IBS - The Journey

[rudsteruk]

Hi

I suffer with bouts of IBS which result in a day or 2 of stomach pain followed by a few days of bloating. Not very pleasant at all. This is normally accompanied by loose stools or constipation.

Anyway, I have tried many many things including:
+ buscopan
+ pro-biotics of all shapes and sizes
+ regucol (psylium husks)
+ linseeds
+ insoluble fibres
+ etc etc

Unfortunately, I have inherited my mother digestive system and it's not the most forgiving. She has spent many years finding the golden diet formula but has yet to find it and is taking a relaxant to help calm her down which seems to work. I soon learned after months of food diaries etc that I would learn from her findings. I have found the following work for me:

+ Kalms (taken daily as per dosage on bottle)
+ Pro-biotic suppliment (4x6 billion bacteria types)
+ Actimints (pro-biotic mint after big meals)
+ Occasional pro-biotic yoghurt
+ Bananas really help bloating
+ Eat seated and remain seated for 10 mins (best endeavours but don't rush about after eating)
+ Excersize
+ Lots and lots of water

Along the way I have found some big no-no's:
+ Protein suppliment - guaranteed to wreck your stomach for days!
+ Red wine - I love it but it really hurts
+ Spirits - especially Tequila
+ Alcohol - I still drink but small amounts

Now to my question - based on my findings thus far, do you have an alternative to Kalms? Am I ok to take them long term? Why do they work?

Thank you

Jamie

[rudsteruk]

Another product I've found helpful when I'm really sufering from blaoting is Health Salts. I guess it's a good way of flushing out the rotting protein?

Anyway, works for me!

J

[Julie Thompson]

Hi Jamie

I am pleased you have found some resolution to your symptoms. The first thing to say is was your IBS a medical diagnosis? Have you been tested for coeliac disease? Eat gluten (wheat, barley and rye) if you have not and ask your GP for a test. I am not an expert in herbal preparations but I assume kalms work because they reduce anxiety? It is available from pharmacies so I recommend you ask a pharmacist whether taking Kalms long term will be harmful.
For all other information about IBS check out http://www.theibsnetwork.org - plently of useful information contained in the self care plan.
Hope this helps