new to this

Hello~

I am new to this site...just looking for any words of wisdom you may have to offer....Here's my story:

I have had IBS for as long as I can remember although I wasn't diagnosed until 5 years ago. I am now 28 years old. I have seen a number of different doctors who have recommended fiber, water, and salads but offered me nothing more than this advise which has not worked for me. I just this week saw a new doctor who is trying Zelnorm. I got the scrip today but am a bit nervous about starting so I am going to wait until the weekend....I'm very nervous about the effect this will have on me. I gave birth to my first and only child 2 years ago, I believe my condition has worsened since (although she is worth it :) ). I am very frustrated becuase this disease has truly taken over my life. I cannot take my daughter for a walk outside or to a park for fear of an episode. I do not go to the mall or grocery store alone with her because I am afraid of having to take her into a dirty restroom with me numerous times if I should have an episode there. Traveling has become a major problem...I have passed up vacations and even day trips with family/friends because of this. It has literally taken over my life. I left my job after my daughter was born and returned to school. We have sacrificed alot so we can do this. I am studying to be a teacher and I fear that when I am done, IBS will ruin this for me, as well....will a teacher cover my class everytime I have to run to the restroom? Is it realistic to think I will ever be able to hold a full time job? I call my episodes "S**t attacks"...I usually break out in a sweat or have the chills. It never fails to occur when something is planned for the day. Mornings seem to be the worst. I will have times that I do not go for days and days and then once I start, I cannot stop. I wonder if anxiety has anything to do with it. My DR. only said anxiety will worsen the symptoms. I also have had problems with hemi's since giving birth and the IBS has made it a chronic condition for over two years for me. I didn't read any other postings about the Zelnorm...anyone out there tried it? What can I expect? Sorry for the novel....I would really appreciate any advice you have! Thanks

Shel1126

Hi Shel, welcome to the board!
In reading your post I have noticed MANY similarities between you and me.... canceling trips/vacations, mornings, fear of shopping, not going, then going and not stopping, jobs, etc. The thing that is WAY easier said than done is to not let IBS rule your life. I am still working on that one. I have yet to take long trips or go on dates. Anyway, I assume you suffer from both constipation (IBS-C) and diarrhea (IBS-D)? Me too. My doc put me on Zelnorm as well. Unlike dbab, I love the stuff. Aside from a headache the first 2 days on it I didn't have any trouble with it. For the 1st couple months it worked like a gem - no D and no C. Unfortunately, however, the Zelnorm started to lose its pep and the D & C came back. Nothing like before though. I have been on it now for 8 months.
I suggest when you try it, try it on a weekend (like you mentioned). If it gives you any trouble you won't be at work/school/etc. Remember though, D can be a side affect that should pass within a week. If it does not, or if you get dizzy or bloody stool at any point then stop the med ASAP.
about holding down a job... some days it is tough. I made sure to tell my boss about my condition and that some days I may need to come in late or leave early. I'm not sure how that would work being a teacher. Maybe you can work out a deal with the teacher next door to watch your class while you take a "break." I don't know but I really hope you can figure something out. My sister is a teacher and I know she finds it very rewarding.

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HEY SHEL! MORNINGS ARE WORST FOR ME TOO. I AM FINALLY STARTING MY CAREER AT AGE 34. I AM NERVOUS about HAVING EPISODES ALSO. I JUST TOLD MYSELF YESTERDAY THAT I NEED TO BE STRONG AND NOT LET THIS THING CONTROL AND RUIN MY LIFE. I AM UNDER A GREAT DEAL OF STRESS RIGHT NOW SO IT DOES NOT HELP. I AM TAKING SO MANY DIFFERENT MEDS DAILY TO TRY TO PREVENT ANY ATTACKS. DOES YOUR STOMACH FEEL BETTER AS THE DAY GOES ON?

i empathize with you shel, but i can't imagine how difficult it would be to also have to care for a little one... i am new to this forum--but it has helped me immensly, just knowing that you are "not the only one" has done wonders for me.
i have similar problems with work, travel and even walking the dog, i just take it one day at a time.
i too have let it take over my life, but just by writing in you are helping yourself!!! but of course easier said then done!
i am not on zelnorm, i have nulev (hysocosamine) it helps a bit with the cramps, but not so much on the attacks as it turns out... i am sort of new to IBS so i am still finding my trigger foods, so my contribution to you is emotional support!
i am big on alternative medicines, and i have found that kava kava has helped my anxiety in the past, though often used as a sleep aid valerian also helps people calm a bit, and there is always tea!! (chamomile, peppermint).
i do hope you have some good days soon, i know where your coming from--cause i was just there!! as for work, i really suggest what lil said, talking to work--be open and let people know what you need from them--you just might get it! plus a calmer work environment could help you in more ways than one. my job doesn't know my whole story--i just told them what they needed to know and so far so good. i wish you the best and good luck!!! now go and enjoy that daughter of yours!!!
--bunny

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what would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

Thanks so much for all of your advice and information. I am much appreciative! :)