IBS?

Do any of you know much about this? My daughter is being tested on thursday for this, crohns disease, and other intestinal diseases......if you know about any of this can you tell me symptoms and treatments? I was reading about it and got confused as it seems they are all similar. I think she's having a upper or lower g.i. any input? Thanks Linda

I had Microscopic Colitis before WLS. It was horrible. I was on four meds, then went to see a guy in Midland and he found the problem. My body was having severe reactions to stress. I took 1 med per day, and worked on the stress, and eventually it got better. However, that isn't the case with everyone. I recommend you check out this website: http://www.ccfa.org/ "this site above is the CCFA home site, Chrons and Colitis Foundation of America" also www.webmd.com will provide you with lots of information on the difference between an upper and lower GI, plus how to prepare for one, which she will need to know. Hugs to her, and check on those sites. Stacey W

The only prep she has is nothing by mouth after midnight. She is in severe pain, been to so many doctors you wouldn't believe it. Actually i'm about to lose my house because of all the lost time at work for appts and paying all these damn docs and meds. I am praying they find it soon, i don't think she can handle it much more. Hugs Linda

Linda; My daughter has IBS. It is horrible. Alot of the times anything she eats will give her severe pain. She also has alot of diarehea(sp) problems and then sometimes it is reversed and she has severe constipation. A friend of ours has it so bad that alot of times she is in the hospital but she is in her 70's. She is having some type of surgery in Feb. for it. It is different for alot of people and has different effects. My daughter lives in Grand Rapids and alot of times she will not eat if she has to travel because she has to hit the potty alot. We have a friend who has Crohns and she is on steroids alot because of it. She also has alot of pain and bowel problems. I think they are alot alike but I believe Crohns Disease is the worse of the two but don't quote me! I hope they find her problem soon! I know you have been really having a hard time with this. Sending positive vibes to you and your daughter!

Thanks for the info tammy. Those are the two they are testing her for. I was reading about both, but her symptoms fit the ibs to a t. She doesn't get diarrhea, she has a very hard time going at all, and when she does its very hard and not much. Codeine does nothing for the pain, so shes riding it out. She can't eat much cause it causes so much pain. Do you know how your daughter handles food with lactose? I was reading that lactose is the worst and causes the most pain. My daughters favorite food is cheese....everything has cheese. I'm gonna keep her away from it and see if that helps. The gastro doc she's seeing now is wonderful, we went to see him yesterday and he already has her set up for testing tomorrow. Does fiber help your daughter? Will she have this the rest of her life? What kind of meds does she take for it? How often does she need to see a doc? And how old was your daughter when this started? My youngest daughter has a problem something like this too. Thanks for all your help, sorry for all the questions. Hugs Linda

Well codeine is not helping her in the bathroom either because that will constipate you even more. See if they can give her something else. I can't believe they give her something like that when she already has problems. Nat does not handle milk products very well. When she does eat them she pays for it. Like pizza, lasagna etc..... Yeah Nat has fiber it is called Bob's Red Mill Unprocessed Miller's Wheat Bran. We get it for $1.79 for a 10oz bag. It will last for a LONG time. Have her put it on EVERYTHING she eats. She will not taste it. It does not have a taste to it. Have her put like 1 TBSP in everything she eats. If she eats eggs, sprinkle it on the eggs, etc..... She probably will have it the rest of her life. Nat has had it since she was young. She does not take meds for it. She will use a stool softener when needed and sometimes uses GASX or MYLENTA(sp), MILK OF MAG, whatever will help her when she needs it. She only sees her Dr if it is uncontrolled, then he puts her on a strict diet until her bowels are better. Both of my daughters have it. My mother has it and I had it until I had WLS. I still have it but it is not as bad as it use to be. Also keep her away from fried foods, anything with fat. Cook with Extra Virgin Olive Oil only in anything you make, even if it calls for vegetable oil. I hope this helped you a little bit. Hugs!!!

Hi Linda, I don't know about any of this, but I do know that it has been taking its toll on you and your family. I send hugs to you and will put you on the prayer list. Diane