I don't get attacks-- its just every second of life...
#349449 - 08/25/09 04:46 PM
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Penney
Reged: 08/21/09
Posts: 83
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I am wondering if there is anyone who can particularly relate to my symptoms...
A lot of people on here talk about getting "attacks." Mostly the IBS-D people, I guess. Being IBS-C, I would never call what I experience an "attack." It is simply my entire being. It doesn't really come and go-- it is just always there.
It's really confusing, as well, because I wouldn't say I'm exactly constipated-- because I have a BM several times a day (granted this is with the use of miralax and fiber supplements). But it is the straining and feeling as if I cannot produce the BM (even though it is not hard in consistency- due to the miralax/fiber). I just feel like my bowels are dead. I probably have more BMs than most people have in a day- so it is not like I don't go for days like I guess some people with IBS-C.
My most troublesome symptoms are really the bloating, gas, and cramps. My stomach hasn't looked the same since all of this started. It just constantly looks pregnant.
Does anyone feel this way and if so do you have any methods of dealing with this that have been effective for you?
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IBS-C, GERD, Lactose Intolerant, "Allergic" to Legumes (Soy!), Tree Nuts.
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Penney, I can relate to what you're saying. I am feeling bad pretty much 24/7, so much so that when I feel somewhat normal for even an hour, it's unnerving. I can't even enjoy it because I wonder when the bad feelings will return. But I do have times where my symptoms are less bad and times when they are really intense. That's what I would describe as an attack. For instance, last night, my tummy felt bloated and achy most of the evening but I was able to function, but late that night I had intense pain in my lower gut where the only thing I could do was lay down and curl into a ball.
In terms of your question, this is why I am here. I want to find an effective way to manage my symptoms. I am doing it the same way everyone on this board is - through the EFI diet and acacia fiber, fennel tea, and hypnosis tapes. I am also going to begin taking a probiotic; I hope that will help with the gas. I think it's going to take awhile to see the results you are hoping for through these methods. There is no quick fix. It's a daily battle. I try not to think of it in terms of the rest of my life. I just take it day by day, and am trying to enjoy those moments when my symptoms are less bothersome.
You are not alone, and I am so glad that I am not alone too. This board has already helped tremendously by helping me understand better what's going on, and has given me some strategies to begin feeling better.
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From the description you have given it sounds like you maybe IBS-D not IBS-C with the same condition I have called psuedodiarrhea or hyperdefication. This is defined as a stool frequency three or more times per day. IBS-C is usually defined as less than three bowel movements per week.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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but if it was not for miralax i would not go for days.
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IBS-C, GERD, Lactose Intolerant, "Allergic" to Legumes (Soy!), Tree Nuts.
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Ah - ok - it is the miralax that is causing the multiple movements.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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yeah and the total daily volume is definitely less than normal for me.
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IBS-C, GERD, Lactose Intolerant, "Allergic" to Legumes (Soy!), Tree Nuts.
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I guess when C and A people talk about attacks they mean times of worse pain and disability. When a person is actually stable for some time any pain and problems could be called an attack.
When I have what I call a 'poop deficit' I increase my acacia, fluids and eat an easier/safer diet for a few days. So when you get your acacia you will be on the road to feeling better IMO. You still have to start at the lowest dose but many people can increase somewhat rapidly.
I will discuss 'altered motility' and what causes it in another thread.
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IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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Thank you- do you find that most days you feel similar to how you felt before you got IBS, and only on those periods of "attacks" do you really experience IBS symptoms?
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IBS-C, GERD, Lactose Intolerant, "Allergic" to Legumes (Soy!), Tree Nuts.
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Unfortunately no. I was essentially 'cured' as much as can be the first 6 months on the diet and acacia. I had an episode that brought back my symptoms from a stress combined with a bad meal. Then I had a return of all the bloating and gas but much less 'spirals' of D to C stuff. Then the next summer I stabilized again pretty well and then at some point got the bloating and gas back and it has never gone away. So to summarize, I have very rare D and C, but relentless bloating and gas. I have learned to live with it for the most part. Gardening makes it go away, but work days can be really tough. When I agreed to be a junior moderator here I felt awkward since I am not truly stable. The kind of symptoms I still have are the hardest to get rid of and I do my best and know the stuff but there is no cure. 
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IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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Have you tried a probiotic like acidophilous to help with the bloating and gas?
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IBS-D since 1999...mostly stable..i do cheat too.Bad me.
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