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Reply: suffering IBS for 10 years

I empathize completely with your story. I have had IBS for 14 years now (since I was 13) and for those first...

Posted by Gladtohelp

I empathize completely with your story. I have had IBS for 14 years now (since I was 13) and for those first couple of years we had no clue what it was, so I had to suffer through it as if it was a curse from the gods. And I know you understand how utterly frustrating it is when something you feel like you cant control owns your life schedule. However, I am here to tell you that you will be fine and you can beat this thing. Your doctor gave you the right advice, unfortunately though they never seem to fully explain what consists of a "diet" or how that reflects on you.

First, I had the *exact* symptoms you have, (bm's 2-3 a day, and mucous and all). As it stands today, I still have a relatively fast GI tract, but what has changed is that I no longer suffer from bloating, gas, cramps, or diarrhea. It took me years to figure out the right mix for my diet and in the last couple of months. I added what could possibly be the most important piece of the puzzle!

Water - it sounds extremely silly but over 50% of the adults in the U.S. are chronically dehydrated. I drink about 1500ml of water a day, more depending on what I eat/drink (I will get into that in a little bit). Now, how did water affect my GI tract. I always associated the diarrhea with "watery" stool right? However, whats happening is that the stool is actually "drying out" because of the lack of water (your large intestines is like a giant sponge with sole purpose of sucking up water back into your body). So when stool cant move and you drink or eat something that causes gas. *Bam* instant cramps/bloating resulting in mucous-y diarrhea

-- I'm not familiar with your triggers but the other two parts of the equation were stimulants and acidic foods. As you know, soda combines the worst of those two worlds, as it is both highly caffeinated (on average twice as much as a cup of coffee) and extremely acidic (i think the last lab test I did put it slightly above or around orange juice -- another thing I cant really drink--) so unfortunately I have to report that you might need to find another route for your daily dose of "go-juice"

However, I find that coffee is pretty manageable as a substitute because you can add milk or cream to cut the acidity and the caffeine content is not extra ordinarily high.. although with ANY stimulant you should expect some motility of your GI tract, so be ready for a bm! I always make sure to add a glass of water with every stimulant I drink. 1 cup of water to 1 cup of cofffee, etc. And you can add that water to your 1500ml a day goal, so it adds up quick and becomes less of a thing to remind yourself to do.

-- Also, I have cut a large portion of red meat out of my diet. Its not because of the fat content or the fact that meat is harder to digest (although those are good reasons) but its because red meat is especially full of hormones and antibiotics. Hormones and antibiotics (especially) act as irritants in your body, more so because our GI tract are sensitive to inflammation. Thats not made up either, a couple complaint of antibiotic therapy in inflammation, itching, irritation, and burning. Usually, I eat red meat (steak or otherwise) about 1 - 2 times per month without issue. I still eat chicken and pork and usually have no problems

If you try those previous suggestions and your diet really stabilizes, I suggest adding fiber to your diet. I use metamucil about 1 to 2 times a day, depending on how I feel. I usually ONLY take it if I am feeling okay, because if my stomach is irritated it is already too late and it will just make it worse. I dont have much space left so I'll make a list of foods I avoid, foods I eat when Im feeling alright or in moderation and Food that are good to go

Avoid: honey nut cheerios (guaranteed to make me cramp up), life cereal, citrus juices, deli meats (I find the preservatives really give me acid reflux), hard cheeses (once in a while is okay tho but in moderation)View Thread

Posted by Gladtohelp

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:suffering IBS for 10 years I empathize completely with your story. I have had IBS for 14 years now (since I was 13) and for those first...

mucous bowel movements

For the past 2 months, I have been experiencing excessive (5-12/day) bowel movements with blood and mucous....

Posted by An_245353

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:mucous bowel movements For the past 2 months, I have been experiencing excessive (5-12/day) bowel movements with blood and mucous....

Reply: I just dont know how to treat

Hi Liss, I empathize completely with your story. I have had IBS for 14 years now (since I was 13) and for...

Posted by Gladtohelp

Hi Liss,

I empathize completely with your story. I have had IBS for 14 years now (since I was 13) and for those first couple of years we had no clue what it was, so I had to suffer through it as if it was a curse from the gods. And I know you understand how utterly frustrating it is when something you feel like you cant control owns your life schedule. However, I am here to tell you that you will be fine and you can beat this thing. Your doctor gave you the right advice, unfortunately though they never seem to fully explain what consists of a "diet" or how that reflects on you.

First, I had the *exact* symptoms you have, (bm's 2-3 a day, and mucous and all). As it stands today, I still have a relatively fast GI tract, but what has changed is that I no longer suffer from bloating, gas, cramps, or diarrhea. It took me years to figure out the right mix for my diet and in the last couple of months. I added what could possibly be the most important piece of the puzzle!

