Has anyone ever been THIS sick?
#213134 - 09/14/05 04:34 AM
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LtDanFan
Reged: 12/17/03
Posts: 588
Loc: Ohio
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Okay, I am going through such a time with my IBS-D and last night I had the mother of all attacks, I could feel one coming on and for those who know this, can usually feel what type it's gonna be, I knew this one was going to be bad. After the pain and nausea, I ran to the bathroom and got so sick, I couldn't stay on the toilet, I basically fell off becaue I would feel the life draining out of me and after exploding with massive water D, I couldn't really feel my arms and my fingers were tingly. I always had numbness and tingling in my left leg. I started to twitch, kind of like when your cold and your shivering, but I wasn't cold, I was in a cold clammy sweat. I have had a vaso-vagel (where the blood isn't getting to your heart fast enought, usually caused by the spasm in the colon and the colon hogging it all) reaction before, but this was so intense I felt like I had a seizure or something. I actually thought I was going to die. But I knew it was an IBS attack, what triggered it I have no idea, I had a safe bagel just before this hapened and was drinking some of Heather's fennel tea...........I'm not as concerned as the trigger as the symptoms and if anyone has ever had anything this severe? A post or a private e-mail would be appreciated. Thanks
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IBS-D, extreme pain and cramping - GERD - lactose/dairy intolerant, OCD, Fibromyalgia
DX: w/ Multiple Sclerosis 3/10
I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Phil 4:13
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I've never been so sick that I couldn't stay on the toilet for almost passing out, but my attacks used to almost always involve the cold clammy feeling, severe nausea, dizziness, and shaking so bad that sometimes I had to *crawl* out of the bathroom because I was afraid my legs would give out. The shaking was so bad that it genuinely scared the crap out of my boyfriend - it was like I was having a seizure, it was so violent that I'd just about shake myself out of bed.
Since going on anti-anxiety meds, though, I've only had one attack like that in the past year. I don't know if it was panic-related, or if the meds just eased up my attacks in general so much that I just don't have them like that anymore, but either way, I'm glad they stopped! I'm sorry to hear you're going through this too. A call to your doctor might not be a bad idea.
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I haven't had the shaking, but the rest, oh yeah .....
I have ripped off my clothes because I was sweating so much, I keep splashing cold water on myself (the sink is right near the toilet, thank G-d.) and I sometimes bring the pillow with me because I know I will end up on the floor.
Sucks, huh?
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Carol
nós somos o que nós somos e o descanso é merda
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WOW, what an attack. Sorry! I've never had one that bad but I know from having panic attacks that they can cause your legs to shake and go weak.
If you don't get better maybe you should see a doc.
Feel better soon
Barbie
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The only time I was ever that sick was when I actually had a stomach virus. It was awful though, because my hands were cold & tingly, I was shivering & teeth chattering, of course I was throwing up & had D. Nothing like sitting on the toilet with your head in the garbage can.  If I remember right, the cold/tingly hands is caused by hyperventilating. It was actually so bad that time, my husband wound up taking me to the ER. Are you sure it was IBS & not maybe a virus?
Of course, I had a pretty bad attack the other day & I'm still trying to stabilize again. It's awful, you definitely have my sympathy!!
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Shelli - Wife & stay at home mom to 1 son, 1 dog & 2 parrots! IBS-A, usually C.
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Thanks everyone, it is just nice to hear at times, that you are not the only one going through this horendous pain. I actually thought I was dying. It was the first time my husband had ever seen me have an attack this bad. He was acting like we were having a baby, running around like a crazy man, God love him. No I don't believe it was a virus, because it did start out like a lot of my attacks do, it's just I haven't had one this bad in months, and I'm not even going to stress over what I'm eating, because it's everything safe, since the end of July I can't get stable for more than 4 days. I've lost 10 pounds, it's getting very exhausting............sometimes I wish it were a virus
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IBS-D, extreme pain and cramping - GERD - lactose/dairy intolerant, OCD, Fibromyalgia
DX: w/ Multiple Sclerosis 3/10
I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Phil 4:13
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What's in the air right now?? I had one of my worst attacks ever last Thursday night, and I have no clue what caused it, either. I can't say that I've ever experienced quite what you're describing, but this one was horrendous for me because instead of the usual pain I get this pain was much sharper, and it took my breath away. I literally felt like someone was stabbing me in the gut. I was tempted to call the hospital if it didn't go away, but luckily it finally abated. IBS can be so freakin scary, especially since I was alone in my apartment. That's so sweet that your hubby was with you and was so concerned. He sounds like a keeper. Anyway, now that I've been rambling, I just wanted to let you know that you're definitely not alone. I'm so sorry to hear about how sick you were! I would definitely keep an eye on that and tell your doc about it if it happens again, if you haven't already. Feel better soon!
