question about IBS( need some advice)

[jensue973]

I have IBS and also IC and both these conditions just drive me looney...I just recently got my IC under control with the implantation of the Interstim Device which has helped so very much...While I have improvements with my IC, I still am having no luck controlling my IBS...I'll have days where I have a bowel movement 2-3 times a day, and days where I'll have one or none at all.. About 90% of the times I would say they are very watery and loose...And if u have this u know when I have to go I have to go...Not much time for holding it and that is mainly what drives me looney..I could be out and about running errands and if it hits me its all of a sudden and I have like 10 minutes or less to get to a bathroom or have extreme pain or even have had accidents...I am only 31 and if I keep going on this rate I dont' wanna be 50 years old wearing a depend undergarment...I am not on any medicine for my IBS and haven't really talked to my doctor about this problem, so was wondering if I should be worried for a more serious underlying problem or what I should do...If anyone can give me some advice I would appreciate it.. Thanks

Jennifer

[ICNDonna]

Please talk to your doctor about this problem. You need to find out exactly what's going on. There are other conditions that can mimic IBS.

Donna

[Katrina]

I think fiber suppliments may help. Avoid fat products, acidic products....things like a lot of corn, cheese, milk, fried food, fruit, and so on. When you do eat these thnings try to eat just a small portion and fiber foods at the same time. See a gastroenterologist...maybe having a antispasmodic that works for your digestive system will help. Definately see a doctor! Unfortunatly with IBS the best treatment is diet and paying attention to what bothers you the most. There are medicines that can treat your symptoms. Talk to a doctor!
Hope you feel better soon!!!!

[Cinderella3]

I would love to know what works for people with IBS. I started having problems very similar to Jennifers. I can't leave the house in the morning without being in the bathroom for 3-6 times for a bowel movement. Anti spasmodic drugs have worked a little in the morning, but when it hits when you are out shopping it is horrible. I feel it is worse than my IC.
I am seeing a gastro and he has not been much help. We have tried fiber supplements and they all stop me up and give me terrible gas. What works --- I am at the end of my rope trying to figure this out--- after reading about elmiron capsules giving people stomach problems, I am now wondering if I should try dissolving the meds in water. I will ask my uro tomorrow when I go.

[Michelle in KC]

First off, talk to your doctor!!!

(ok, ok, I'm one to talk)

And second, does Immodium not help you at all??

I feel like I live on Immodium some days.

Hugs,
Michelle

[Cinderella3]

I don't really have a problem with loose stools. It just often and fast and furious. I think Immodium is more for diarreha.

[Michelle in KC]

Oooooh, OK. I misunderstood.

duh
Michelle

[hurting]

I am new here. I too have had IBS for many years. It is definetly worse in the am 2-4 bm's before I leave for work. Bad cramping and urgency. For the rest of the day I am usually pretty good. I know what foods to avoid. And even then I can tolerate small amounts. Milk products only in small amounts, vegeatables with sauces, greasy foods. I usally try to avoid those foods when I am out. Alot of it is trial and error. It is worth it to avoid these foods to save myself the trouble.
Good luck to all

[Sarojini]

If you haven't been officially diagnosed with IBS, it's time to talk to your doctor -- Donna is right, there are other conditions in the bowel that can easily mimic IBS.

[Cricketmk3]

Cindy, My symptoms are very similar to yours. I only started having these symptoms after I started taking Elmiron. I don't take the capsule. I just open them and sprinkle them on my tongue and drink something. It's not the capsule in my situation. I think it's the drug itself.

[Haysmom3]

I have the same problems with IBS and IC it can be awful. WHen I go out shopping or anything with my 6 year old I always have to find a bathroom, fast. I have seen my GI doc and he told me I could take ammodium (sp) everyday. I do. It is a godsend. I take 2 a day I think you can take up to 4 a day.
But as with any new symptom or one that hasn't been checked by your doctor, my advice too is discuss this with your doctor.