Water - it sounds extremely silly but over 50% of the adults in the U.S. are chronically dehydrated. I drink about 1500ml of water a day, more depending on what I eat/drink (I will get into that in a little bit). Now, how did water affect my GI tract. I always associated the diarrhea with "watery" stool right? However, whats happening is that the stool is actually "drying out" because of the lack of water (your large intestines is like a giant sponge with sole purpose of sucking up water back into your body). So when stool cant move and you drink or eat something that causes gas. *Bam*, instant cramps/bloating resulting in mucous-y diarrhea.

-- I'm not familiar with your triggers but the other two parts of the equation were stimulants and acidic foods. As you know, soda combines the worst of those two worlds, as it is both highly caffeinated (on average twice as much as a cup of coffee) and extremely acidic (i think the last lab test I did put it slightly above or around orange juice -- another thing I cant really drink--) so unfortunately I have to report that you might need to find another route for your daily dose of "go-juice".

However, I find that coffee is pretty manageable as a substitute because you can add milk or cream to cut the acidity and the caffeine content is not extra ordinarily high.. although with ANY stimulant you should expect some motility of your GI tract, so be ready for a bm! I always make sure to add a glass of water with every stimulant I drink. 1 cup of water to 1 cup of cofffee, etc. And you can add that water to your 1500ml a day goal, so it adds up quick and becomes less of a thing to remind yourself to do.

-- Also, I have cut a large portion of red meat out of my diet. Its not because of the fat content or the fact that meat is harder to digest (although those are good reasons) but its because red meat is especially full of hormones and antibiotics. Hormones and antibiotics (especially) act as irritants in your body, more so because our GI tract are sensitive to inflammation. Thats not made up either, a couple complaint of antibiotic therapy in inflammation, itching, irritation, and burning. Usually, I eat red meat (steak or otherwise) about 1 - 2 times per month without issue. I still eat chicken and pork and usually have no problems.

If you try those previous suggestions and your diet really stabilizes, I suggest adding fiber to your diet. I use metamucil about 1 to 2 times a day, depending on how I feel. I usually ONLY take it if I am feeling okay, because if my stomach is irritated it is already too late and it will just make it worse. I dont have much space left so I'll make a list of foods I avoid, foods I eat when Im feeling alright or in moderation and Food that are good to go.

Avoid: honey nut cheerios (guaranteed to make me cramp up), life cereal, citrus juices, deli meats (I find the preservatives really give me acid reflux), hard cheeses (once in a while is okay tho but in moderation).

Ah! out of room, add more later.

View Thread

Posted by Gladtohelp

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:I just dont know how to treat Hi Liss, I empathize completely with your story. I have had IBS for 14 years now (since I was 13) and for...

IBS and Smoking

I quit smoking 6 months ago. My IBS is completely cured since I quit.

Posted by cindypol

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:IBS and Smoking I quit smoking 6 months ago. My IBS is completely cured since I quit.

Reply: Laxatives

I take magnesium every night for constipation. NatureMade makes a 400 mg gelcap that is easy to swallow. If...

Posted by upsadaisy

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Laxatives I take magnesium every night for constipation. NatureMade makes a 400 mg gelcap that is easy to swallow. If...

Reply: Need good probiotic suggestion

I've suffered from abdominal pain & constipation for the last 8 years & have had colonoscopies CT...

Posted by sofia1995

23 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Need good probiotic suggestion I've suffered from abdominal pain & constipation for the last 8 years & have had colonoscopies CT...

Reply: Cycles of Severe Diarrhea

Have you been tested for celiacs? Gluten is in so many things. Maybe try eliminating gluten from your diet for a...

Posted by Ecave

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Cycles of Severe Diarrhea Have you been tested for celiacs? Gluten is in so many things. Maybe try eliminating gluten from your diet for a...

Reply: blood in urine

always take a pro biotic when taking antibiotics to regain healthy flora in the digestive track.

Posted by Ecave

6 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:blood in urine always take a pro biotic when taking antibiotics to regain healthy flora in the digestive track.

Reply: Does eating Activia yogurt help Irritable bowel sy...

Goat Yogurt works best for me!

Posted by Ecave

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Does eating Activia yogurt help Irritable bowel syndrome? Goat Yogurt works best for me!

Reply: I just dont know how to treat

First cut out the soda immediately it causes malabsorbition issues in everyone even those that don't live with...

Posted by Ecave

8 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:I just dont know how to treat First cut out the soda immediately it causes malabsorbition issues in everyone even those that don't live with...

EXTREME bloating. Gastroenterologist/endoscopy sa...

Hi everyone, I've been dealing with this for a while now and it just keeps getting worse. My bloating is...

Posted by TKTheKid

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:EXTREME bloating. Gastroenterologist/endoscopy says I'm fine though! Hi everyone, I've been dealing with this for a while now and it just keeps getting worse. My bloating is...

Laxatives

I seem to be having issues with my IBS-C again ............ I eat my veggies, fruits and take supplement of...

Posted by jujulang

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Laxatives I seem to be having issues with my IBS-C again ............ I eat my veggies, fruits and take supplement of...

Reply: Effect of gut on head

How strange, I have also had this happened to me...and only recently after having IBS for several years and I...

Posted by ashybug11

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Effect of gut on head How strange, I have also had this happened to me...and only recently after having IBS for several years and I...