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Hey, I know exactly how you feel. Today I actually had a really bad attack.. not just one but several.
I was really nauseated and trembling.. I had tons of hot flashes though. I literally thought my insides were coming out. It was bad.. it really scares me cos at that moment you think its unbearable.. like I didnt know how it was possible for me to make it through it.. but I did. I am still here. We are some tough people I know for sure.
I hope you are feeling better.
Cindy
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I had an attack last night too! Must be something in the air.  I couldn't even put my 2 year old to bed (DH and do it together every night). My son was pretty good about too, I guess he could tell mommy was sick. I just layed in bed and cried (after I finished D of course)
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Hi;
Gosh that brought back a lot of memories! I've had plenty of those kind...weak, shaking, too weak to stay on the toilet waiting for the next wave. I've had plenty of "pillow times" in the bathroom. Since being on a low dose tri-cyclic AD it's MUCH better(and following heather's diet). I still have problems in the morning whenever I have to go somewhere, but I'm still working on that. Those weak, shaking, full blown attacks were mostly food related...my morning problem is more just never ending trips to the restroom...seems to be more anxiety related...you know, the kind where you worry about what will happen if you can't get to a restroom if it happens while you're out. Talk about frustrating!
Terri
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What type of tri-cyclic AD are you taking, I might like to consider this. Thanks
Cheryl
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IBS-D, extreme pain and cramping - GERD - lactose/dairy intolerant, OCD, Fibromyalgia
DX: w/ Multiple Sclerosis 3/10
I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Phil 4:13
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I know how you feel... I have those ALL blown out attacks but usually not that reguarly...
A lot of my attacks are from my nerves and anxiety esp. in the mornings when i know i have to go somewhere. I just end up going a lot before I go somewhere.
Cindy
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After reading everyone's posts above, and not to discount our IBS in any way, I wanted to point out that those are also the symptoms of a severe panic attack. I thought I was having a vaso-vagal problem but I was diagnosed with a severe hormone imbalance and was having panic attacks. My doctor did a lot of tests and found out that I have autoimmune thyroid disease. While the treatment fo rthat hasn't cured my ibs, it has improved it a lot(at least until I tried eating fiber cereal again, ugh!). It may be worth gettin gyour body chemistry checked.
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Hi again. It's 10 mg amitriptyline. I've taken it about 2 and 1/2 years. It's not a cure...I still have the frequent trips to the bathroom in the morning, and IBS still runs my schedule...ugh! As far as the "panic attack" theory...I should probably look into that...but I don't feel like it's panic, just a bowel that won't stop contracting until it's empty. One trip is never enough...you all with IBS-D certainly know what I mean...anyone with a panic disorder please feel free to jump in and educate me. Thanks.
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You sound like a tough person!! I'm so sorry you had to go through this alone. Just yday I too had a horrendous attack! Maybe a post- 9/11 response is what we're all dealing with??
I've passed out on the toilet before from the pain of the expanding gas ripping through my gut and shuddering from the explosive, cramping D. I actually rigged a towel from the bath curtain rod to grab onto when it feels like I'm slipping away. I get that metallic taste in my mouth from the adrenaline and the full body heat and sweats, and all I can do is to hold on for dear life to the towel, hoping I don't gash open my head as the sound swells in my ears and the world closes into black in on me. The shaking is def one of the scariest parts, but if I don't breathe in deeply, it's like I don't breathe? Maybe this is hyperventallating?
*taking breath*
We've been there, and you know what? It sucks. I hate D. I hate attacks. Those big ones put everything into perspective ("I shall never eat again."). You're strong, and you've got good company here.
Hopefully you and I have filled our quota for over the top attacks for the month. I hope!! Take care, and let us know how you're doing.
~nelly~
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I've def. not had one that threw me off the pot, except when I get the stomach flu with it too.
But I've had the agony and nausea and vomiting with it a few times. it's awful. And my attacks are so painful, but nothing like that!
I'll say a prayer for you.
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Keep on keepin' on...
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I may be thinking now that IBS-C is easier to deal with. Bless your hearts I wish there were a miracle cure for ALL of us!
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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though I just learned from your post about all the blood that should be going to the heart being re-directed to the colon as it spasms. That's so interesting - I always thought the cold sweats and loss of consciousness came from the severity of the pain.
I have had quite a few attacks on this level, and they are very scary. I guess it does help to know that it is "just" IBS and you're not actually dying, but that doesn't do much of anything at all to actually stop or lessen the pain and fear.
