's not as bad, I take probiotics twice a day and gas pills when needed.i don't go too long without eating because it feels as though I get pockets of gas trapped and it is very uncomfortable. Anyhow maybe some if these ideas could work for someone. My prayers for everyone here. IBS is no fun.

It'd be great to see replys as to what's working for other people here, if they've found something.

[janetmtt]

which probiotic do you take. Triphala is good for constipation check reviews on various makes on Amazon

[Eliana5 in reply to janetmtt]

Hi, I just went to Amazon..but several different "Triphala" on there including an Indian organic one. Can you share which one you take? Thanks ☺🌹

[janetmtt in reply to Eliana5]

I pointed you to Amazon so you could get a feel for reviews - Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicine and from India. I currently have been using Fuschi in liquid form - but if I am honest I think I will try capsules. However I would say on starting out with it try the liquid form as you can build up the dose to suit yourself till you get used to it. Give it time - I only been taking it three days and split dose early afternoon and one later afternoon not a full dose neither ..Had a bit die-off -felt really cold so just taken one dose today - it does remove toxins so you could expect some die-off - however give it time - people say can take a couple weeks whilst others have had good effects quite soon. I am still taking senokot at the moment but can honestly say the last two mornings I have had a total clean out -TMI I know! However I did think where is all this coming from - give it a go- if it doesn't work or you don't like just stop it. Read on the internet about the benefits. It is supposed to help weight loss and bloat but also the three days I have taken it I have had quite a nice feel good factor. When I get used to it I will buy capsules but at the moment liquid is allowing me to monitor amount till my die -off goes. keep us posted. Fuschi Wellbeing is the site - they sell capsules or liquid

[janetmtt in reply to janetmtt]

Think it helps your sleep too

[Eliana5 in reply to janetmtt]

I'm sorry..but what is "die-off"? Have never heard that term used before. Is this a probiotic, colon cleanse, or laxative? Yes, I feel I am not "emptied" out enough on the stool softeners..because I am so "C" still by Saturday..I drink a couple of cups of coffee and have several more movemwants all day..then when I think there is nothing left..and just maybe..I don't have to take the Senna-lax..here I go again..then if course it's "incomplete" and I'm thinking "dang, it's not like I eat alot, where is all this coming from? I resort to taking the Senna Saturday night..and then I am going all day on Sunday! I'm only 5'5 weigh 119 lbs, very underweight..where the heck is all this coming from..lol. Sorry for TMI. I wish I had an x-ray machine or something to tell if I am constipated enough to take the Senna..But I guess if I am still in washroom all day on Sunday, I must be. It's exhausting. You say this helps you lose weight? I need to gain weight badly. I will read up on it..thanks..☺

[janetmtt in reply to Eliana5]

Look up "die off" on the internet - sometimes you just have to do your own research - I have got to where I am now by looking and searching on the internet - what works for one doesn't work for everyone. You make your own choices Eliana - we cannot do it or you - it's trial and error - you seem to query everything I have suggested - if someone does that to me I would think "look up die off" on internet - I am not holding your hand and doing it for you. Sorry for the curt reply but I have done my bit - someone else can jump in now

[Eliana5 in reply to janetmtt]

I sincerely apologize if I gave you that impression. I was not feeling well at all, and I guess I was just not thinking clearly. I'm only human, and don't expect people to "hold my hand" as a matter of fact, I am always on here caring, and giving peope helpful detailed tips and advice, as I am sure you have seen my caring nature in those responses. I have looked at my replies to you, as I am baffled by your attack on me, and if you read my last post, I was conversational and kind to you, and said "I will look into it". I really don't mind at all researching something for them, as it is a learning experience for me as well. Right after I read your die-off reply, I did "Google" it. I really appreciate all your helpful tips and advice, and am sorry for any confusion I caused. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. ❤🌷☺

[janetmtt in reply to Eliana5]

Sometimes the more you help people the more you feel like you are doing the research for them - we all have our own problems I am recovering from an operation at the moment. Think no matter what I posted you would keep asking another question instead of digesting the info and researching it and reading up about it. If you had anything about you it would have been a good idea to research triphala and take it from there. I got my knowledge not from this site -no one on here has given me any info regarding any my problems - got my knowledge and info from the internet which is flooded with info

[Eliana5 in reply to janetmtt]

I have already given you a sincere apology. Have a wonderful weekend..☺🌹

[janetmtt in reply to Eliana5]

you too

[Frillylili in reply to janetmtt]

I take trunature advanced digestive from COSTCO. I'm actually looking to try a new one as I think they aren't of highest quality. I drink ensures and I drink them on a nearly empty tummy. As with I'm sure most IBS sufferers we lack the ability to absorb nutrients properly from our food. Since I've been drinking them I have more energy. Small Small meals throughout the day are best for me. One big meal and I'm out! I've accepted I can't eat like other people, it took a long time of continuing to try to eat normal, but I can't. I'm not gonna let it stop me from enjoying life. It's trial and error. And my doctor's didn't know anything. I litterally had to just read and figure it out. Although it was a doctor who said try no gluten and that has helped.

