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Angie Mc
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| Posted: Feb 17 2012 at 9:32am | IP Logged
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Any miracle cures? 
I haven't been officially diagnosed (I have a clean bill of health) but have dealt with poor digestion my whole life. Here are management tips that I have picked up over the years that have helped me:
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Taking this product, Oxy Cleanse on an empty stomach in the morning.
TTapp 15 minutes stretch.
Walking.
Eating biggest meal of day at 9 am.
Take digestive enzymes with meals.
Drinking water between meals.
Walking.
Not eating after 7 pm.
Digestive teas as needed. |
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But it seems like every year, symptoms increase (or my body becomes more sluggish) or I have a pretty intense episode and I go searching for something else to help. My best guess is that at different times, different things collude to increase symptoms of
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diarrhea or constipation, or alternate bouts of each
abdominal pain or cramping
gas and bloating
nausea, especially after eating
headache
fatigue
depression or anxiety
mucus-covered stools
the urge to have another bowel movement after you've just had one. |
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Reading suggestions online often leaves me thinking, "What?" First comes the food and drink. They suggest no spicy food, yet one remedy I take is ALL spice and it does act as a stimulant. They recommend not drinking alcohol, yet a glass of wine or beer at night helps me, I think. And it is recommended, not to drink carbonated beverages, yet a club soda or ginger ale often settles my poor stomach.
Then comes the "reduce your stress" advice, which honestly seems somewhere between patronizing and/or ineffective. I agree that these symptoms can increase stress and/or stress can exasperate symptoms but I've had little success with reducing symptoms solely based on stress reduction. I've even tried staying in my room, quietly shutting everything down on my schedule and...nothing. I'm still sick!
So I'm coming to real moms for advice. What preventative care works for you? How do you manage episodes? Do you lean more towards "toughing it out" and going about your plans as best as you can or do you rest...or something else?
One more thing, how do you talk (or better yet not talk) about this with your family? As a woman in a house full of men, I'm not all that keen on talking about bowels, hormones, and emotions, oh my! There has to be some words that better describe my situation and start positive action than, "Mom's sick." 
And can I ask for prayers? Thanks  . I feel better already  .
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 17 2012 at 9:55am | IP Logged
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I reduced gluten intake (pretty significantly actually). I have not had regular problems with IBS since I did that. I eat a spicy diet, enjoy a glass of wine in the evening and find it utterly ridiculous when told to reduce stress.  I mean....really....seriously....like I can decide when stressful things happen in my life.  I CAN choose how I will surrender these things to God's will...and trust His plan....but seriously - avoid stress? Ridiculous.
I do not limit gluten entirely, Angie, but I have cut way back in the last several months. I'm really kind of amazed at the effect it has had in the area of IBS. I'm not super strict with myself - if we're out and we grab Sonic, so be it. I'm fine with that! But at home, when I cook, I avoid it in my menu plans and have seen pretty significant improvement. Enough that I'd be willing to post about it.
Since cutting out most gluten and in addition to no more IBS, we've experienced less tummy aches from the 3yo, no more lip ulcers for my 11yo (these awful sores inside the mouth which were so painful used to be present weekly or at least every two weeks in the winter), and no more acne at all in the 15 yo. And....better bowel health overall for the family. I'm not sure if I can relate all of these to the gluten, but some reading I've done does bear it out as a possibility. These are just observations and connections I've made.
As far as speaking of it delicately - I don't really go into any detail. If I'm feeling poorly, I just drop the extra duties of the day, ask the kids to be responsible for basics (food, safety, and their chores) and let them know that I'm going to lie down for a while because I don't feel well. It all works out. I'm SOOOOO happy that I haven't had to do that in a very long while!
Hope you're feeling better and find a workable solution to this soon.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
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CrunchyMom
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I second removing gluten. Our family feels better for it. It can't hurt to try it.
I also think that oils play a part for me. The less I have of processed oils, the more they wreak havoc when I do consume them.
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Mackfam
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Also....we all took a basic chewable acidophilus in order to restore some health to our gut. (Chewable because I don't like swallowing pills (  ) and because the kids took it, too.) You could also eat yogurt with live cultures.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Angie Mc
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Thanks so much for the reassurance and solid ideas, Jen and Lindsay! I was completely gluten free for 2 years many years ago. I definitely have room to improve my eating in that area. First stop: wheat free pasta.
