Spasms

[Cheesecake17]

I'm on a waiting list to see a gastro doc after having a very rough time for the last 2 years(since a horrible stomach bug). I've explained before but my issues worsened last year after taking two Flucloaxillin and ever since I've been a digestive mess. However, with 80% of my diet now low fodmap I believe I'm recovering slowly. I haven't needed to take an Imodium in one month which is quite a big deal as I took lots last year but I'll confess I'm still on sugar, particularly chocolate and white bread. I had a normal bm today but it was loose at the end and I felt fine after but I've took a bite of a sandwich (only thing I've eaten so far) and I have this 'threatening' spasm. I've been a little bunged up the past few days and today felt like a clear out but the spasm goes from my belly button right to where I feel I need to use the bathroom - does anyone know how I can ease this as it makes eating very tricky

[HealthAnxietyGuy]

Hi Cheesecake17, ohhh how I can relate to the spasms, pain and very severe IBS. I also had severe panic attacks/depression for years. I really believe now that it's our gut microbiome that's messed up which affects our immune system, etc.

What has helped me is, 50B probiotics daily, with psyllium husk capsules which help feed the probiotics and control IBS, and figure out which foods also triggers the symptoms. I've been through 3 different meds this year which hadn't really helped much, some made me worse. I had also tried diet and exercise but with no results and usually felt worse for hours afterwards. I also went through a lot the past 10 years with anxiety and panic. But last year was the worse for me. The probiotics also seem to make a difference during colds and flu.

My anxiety is pretty much nonexistent now, and my energy levels are still problematic at times but I'm gradually recovering of years being unwell. The gut and brain connection plays a huge role and the probiotics helped me tremendously and might do the same for you. It took a few weeks to finally notice a difference and a few more to really see a big difference.

I use Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion from Renew Life. They also have 30, 40 and 90 billion. Here's what strains you should try to get if you can't find it:

Bifidobacterium bifidum (HA-132) 25 Billion

Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA-122) 10 Billion

Lactobacillus casei (HA-108) 8.875 Billion

Bifidobacterium breve (HA-129) 4 Billion

Bifidobacterium longum (HA-135) 1 Billion

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HA-111) 250 Million

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HA- 114) 250 Million

Lactobacillus plantarum (HA-119) 250 Million

Lactobacillus fermentum (HA-179) 250 Million

Lactobacillus salivarius (HA-118) 125 Million

other companies have similar ones but I know this company worked well for my mom and I. Their capsule is a slow release so that more can reach the large intestine. Multiple strains are being studied and are theoretically supposed to help your immune system, anxiety and convert vitamins more effectively. Hope you find a solution. God Bless.

[Cheesecake17 in reply to HealthAnxietyGuy]

This was VERY helpful and informative, thank you. I'm very scared to try ANYTHING though incase it makes me worse, I tried yoghurt during my hell last year and it instantly made me unwell. I've seen though after a few months off work that 60% is anxiety, I've had a quiet month recently and haven't been too bad but still suffering. Mornings are usually the worst for me too and my nights are free of any symptoms.. Not sure if this was the pattern for you too. Will discuss these probiotics with my doc when I finally get in there for an appointment. Thank you for your time and response

[HealthAnxietyGuy in reply to Cheesecake17]

Yes mornings were hell for me and nights were usually much better. For this reason I've had a difficult time wanting to go to bed for years because I would usually wake up feeling ill and wanted to keep this feeling as long as possible. It's not good going to bed late but was so hard to fight this. The issue I have with yogurt is that it's usually not enough and I'm sensitive to milk products, even though it's not lactose my problem.