Also have your thyroid checked a slow thyroid can cause constipation and numerous other issues. I was on the medication for a bit and it diffnitly solved the constipation but caused me so much anxiety I had to stop. 😕 Very frustrating

[Eliana5 in reply to Frillylili]

I'm drinking Ensure (chocolate flavor) to gain weight or Boost..and it does give me more energy for such a tiny bottle, but it constipates me further from the milk in it..😳

[Eliana5 in reply to Frillylili]

I take Synthroid for low thyroid..

[Eliana5 in reply to Frillylili]

I hear you..most people enjoying their life are not on this support forum, as they are "enjoying their lives". It's hard for me when I have incomplete constant movements, and can barely walk, because of stuck stool..just can't do it. Glad you are able to..☺

[Frillylili in reply to Eliana5]

There is an antibiotic called xifaxim I think that's what it's called. I've just gotten it prescribed and it is supposed to really help IBS. FINGERS CROSSED!

[Eliana5 in reply to Frillylili]

Please keep us posted..wish Doctors would prescribe this for IBS as well, if it does work..👍☺

[Tilly1312]

Hi. I was diagnosed yesterday after colonoscopy and 8 weeks of torture, tests and scans. I came accross the FODMAP diet. Last Saturday I changed my diet and my symptoms reduced or disappeared. I am on a very limited diet now and need to start introducing more foods from tomorrow! What food supplement are you using? I have tried to find one with out dairy or maybe I should just trie one with dairy?

[Eliana5 in reply to Tilly1312]

It's so restricted..I was told by gastro, if I go on it, only for short time only. I hope we find answers.

[Eliana5]

I'm glad you are finding something that works..☺. But like me, it seems our lives revolves around this illness..and restrictive diets, can't eat this or that, chances of malnourishment, I just want my life back, instead of everything centering around "constipation" all day, and going to bathroom..straining and what seems like a big ordeal. I am on Social security Disability, but for something else. I don't know how people can have chronic constipation, have to "watch" or restrict their diets, can only eat this or that..not enjoying life and they still manage to have wives, girlfriends and work. I admire them..wish I could. I feel like I am stuck on some lonely island with no hope..stool softeners (colace) does help..but I need to up it from one a day to two or three a day..So confusing..😳. Sorry this was not a very positive answer..

[Tilly1312 in reply to Eliana5]

Have you tried Milk Of Magnesia?

[Eliana5]

I can try it.,does it make you "go" all day though?

[lizbeech]

I thought Milk of Magnesia was no longer available ?

[Eliana5 in reply to lizbeech]

It isn't?

[Mamabear52 in reply to Eliana5]

I got a bottle at Tescos, it’s just the tablets they don’t sell anymore

[Eliana5 in reply to Mamabear52]

Oh..thank you so much! ☺🌹🐱

[lizbeech]

Hi eliana5- I want into a local pharmacy some time ago and that’s what I was told. I also tried online but couldn’t find anything. Where did you get it Tilly 1312?

[Eliana5 in reply to lizbeech]

I'll see if I can find it on Amazon. Also, I do remember seeing it at the pharmacy a few weeks ago. If I find anything out, I'll be sure to let you know..I did go on the FDA website, did not see any black box warnings or Alerts on it..just on Miralax. Anyway, will let you know..☺🐼

[Eliana5 in reply to lizbeech]

Hi..it's still available. Just went on Amazon..several bottles on there. Hope this helps..☺

[lizbeech in reply to Eliana5]

Thanks SO much - I'll get some right away!

[Eliana5 in reply to lizbeech]

Anytime..

[CRYSTAL11]

Be careful with milk of magnesia. To much can cause problems. I use it twice a week. Yes u can get it in pharmacy’s you just have to search for it

[Eliana5 in reply to CRYSTAL11]

Uh..oh..I just bought some..did you have a bad experience? I am looking at ingredients? Don't see anything harmful.. Just wondering..thanks..☺

[CRYSTAL11 in reply to Eliana5]

My doctor told me that to much magnesium can be bad for the kidneys. It’s fine as long as you don’t use it all the time

[Eliana5 in reply to CRYSTAL11]

Aah..that's interesting. I may have to take a supplement everyday as I just found out I have a magnesium deficiency. I was told an adult female can take 320mg every day..but no more. Men can take 450mg a day. Thanks for alerting! 👍🌹☺. Will talk to Doctor. They should not prescribe MOM everyday to patients with constipation. Sad they do that..