I'll keep working on the preventative and look forward to any/all things that have helped others.
I also want a plan for when I have an acute episode. I honestly don't think that resting or taking it easy helps . I think that I just need to keep moving, turn my focus elsewhere. My men tend to want to pamper me (aren't they sweet) but I think I need to be stronger. When my body is weakened I definitely need to be mentally tougher.
Any tips on this aspect?
ETA: changed topic to include mental strength
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Servant2theKing
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Angie, lots of empathy here.
Digestive enzymes vary a lot. It helps a great deal if they contain Amylase, Protease and Lipase. I recently found one called DigestActiv by Source Naturals (when insurance would no longer cover the prescription version I had been taking). It also contains Pancreatin, Bromelain, Papain, Gentian Root, Ginger Root, Peppermint Leaf and a few other ingredients, and works even better than the prescription Digestive Enzyme that I had used for years! It's helped immensely during a time when my stress level has been through the roof. I second acidophilus and/or probiotics, as well as yogurt with live cultures. I've also noticed a decrease in symptoms whenever I've had less gluten.
If all else fails, and you have to be on the road with no toilets in range, a Luggable Loo ($15 at Fleet Farm)or a Hassock Toilet (less than $30 at places like Walmart) can be a godsend. Before we found our hassock toilet I improvised with a five gallon bucket, with all my supplies attached to the handle ~ I called it my SuperDuperPooperScooper ~ I got lots of eye rolling over that!
In my family we HAVE to discuss Mom's "issues", 'cuz when they decide to issue forth on a family trip, everyone knows about it anyway! For privacy, if you don't have a van, you can find pop up changing rooms or pop up showers on ebay or in stores quite reasonably priced. We keep our hassock toilet lined with a heavy-duty garbage bag and stocked with TP, hand sanitizer & freshener. My motto, "Don't leave home without it"! 
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Angie Mc
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Servant, you make me ! God bless you and your good cheer!
I use Source naturals Daily Essential Enzymes - exactly the same as yours except yours also includes:
Betaine HCl 200 mg *
Bromelain (2,000 GDU per gram) 50 mg *
Papain 50 mg *
Gentian Root 50 mg *
Quassia Wood Extract (4:1) 50 mg *
Ginger Root 25 mg *
Peppermint Leaf 25 mg *
Black Pepper Fruit Extract (BioperineŽ) 6 mg *
I order from Vitacost and currently DigestActiv is out of stock. I'll keep an eye on it.
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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stellamaris
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I learned when I began to suffer seriously from adrenal failure that reducing stress is difficult. As Jen said, we don't choose the problems that come into our lives and usually have little control over them. My doctor explained to me that I could reduce some of my stress by making certain physical changes:
1. Eat healthy food at regular set times.
2. Sleep at least 8-9 hours each night at the same time.
3. Exercise regularly but not intensively.
I keep trying to move toward a more consistent practice of these principles and it does help. I can't always get rid of difficult people, circumstances, or commitments, but I try to do these things to help my body feel less stress.
Praying for you, Angie
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Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
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Angie Mc
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stellamaris wrote:
1. Eat healthy food at regular set times.
2. Sleep at least 8-9 hours each night at the same time.
3. Exercise regularly but not intensively.
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You are right, Caroline. What drives me crazy is that I can do all of the above...and still get hit . It reminds me of how difficult my pregnancies were for the first 4 months. Nothing really touched it. Sure I was doing right for the sake of doing right, but...there's something very challenging (mentally, emotionally) about trying to fix something that just might not be able to be fixed! This is why I'm pretty convinced that I'm not dealing with just IBS but also with hormone fluctuations and *something else* that collude to exasperate everything. I call all of this mystery, my Trifecta. It's a perfect storm of 3 stressors (from a variety of many) that collude, even when my routine and foundation are pretty good.
I will never be bored .
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Servant2theKing
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Here's the web address for the Digestive Enzymes I've found so helpful: Digestive Enzymes
As far as mental strength; prayer, weekly Adoration and reading books like "Abandonment to Divine Providence" help me a great deal during times of difficulty.
