Ibs-d

QuickSilver

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Location
Midwest
I have had a pretty bad flare of my IBS-D in the last few weeks.. low abdominal pain.. cramping... gas... intermittent diarrhea.. I know I have been under some pretty bad stress with my Son's move and hubby's illness.. Anyone else suffer from this?
 

Yup, most all my life. I first had trouble in my early 20s (back then it was called spastic colon). Nowdays it only pops up once in a great while -- but if I am under very serious stress, I can count on it. Such a lovely experience.

Believe it or not, I've had good success with acupuncture during serious bouts.
 
Sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling good. Hope you mend fast.

Is there any foods that set you off more than others? Or is it just the stress that gets to you?
 

Chocolate... alcohol... caffeine... but stress is the biggie ..... No having a stiff drink when under pressure for this gal.
 
Yup, most all my life. I first had trouble in my early 20s (back then it was called spastic colon). Nowdays it only pops up once in a great while -- but if I am under very serious stress, I can count on it. Such a lovely experience.

Believe it or not, I've had good success with acupuncture during serious bouts.

Have you had any luck with OTC or herbal supplements? I understand Fennel and peppermint tea are helpful.
 
Hubby is going out to get me some enteric coated peppermint oil pills.. and some fennel tea. It's supposed to calm down a flare.
 
Have you had any luck with OTC or herbal supplements? I understand Fennel and peppermint tea are helpful.

Digestive enzymes help me a lot, especially with the gas and cramping. I've tried fennel and peppermint, and neither have helped me. I think what helps or doesn't help is very different for each individual. The enzymes are worth a try -- they help break down food properly so it doesn't create so much gas. Enzymes were recommended to me by a physician during a particularly painful bout. ALSO, biggie for me -- avoiding sugar alcohols -- all those artificial sweeteners ending in "itol" like xylitol which are hiding everywhere. They can create digestive havoc for some people, and I'm one of them.

Otherwise, not much helps. Retirement helped quite a bit -- getting away from my very stressful and unrelenting pressure job and the feeling that I was continually trying to push a huge rock uphill.
 
Chocolate... alcohol... caffeine... but stress is the biggie ..... No having a stiff drink when under pressure for this gal.

Surprised caffeine does but I can see the chocolate and alcohol-red whines are a killer for tripping stomach issues and headaches.
 


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