IBS Sufferers --- Please share what helps you --

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

I am a long-time sufferer of this condition. I recently had a terrible flare -- the worst. I don't think I ever had pain so bad in my life.

Would others here who have this, be kind enough to post tips as to what, if anything, helps you, such as eating tips, supplements, medications, etc? i am seeing doctors so I am not looking to self-medicate, etc., I just would like to get some valuable insight.

This problem is chronic, can't be cured, is uncomfortable, and you never know when and how it will affect you. However, until recently, I never realized just how bad the pain could be!

Thank you and I appreciate your posts!!!!

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

luvknines · ‎08-09-2013

Have suffered as you have, I take digestive enzymes along with 5000 iu of vitamin d3 I eat 6 small meals a day alot of fruit and veggies I limit my red meat and bread intake becase it takes the longest to leave your system. I do use plain yogurt mixed with the fruit for smoothies. It has eased some of the issues. I try to keep everything regular and watch what I eat of course I can eat something one day and the next time it causes a flair up. Go figure I guess that is the nature of the beast I do know stress causes it to be worse so I do try to meditate in prayer. Last major episode was about 6 months ago. Just watch what seems to trigger the pain. I kept a food diary and the affects Good luck hope this helps

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

@AngelPuppy1

May 9, 2016 - Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is an antibiotic approved in May 2015 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It works by reducing or altering bacteria in the gut. It has been found to improve IBS symptoms of bloating and diarrhea after a 10–14 day course of treatment.

You might want to discuss this drug treatment with your doctor. I wish you well..

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!

Krimpette · ‎03-09-2010

I took Xifaxan for two weeks in dosages as prescribed by the doc (3 times a day). It certainly did the trick. However, my co-pay was about $430 and required pre-auth by the insurance company, which took several days. Fortunately, my doc also gave me samples, which brought the cost down to about $330. Since that time, also per the recommendations of the gastro doc, I've been taking Florastor twice a day. Florastor is not inexpensive either, as probiotics go. However, things seem to be much better than they had been for several months prior to the Xifaxan. Not sure things will ever be "normal" for me, but so far, I'm relatively pleased with the workings of Florastor (after the Xifaxan).

By the way, I never experienced pain. My problem was diarrhea....so often that I often feared leaving the house. Even now, most often I will take an Immodium if I go out for awhile.

Good luck! I often wonder what causes this condition all of a sudden. I had never had issues before. (I'm now a senior citizen.)

HiLo · ‎03-10-2010

These days, antidepressants are often prescribed. I have a problem that involves all of my digestive system and antidepressants are the only thing that helps. Apparently, it's the lack of seritonin in this system that is involved in many digestive problems.

I wish you luck, OP. It's indeed a miserable and common problem!

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

Lettuce - love my tossed salads and have refused to give them up - but......I've narrowed sleepless nights when digestive system seems to working for hours - to lettuce. Boston lettuce - Romane, etc., all the same. Same for fried foods or heavily coated meats. Google hard to digest foods and raw greens comes up often. You're not suffering alone!

Fressa · ‎03-20-2012

I've had IBS almost my entire life and now it's developed into chronic severe colitis. I also have chronic migriane and chronice sinus and a ton of allergies. I wish I could tell you that it gets better but I don't think it does. I think that if you can start to recognize the signs of when it's getting worse then that's progress. My case is severe and is complicated by my other issues.

I take medication for my stomach (Zantac) which really helps give my food a chance to process normally. I do take an anxiety medication due to a chemical imbalance in my system. Everything and nothing triggers an attack with the IBS/colitis. I have tried so many things but have eliminated those medications that caused side effects that required other medication. That just doens't work for me.

I try to eat healthy and make most meals from scratch. I'm learning that migraines and allergies can trigger a very bad day/s for this condition. I try to be aware of my food intake as to did I consme enough water because dehydration is an issue for me. Did I eat something with protein and have fruit or veggies today? I know this sounds basic but this is what has finally given me a little bit of relief so I can at least run a few errands. I have more bad days than good but as long as they are not all bad then it's good.

I know this is not the worse illness to have but it is one of the most misunderstood and humiliating ones. IMO. Good Luck to you.

twinkies · ‎03-11-2010

Have you ever tried drinking red rooibus tea made by celestial seasonings , It comes in packages of 24 bags ,I think , It has no caffiene , Rooibus tea is helpful in peventing spasms in the bowel and has healing properties , It will also help yu relax and sleep , It comes in pear ,vanilla and pomegranate flavors , tetley also makes this tea. You can drink it plain with sugar ,iced or with milk , It is about 3 to 5 dollars a box.

Cathy from ma

Big Sister · ‎05-15-2010

My GI doctor recommended I take BENEFIBER every day and it has helped me a lot. It is a plain white powder that has no taste and leaves no clumps. I take two tsp. a day.

Toppers · ‎01-01-2015

@AngelPuppy1 wrote:
I am a long-time sufferer of this condition. I recently had a terrible flare -- the worst. I don't think I ever had pain so bad in my life.

Would others here who have this, be kind enough to post tips as to what, if anything, helps you, such as eating tips, supplements, medications, etc? i am seeing doctors so I am not looking to self-medicate, etc., I just would like to get some valuable insight.

This problem is chronic, can't be cured, is uncomfortable, and you never know when and how it will affect you. However, until recently, I never realized just how bad the pain could be!

Thank you and I appreciate your posts!!!!

Hi @AngelPuppy1,

I have been dealing with this problem for a long time.

Sometimes I seem to know what will trigger it off depending on what I eat, and then sometimes I am not so sure.

I take a probiotic caplet, and that seems to help.

I also have gas tablets on hand, and those also really help, too.