IBS-C supplements? Food?

I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 17 (I am now 20), but have had symptoms since birth. They come and go and...

Posted by ashybug11

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:IBS-C supplements? Food? I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 17 (I am now 20), but have had symptoms since birth. They come and go and...

Reply: ibs constipation

Yes, I have this problem, too. After a bout with an anal fissure, my gastroenterologist put me on Polyethylene...

Posted by GAJulia

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:ibs constipation Yes, I have this problem, too. After a bout with an anal fissure, my gastroenterologist put me on Polyethylene...

IBS Abroad - Japan

I'm a college student studying abroad in Japan until May, and my IBS has gone crazy over here. Stomach...

Posted by cdavidso12

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:IBS Abroad - Japan I'm a college student studying abroad in Japan until May, and my IBS has gone crazy over here. Stomach...

Reply: Longtime Loud Stomach Noises Sufferer, but IBS?

I have been diagnosed with chronic constipation IBS, my stomach seems to gurgle when its empty, Somtimes after...

Posted by boonjies

4 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Longtime Loud Stomach Noises Sufferer, but IBS? I have been diagnosed with chronic constipation IBS, my stomach seems to gurgle when its empty, Somtimes after...

Reply: Is there something wrong with me?

Despite having no pain, if your fecal material is going from red to black, you need to check with your doc and...

Posted by CalGal37

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Is there something wrong with me? Despite having no pain, if your fecal material is going from red to black, you need to check with your doc and...

Reply: IBS attack - what to do

I'm curious.............you had GF bread on Sunday. Are you following a GF diet? If so, was the pizza GF? ...

Posted by CalGal37

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:IBS attack - what to do I'm curious.............you had GF bread on Sunday. Are you following a GF diet? If so, was the pizza GF? ...

Reply: Miserable with IBS

I see from this blog about the fennel tea I am for sure going to try that as well... I will try anything...

Posted by Mehavasu

24 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Miserable with IBS I see from this blog about the fennel tea I am for sure going to try that as well... I will try anything...

Reply: Need help with a diet.

High fiber is a good place to go for IBS. I am not so sure about hhow it will affect your other conditions as...

Posted by scart091

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Need help with a diet. High fiber is a good place to go for IBS. I am not so sure about hhow it will affect your other conditions as...

Please Help

Mean Plasma Glucose: 140 mg/dl HbA1C: 6.5 % (Degree of glucose control : <6=non diabetic & <7=Goal...

Posted by RahulVora

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Please Help Mean Plasma Glucose: 140 mg/dl HbA1C: 6.5 % (Degree of glucose control : <6=non diabetic & <7=Goal...

Reply: My daughters stomach issue.....HELP...!

Hi my name is linda and I too have tummy trouble. Ok when I am not a goood girl in eating what I am not suppose...

Posted by toolups

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:My daughters stomach issue.....HELP...! Hi my name is linda and I too have tummy trouble. Ok when I am not a goood girl in eating what I am not suppose...

Cycles of Severe Diarrhea

I have been very sick the past 2 months and, although I am being seen by a gastroenterologist, I am just not...

Posted by An_244084

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Cycles of Severe Diarrhea I have been very sick the past 2 months and, although I am being seen by a gastroenterologist, I am just not...

Reply: I'm just slowly wasting away

Hi. Thanks for your response. No, no skin rashes or "brain fog" (whatever that is). Changes in bowel habits yes,...

Posted by xaf208

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:I'm just slowly wasting away Hi. Thanks for your response. No, no skin rashes or "brain fog" (whatever that is). Changes in bowel habits yes,...

Reply: Not sure what to do!!!

What tests has she had done? Where is the back pain located? Does she have any GI issues that run in her...

Posted by CalGal37

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Not sure what to do!!! What tests has she had done? Where is the back pain located? Does she have any GI issues that run in her...

Reply: I need advice

What other symptoms - even if they don't seem to be related to your GI tract - have you been having? Any GI...

Posted by CalGal37

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:I need advice What other symptoms - even if they don't seem to be related to your GI tract - have you been having? Any GI...

Reply: Left lower abdomen pain and general abdomen inflam...

Not sure if this will help or not. I have gerd, ibs, and gastroparesis,,I also have divertiaculitis...did they...

Posted by martyj65

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Left lower abdomen pain and general abdomen inflamation continue Not sure if this will help or not. I have gerd, ibs, and gastroparesis,,I also have divertiaculitis...did they...

Reply: Constipation with little relief

I am on probotic's and i find my system once it was cleaned out by it did change for the good.

Posted by bricen05

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Constipation with little relief I am on probotic's and i find my system once it was cleaned out by it did change for the good.

Reply: Opinions/Guestimation. Constant Constipation, Naus...

MsDoyle, one thing you might want to consider trying is to take all dairy products out of your diet for a...

Posted by CalGal37

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Opinions/Guestimation. Constant Constipation, Nausea, and Munchies! MsDoyle, one thing you might want to consider trying is to take all dairy products out of your diet for a...

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