My IBS got much worse after starting work

[rjyoon]

I had my IBS under control, using Zelnorm. I was laid off from work, and found that my IBS was improved & cut the amount of Zelnorm I used. I started back to work, and my IBS is way worse now. I'm all backed up, so am not eating solid food for dinner (just drinking Ensure) to try to relieve the pressure. I'm using Shiatsu massage on my gut, and that helps some.

Any ideas on why this would happen? My husband's theory is that I'm sitting so still for most of the day, & that the lack of movement isn't good for me. It can't be job stress, because I'm literally doing nothing but looking at the computer all day -- I don't have any work to do yet for some complicated reasons. I'd appreciate any ideas.

[jaime15]

Well my guess would've been stress with a new job too.
But it's very well possible to be constipated for lack of movement. It has happened to me before when I was in the hospital for 9 days.
Is it possible to have a chair at work that rocks? The back and forth motions might "help get things moving around."
I hope you feel better soon! :)

[peasflone]

Dear rjyoon,
Any possibility you have food sensitivities? I had severe IBS until I found out I was allergic to wheat, peanuts, pepper(s), lactose, preservatives (maybe) and others. (I think Ensure may be a lactose product.) My major breakthrough :bow: with IC occurred after I restricted my diet to fresh, specific foods. I started with steamed, white rice and worked my way up. I also eat dried prunes each morning to help with the flow. It took a while to clear out my system, but once I did it was like this huge pressure on my body was released. :woohoo:

I don't know if it will work for everyone, but it helped me at no cost. PFO.

[Katrina]

Your husband's idea makes sense....something doesn't haven't to be stressful to add to your stress. Fun things or things of little effort can still be stressful if you compare them to home time where you have no boss and can rest and stop...or not move if that is what you really want to do. Stress if often seen as upsetting but that is only one kind of stress...when actually all kinds of stress can affect our bodies including our IBS. I can't say for sure what it was but it could still be stress even if it were very fun and relaxing if it what you are doing for money ...that is still a bit more stressful. Using your mind a lot is also one kind of stress.
Anyway, whatever the reason I hope you feel better soon.

[ICNDonna]

One thing you might try is to take five-minute walks at break and lunch times. That just might help. I'm thinking you should also discuss this with your doctor.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[rjyoon]

I kept my food the same between not working/working, so I don't think it has anything to do with food. I did see a doctor yesterday, and he wasn't particularly interested or helpful. Because he works for an HMO that doesn't include Zelnorm on the formulary, he knew nothing about it & couldn't make any recommendations about dosage. He wanted me to drink more water, and the concept that with IC I'm on a limited fluid diet didn't mean much to him. He did recommend an OTC laxative, and while that helped move things along, it's not a permanent solution. Guess I have to figure it out for myself, again.

I'm still working out in the pool three times a week, so it's not like I'm a total slug. I'm trying to get up & walk around more often, but it's a small office & there isn't really anywhere to go. I can't walk far due to knee problems, so that also limits my activities. Don't laugh, but I'm going into a bathroom stall & touching my toes just to get some activity.

[rjyoon]

I'm better -- my gut still hurts & I'm not hungry & having Ensure for dinner -- but at least I'm not constipated any more. I cut out half of the magnesium supplements I've been taking for my fibro. I knew it would help, but didn't realize what a difference it would make. Now, if the pain will go away & my appetite return, I'll be good to go.