help me help my teen daughter
#170893 - 04/18/05 11:57 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gosh, I don't know where to start. My daughter is 15 and has had IBS all her life (the constipation part). It is really to a point where it is getting a choke hold on her (and me too!) We have been to doctors who are all sympathetic, have had her on Periactin, Paxil, Nexium, Zantac, Zelnorm, Miralax and others I can't even remember. But no doctor has actually had IBS, and none has never really counseled us on foods. We've always eaten "healthily" but that isn't helping anymore. I've scoured your website, printed a lot of articles off and ordered IBS Diet Kit #2 today. I guess I'm just writing to get some emotional help. She is withdrawing socially and never feels very good. I am at my wit's end trying to help her. She is open to changing her diet and I am gearing up to do that with the help of your recipes and articles. We are starting a yoga class today. I just need a pep talk from you guys. No one I've talked to really understands IBS. Any good words for a worried mom?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Of course, and take heart, this is THE diet for IBS. It WORKS. It's balanced and healthy. Have her stick to soluble fibre at every snack, and meal. Get her on a soluble fibre supplement ASAP. It can REALLY make the difference with IBS-C. Try acacia, benefiber, firbercon, equalactin, benefiber, citrucel. Start the dose VERY low and increase SLOWLY. It can make all the difference in the world. Follow this diet. It's difficult to understand in the beginning, but trust me, it's worth it. Once you get used to cooking for IBS you'll think nothing of it. Visit our recipe board. There's even some kid friendly chicken nuggets, and tons of yummy food to try. Hang in there, things will get better. I know she's withdrawing, but once she feels better, that will correct itself. Hugs, Alicia. PS. I maintain my IBS on Heather's diet ALONE. It's that good and helpful. Have her drink lots of peppermint tea. It's excellent and can even stop me in the middle of an attack. Also, TONS of water, and exercise. It will make a big difference.
--------------------
Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hello and Welcome! I'm sorry to hear about your daughter. Being a teenager is hard enough without having to deal with IBS! I was 14-15 when I first started having problems (I'm 34 now) Its so great to hear that you are trying to understand and help her, we have a lot of girls on this board who's parents are not supportive at all.
I am also IBS C but fortunately, the miralax has almost resolved that issue. How long did your daughter try the miralax? Was she taking it on an empty tummy?
You'll find most of the dr's wont counsel you on the proper diet for IBS, which is really sad. Most dr's I've been just can't be bothered with people with "tummy aches"  Its very frustrating. You need to keep trying different doctors until you find one you are comfortable with. There is no easy cure for IBS but you should at least have a doctor who is willing to give you 10 minutes of there time and at least run the proper diagnostic tests!
We are all here for moral support and to help with any questions you may have! Sounds like you are on the right track with ordering Heathers kit! 
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
What a wonderful mom you are!  Heather's book "IBS: The First Year" has LOTS of advice in it specifically for parents of younger IBSers...that should help alot.
Also, I agree with Alicia (hanSolo) about the SFSs and the teas. Absolutely amazing! I now manage my (stable) IBS with just diet, SFSs and teas.
Good luck! Maybe your daughter would like to post herself sometime?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yes, I think I will talk to her about it. I think she feels all alone. Is there a board just for teens with IBS? If not, just talking to you guys will help her, I know. Thanks and hugs!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
We do have a great gastro...but she doesn't have IBS. My daughter is even thinking about going into that field to help others. I hope she does! Anyway, she takes the Miralax in her water at dinner. Is this OK? She says if she drinks too much water she feels "waterlogged", hence she takes care of two things at once.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
One thing I did not mention in my initial post---she is VERY sensitive to sucrose and somewhat sensitive to fructose. We use Splenda as a sweetner a lot. What is the convential wisdom on that?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Ditto what everyone else said! You are surely on the right track coming here.
I just wanted to say it is so great to see you supporting your daughter. What a great mom you are - your daughter is very lucky! Too many times I've seen younger IBS-ers on here that their parents are not even willing to try the diet and force them to eat things that make them feel worse. Thanks for being such a great mother.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well, if she is going potty ok, than I would say its fine. If she is still feeling C than I would say to have her drink it first thing in the am BEFORE she eats anything. I find it works best this way but if she isn't have C issues anymore than I wouldn't change anything.
It is SO VERY important, especially for C people to drink enough water. She can flavor it with lemon or other things if she doesn't like just plain water but without enough water, the miralax can't work. The miralax works by pulling into the colon, if there isn't enough water in her system, it won't work well.
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Artificial sweeteners are generally triggers. She's better off with plain ol' sugar.
--------------------
Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