It helps to find creative, pro-active ways to handle the difficulties and stresses of life. At times, however, no matter how positive or strong we might be, certain influences still impact our health, such as getting older (can't change that one) or responding to the needs of family members (some limitations there, but delegation CAN be your best friend). We've had to delegate many more tasks to dc, and dh has had to take over on many things (including taking time off from work) the longer we've been involved in his mother's care. All has transpired without guilt ~ I discovered long ago that Supermom truly is a myth. The older, and hopefully wiser, we become we need to acknowledge that we just can NOT do everything, and certainly can't do as much as we used to.
Along with St. Paul, there IS strength in acknowledging and admitting our weakness!
I also need to be able to discuss what's happening in my life during times of stress, even vent when necessary, with a trusted friend or loved one. My adult dd has listened, encouraged and helped me immensely over the past few months. I've never done well with stuffing things or just toughing it out ~ perhaps IBS is a sign that it isn't healthy to keep things in too much.
BTW, tears are not a sign of weakness, they are cleansing and healing! I always give myself permission to have a good cry in the shower whenever life seems overwhelming ~ without fail, I feel better (maybe not perfect, but certainly better)! I read long ago that there are chemical elements in tears that truly DO bring physical relief!
Praying for you, Angie! You're certainly not alone!
ETA: The version of DigestActiv I buy from Amazon is in stock. This thread reminded me to order again!
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JodieLyn
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I've heard really good things about the SCD diet that it heals the gut, doesn't just "manage it" but that makes it very restictive at first and then you can add more back in.
For stress, be sure your body is getting what it needs like extra B vitamins and I find vitamin D very important to add in, though I think you ladies are further south and may have somewhat less need, though I found when we lived in Tucson, AZ that I hid from the sun because of the heat and probably got less all the time than I do here.. I can't get enough in winter but I can in summer. And remembering to drop my shoulders helps me because it usually clues me in how much tension I'm carrying around in my body instead of letting it go.
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DominaCaeli
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Angie Mc wrote:
| I honestly don't think that resting or taking it easy helps . I think that I just need to keep moving, turn my focus elsewhere. My men tend to want to pamper me (aren't they sweet) but I think I need to be stronger. When my body is weakened I definitely need to be mentally tougher. |
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No IBS issues here, but this is exactly how I feel with pregnancy nausea. I don't have trouble keeping things down, so it's no serious health concern--just an all-day carsick feeling that can stop me in my tracks at times. Other than all-out sleep (which isn't possible for me during the day with these little ones running around!), I haven't found resting to help at all, so it's really best for me to stay busy. The more active chores, the more it takes my mind off of the nausea and makes the tough spurts pass faster. For me, fun music, exercise, funny movies, etc. not only help to distract me but also help my mental toughness by keeping me in an upbeat mood when I'm dealing with physical issues like this that I just can't control. (And when that fails, yes, a hot shower and cry sometimes help too. )
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Celeste
Joyous Lessons
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JodieLyn
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One part of mental toughness for me is acceptance. Sure some things can be changed and improved so I'm not talking about not trying to fix something.. but that this is simply going to be something you have to deal with it and you can rail against it or accept that it's there and work within the limitations to make it better but without necessarily expecting that it's going to go away. And it also doesn't preclude the crying in the shower over the hurt of dealing with it.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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stellamaris
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AngieMc wrote:
| but...there's something very challenging (mentally, emotionally) about trying to fix something that just might not be able to be fixed! |
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Oh, Angie, . "Very challenging" must be the understatement of the year!
I hesitate to throw out any more ideas, just because I know that place of "nothing will help" despair all too well. But, rushing in where angels fear to tread, I've had a few thoughts (more like wonderings, because I have no personal experience with IBS).
I'm wondering about allergies? I only ask because my mother has terrible allergies to all kinds of things (even lettuce!) and she really suffers from IBS. Could it be allergy related? Would some kind of elimination diet help?
Also, I have been reading about treating IBS with a coconut oil diet. I don't have IBS, so I have no experience with this, but maybe someone here does.
Maybe nothing will help except our prayers. And you have those, Angie!