I'm so sorry, and I hope you're feeling better soon. For what it's worth, some of my attacks like that have also been completely out of the blue, when I hadn't eaten any triggers, been under any stress, had nothing at all to point the finger at. It just happened. Fortunately, it's rare, and it helps me to know that if I did not eat right, and use peppermint and soluble fiber, and get enough sleep, manage stress, etc., I'd be having attacks like that every single day. That comparison makes me feel better, and also makes me feel more empowered. For me, the worst part for many years was having no idea at all how to prevent or alleviate attacks, so I felt like I was at their mercy. It's a big improvement to have a lot more knowledge and power in my corner now. Doesn't offer 100% IBS-free living, but it does put me at well over 90%, which I'll certainly take. 
Hugs to you,
H
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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I'm new here, but I've been dealing with IBS-D for about 10 years and I was also on the 10mg of Elavil but like the other person was saying, I still had frequent visits to the bathroom in the mornings with the chills AND nausea and everything in between. This morning, I actually had a really bad attack, too and now I'm taking Remeron 15mg AND Levsin, which is still not helping my IBS very much but at least I can sleep through the night. I don't feel really bad until I wake up. I actually just had to quit my real estate appraisal job because all of the driving was making me very ill. I cannot even leave my house anymore because I will have to go to the bathroom many times before I even leave the house and then I get nauseated on the road (from the anxiety, probably)!!! I keep pulling over feeling I'm going to throw up and then I feel like I have to go to the bathroom AGAIN!!! I'm really tired of it and I, too, like the rest of you cannot believe that I can survive such horrible attacks. You guys are DEFINITELY not alone and it comforts me, in away, to know that I'm not the only one that goes through this. I wish they would find a cure for all of us, too!! I just keep praying about it. Maybe I'm meant to stay at home for some reason......I would like to have kids, but I cannot even eat for myself, let alone try to eat for 2!! I don't know if I will ever be able to have children because of this HORRIBLE condition and I'm already 30.
God Bless!
Michelle
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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I agree. If given a choice (other than being 'normal') I think I'd rather be C. It can be pretty unpleasant, but at least you can rest in between atacks.
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Carol
nós somos o que nós somos e o descanso é merda
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This happens to me too! And it just happened to me on Tuesday after quite a while without any attacks.  (My fault: I ate a LOT of corn and...I ENJOYED it. Delicious.)
I don't faint--although I wish I would! Instead, my bp goes way up; I get the shakes, dizzy, nauseated, chest pains, sometimes I end up with a panic attack. I can't stand it when you can see the spasms through your skin. Ugh.
I also have to grab onto something--usually the towel rack--because the pain is so bad. I can't stand straight either or lie down because it hurts even more! Aargh. At the moment, I don't have anything for the pain except peppermint tea and heat packs.
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Quote:
I have had a vaso-vagel (where the blood isn't getting to your heart fast enought, usually caused by the spasm in the colon and the colon hogging it all) reaction before,I haven't heard of this before. Very interesting! but this was so intense I felt like I had a seizure or something. Don't some doctors describe an IBS attacks or spasms as a seizure in your gut? Isn't that why tranquilizers seem to help? I read about this but can't remember where...
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I used to have a plastic foot stool in the bathroom and would put my feet on it when I was "sitting". It was like being doubled over, but in a sitting position. My legs didn't feel as weak that way.
I agree with the blood going to the intestines during the spasms. That's why you get that lightheaded feeling. I almost pass out and usually have to lay on the floor so I won't get hurt.
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Carol
nós somos o que nós somos e o descanso é merda
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I have the kind where I not only have the D, I'm also vomiting simultaneously! So I'm sitting on the toilet with a bag in front of my face. I've even passed out and fallen over off the toilet in an attack!!! Now isn't that a pretty picture?!?!?! I wake up, head down on the floor and butt straight up in the air!!!!! Ummm...now I'm quite a bit "fluffy" (if you know what I mean) so that would be a totally hilarious picture...if it wasn't so frightening to experience. Fortunately (or unfortunately, if the case may be) I live alone. But my cats sure were confused and worried about what was going on with mommy!
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Yes. I've been THAT sick, so sick that I've lost consciousness on the toilet from my colon spazzing like a Leviathan, a veritable hydra and my head is between my knees and I'm doing everything I can not to choke on my own puke.
You're not alone, especially when I say that extreme things happen without an obvious trigger.
I think panic/anxiety might have been a factor for me. As I'm epileptic, I could very likely have had a seizure. Truly, though...it's a mystery. I did end up dehydrated and so shaken that I was rehydrated at the hospital with an I.V.
All I can say is talk to your doctor.
Kate.
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