[CRYSTAL11 in reply to Eliana5]

It’s just all about balance. Just being aware of what these supplements do to you. If you are low then it should be ok x

[jbradshaw1]

I get gas regularly and puff up like a toad! I have found oil of peppermint capsules (either Masons or Lindens both of which are 50mg) to be my salvation.

[Eliana5 in reply to jbradshaw1]

I do too..having that experience pretty bad today, and just feeling very uncomfortable. Doesn't it need to come right out..sorry for TMI..do you mean flatulence or sour stomach? I was thinking "Heather's Peppermint oil tummy tamers" but wouldn't peppermint candy/mints be same, just not as expsensive?

[SophieC22]

How have you coped with having this awful condition your whole life? I’m 19 now and feel so incredibly heart broken that I am likely to have to live with this forever. How do you do it?

[Eliana5 in reply to SophieC22]

Who are you asking? ☺

[SophieC22 in reply to Eliana5]

Frillylilly but also anyone who has had IBS for 30+ years

[Eliana5 in reply to SophieC22]

Okay..thanks..☺

[Frillylili in reply to SophieC22]

Well I was in New Zealand when I found out and the Dr was pretty incentive. He just said stay away from greasy food and try to not be stressed. For a long time I just went about thinking I was just stuck with it and there wasn't much I could do. About 5 yrs ago it got really bad. I was throwing up. in alot of pain. That's when I really started trying to figure out what to do differently. Almost everyday I feel bothered by it to some degree, but what I'm doing now has been the most helpful. I can at least go about my day not feeling like complete shit. Try some of the things suggested you find here. Some will work some won't. You just have to find what works for you. The biggest change came when I stopped eating gluten and drastically lowered my sugar intake. I noticed a change after about two weeks. Also drinking my Ensure has really helped. I tried Ensures before and I thought they bothered my tummy but after stopping gluten and lowering my sugar I tried again and I was fine. Stopping caffeine also helped. It does sound restrictive, but feeling better is worth it. I look at food very differently now, but it's taken years to come to this acceptance.if I mess up I just start over the next day new. I hope you can find some things to help you.

[Eliana5 in reply to Frillylili]

So glad things are working out for you..👍☺. Wish I didn't have to drink coffee, but it's the only way it stimulates a bm when you suffer from severe and chronic constipation. I'm even on stool softeners, but it's not enough. (I don't drink soft drinks) but do eat a lot of cookies and pastries..I know it's bad..but after being put on Seroquel..it gives you major sugar cravings. The only good news, is that I have finally gained 3lbs. I'm so underweight..but now I'm 122.6lbs up from 119lbs..the Boost is making me cramp with loose movements 😳😔, so although it's constipating, going back on Ensure..wish insurance would cover it, it's expensive.😕. Wish I knew answers to better help myself..I am losing hope..

[Wagtail17]

Hi, I am interested in which product you take for gas. I suffer with gas pain all the time and also feel very bloated and would love to hear what you find most effective as I have been trying to find something that works. Best wishes

[Eliana5 in reply to Wagtail17]

Same thing here. Flatulence. Bad sometimes. Have you heard of Heathers Peppermint Tummy Takers?

[Mamabear52 in reply to Wagtail17]

I take Senocalm.

[Eliana5 in reply to Mamabear52]

Thank you! ☺🌹

[Eliana5 in reply to Wagtail17]

Someone mentioned Senocalm..I researched this..they don't sell it here in United States, but I'm prescribed Bentyl or Levsin for that very same problem..it helps greatly, you can take it up to four times a day, 30 minutes before a meal, does not cause Constipation. Just researched " Senocalm" which I believe comes from the Senna plant..I use Senna as an herbal stimulant laxative. Just be careful with Senocalm, it has Simithecone in it..same thing found in Immodium A.D. or Tums..which causes constipation.

[Frillylili in reply to Wagtail17]

I just take a Walgreens brand

[Feaviour in reply to Wagtail17]

Windsetlers, I can't live without them and I have suffered IBS for over 40 years. You can buy them at a discount on Amazon.

[Purplewoman]

Hi there, what meal replacement shakes do you use please

[Frillylili in reply to Purplewoman]

Ensure

[Purplewoman in reply to Frillylili]

Thanks bit pricey though