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In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
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CrunchyMom
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JodieLyn wrote:
| I've heard really good things about the SCD diet that it heals the gut, doesn't just "manage it" but that makes it very restictive at first and then you can add more back in. |
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Yes, and you might look into the GAPS diet as well. They are very similar with the same goal, healing the gut. I've heard good things about both.
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Sharyn
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Have you looked into food intolerances ? There are a lot more possibilities not to mention a lot more to the possibilities than most people realize. My sister has been suffering from IBS type symptoms for years. After seeing a food intolerance specialist she has improved. I'll ask her to see if she can suggest anything.
I' m sure hormones do play a role. When I'm pregnant certain foods that are usually ok hurt my mouth to eat. From memory they are mostly salycilates: red capsicum (peppers?), eggplant, oranges.
Here's a link to a salicylate food guide
Note that you may not necessarily react to all those on the high list if you have an intolerance. I'm not sure why this is, like I said it gets complicated. Also note that coconut oil is very high in salicylates.
Here's an interesting collection of fact sheets about the different intolerances
I will be hoping to go to a specialist this year as we have various problems that I'm sure are intolerance related.
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Angie Mc
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Thank you, all . Your prayers helped! I'm feeling better today, just in time for a big week here. Thanks for the resources, too. I've already picked up a few ideas that I think will help and I look forward to finding more.
I'm praying for every mom who must tend to her duties while unwell. That's a lot of moms, isn't it? 
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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lapazfarm
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Add me to the list of suffering moms.
I'm certain that for me gluten intolerance is only part of the answer as I am still in pain almost every day despite being gluten-free for nearly a year now.
I've been to several doctors and had lots of tests done (bloodwork, ultrasounds, breath tests) and so far we can't figure it out. I'm up for some type of gastro-endoscopy next, though I have my doubts it will give me any answers.
I'm going to see if I can get a hold of those digestive enzymes you ladies recommend and maybe that will help.
The most baffling thing for me is the unpredictability of it. I try to pay attention to what I eat to see if I can discover a link, but so far nothing is standing out. Sometimes it seems to be starches, sometimes fatty foods, other times nuts or spicy foods will set it off. Today it was a strawberry milkshake, which surprised me because dairy is usually very soothing for me. 
I just wish I could figure out what it is because I'd gladly give up whatever it is to get rid of this pain.
Sorry, I don't seem to be able to provide any real advice or help here. Still looking for the answer myself.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
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Angie Mc
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I'm so sorry, Theresa . What you shared is extremely helpful to me because you nailed the mental part of it...it's baffling .
Well, at least we don't have to suffer alone, we can keep sharing anything that helps on any given day , and pray .
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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aussieannie
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Hi Angie, I never saw this thread when it was active earlier this year but I saw it yesterday..how are you doing with this now? I don't have IBS but I'm taking treatments that are also helpful for this condition.
The first thing is slippery elm powder, here is a link to a little info. I am making two drinks a day, replacing my tea and coffee consumption with a slippery elm powder drink and it has been a very pleasant replacement, indeed. I prepare the drink similar to making a cup of tea, but I do use my blender so the slippery elm powder doesn't end up lumpy. I add milk to the amount used in a cup of tea, then I add a heaped tsp of slippery elm powder and a raw honey to sweeten, to taste, I boil the kettle and while that is happening I turn on the blender, once the kettle is boiled I had the hot water. The drink is really delicious and slightly frothy on top.
The other thing I use at present but I know it was originally designed for severe IBS sufferers, is a probiotic called VSL3. It is multi-strained and very powerful, 450billion per sachet. Probiotics are SO expensive but considering it's strength it is fantastic value. Here are some links worth looking at:
Someone's experience with VSL3 and IBS here
The VSL3 website, I'm linking you directly to their ISB info page here
I think people with IBS would use the high strength satchel daily, I buy mine in a 30 day supply pack. I also recommend it for big families who can't afford many family members to all be on a good probiotic. At present, I split the sachet among the 8 members of our family and so it works out we all get more than 45billion or so each, which is fantastic.
I hope this info is not so badly needed Angie, but in case you are still suffering, I hope this is helpful.
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Irritable Bowel, mental strength when ill
