In Pain and Looking for Answers
#365742 - 08/05/11 06:10 PM
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I am a 'returning' IBS sufferer - was originally diagnosed 12 years ago after my first child was born and things gradually improved until I forgot all about IBS. Abusive marriage, difficult divorce, single parent to three kids, returning to college and a child with mental health diagnoses...well, my IBS is back and I think my 12 year old has it now as well.
I have a new symptom this time around - INCREDIBLE pain! Pain that I can only relate in intensity to labor pains.
Changes I have made for myself:
* Fibercon supplement daily
* Eliminated soda/caffeine
* Increased soluble fiber foods
* Lowered fat intake
* Following gluten free / dairy free diet
* Using Hyomax-SL for pain
I have so many questions...
* Why are the symptoms worse during your period and what can you do? I thought my changes and meds made the pain better - but it came back in full force inspite of meds. I was told there was 'nothing I could do' - but are there preventative things you can do? I can't take the pain - chills, nausea, light headed and terrified.
* I am on a tight budget. What - out of all the supplements offered by Heather - do I absolutely need? Is there any other alternative option - such as Altoids vs Peppermint capsules - that are just as effective but maybe lower in cost?
* My daughter is 12 and the same height (5'6) and weight as I am. Can I make the same changes for her (Fibercon supplements daily, etc) that I am making for myself?
I'm open to any and all advice - so hit me with it! 
If anyone can direct me to other posts that are really helpful I would appreciate that too...
Nichole
Edited by 2BPainFree (08/05/11 06:13 PM)
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Hello 2B -
My heart goes out to you - some of the things you post mirror my long struggle with IBS - take a peek at my journey link below -
Regarding IBS and periods - this is quite common actually - If you can take some pain meds when you know it is upon you - in advance - that may be helpful -
I have included an article below regarding some info on that.
I assist many folks with IBS as well as children too - there is real hope - you seem to be doing a lot and following all the IBS 'rules' - but there may be some helpful additional componets too.
As far as Altoids - I have taken them and found them to be helpful, but, they work differently than the peppermint capsules which have an enteric coating on them so that the peppermint is released in the intestines, rather than the stomach.
One helpful supplement is Absorb-Aid enzymes which have been helpful to many. The peppermint tea is great - but I have found the fennel to be very good for the pain - I have even 'chewed' the seeds then spit them out after I got all the juice out for tummy upsets from time to time (which for me is the occasional digestive upset)
After doing most of your list for my own IBS (since 1983) I have found the hypnotherapy to help my IBS and especially the pain factor - if you want to discuss how it can help you and your daughter you can call 877-898-2539. I have had horrific pain and this stopped it! And I was on some major meds that didnt touch it...
As far as your daughter goes, you may want to make sure she has IBS and nothing else is going on there - while the fibercon probably wont hurt her, I would not automatically assume the same things that would help her would apply to her situation - there is no way to really advise you via cyber space - can only make suggestions as to what works for others.
Preventatively it is hard to suggest because everyone is different - it has been suggested to try keeping away from highly salted stuff around your period - but you probably have heard that before.
Please feel free to call - what you mention here is shared by many - I speak with many IBS folks and most have seen a lot of improvement - I went through a long and rough IBS journey with no hope in sight - and now I help people who are where I once was - so I know what you are going through.
All the best to you no matter where your journey takes you... but there IS hope. (((HUGS))) to you - take care.
IBS: Answers at Your Fingertips
Dr Udi Shmueli, Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at Northampton General Hospital in the UK, ISBN: 9781859591567 Class Publishing: London July 2006 (p. 322 Listing of IBS-Register, founded by Michael Mahoney, Cheshire.)
Is IBS affected by menstruation?
Many women report that their IBS symptoms are worse during
their periods. Occasionally, they feel their symptoms are worse
in the middle of the cycle. It is possible that these changes in severity
relate to changes in the levels of the hormones estrogen and
progesterone.
Estrogen levels are highest near the mid-point of the cycle, and in
women without IBS, the stools tend to be firmer at this time. When
estrogen and progesterone levels fall towards the end of the cycle,
the lining of the uterus breaks down and menstruation starts.
In women without IBS, we know that the stools tend to be somewhat
looser and more frequent during menstruation. These effects may be
exacerbated in women with IBS, so that diarrhoea is worse during
menstruation and constipation is worse between periods.
Interestingly, a recent study has suggested that the rectum
becomes more sensitive to distension in women with IBS during menstruation,
which would explain an increase in pain. Alternatively,
some women may find menstruation stressful anyway, so that other
symptoms can become less tolerable.
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My Journey and Success with the IBS Audio Program Hypnotherapy Program: www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=hypnotherapy&Number=224850
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Welcome to the board,
I too suffered from lots of pain.
Over the past few years GI researchers have developed a new dietary approach, the FODMAP approach, for managing functional GI disorder such as IBS. Clinical trails have shown it is quite effective for managing symptoms such as pain. You can read more about in the first two links in my signature.
I have been using the FODMAP approach along with a modified version of Heather's Eating For IBS diet. I have managed to reduce the pain I experience significantly this way. Perhaps it is something you might consider. 
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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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You say in the beginning of your post that things started to improve until you got to the point you forgot all about IBS. Then difficulties happened in your life and IBS reared its ugly head again. Hmmm...gives you something to think about, doesn't it?
You asked for direction on posts to read, well, I would read anything by Marilyn. She will share her battles with you, and steer you in the right direction. She is very knowledgeable and understanding. She posts quite frequently on the Hypnosis Board. Marilyn has helped me so much and I am well now, and I hope the same for you.
Someone elses posts you might take a look at are by Sand. I like what I read from her. I don't see her post so much anymore, but what she does post is informative and sensible. You can do a search and read her posts.
I wish you well and I hope you find your path to healing.
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