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Shel1126

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 20

Posted 10/4/2005 8:24 PM (GMT -7)

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

dbab

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2004

Posts : 4151

Posted 10/4/2005 8:42 PM (GMT -7)

Hi Shel,

Welcome to Healing Well :)

I personally did not do well on Zelnorm however there are many people that seem to have and still are doing great on it. I'm sure you will get plenty of feedback on it. I'm sorry that you are having a hard time especially taking care of such a young child... I have been there so I feel for you. Please feel free to keep posting with any other questions you may have.

Take Care

_{Hugs, Des}

_{Moderator ~ IBS Forum}

_{"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it" - Mary Engelbreit}

^{Please help Healing Well continue to help others by donating https://www.healingwell.com/donate}

7Lil

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 3269

Posted 10/4/2005 9:08 PM (GMT -7)

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.

Please donate to help HealingWell continue to help us..... www.healingwell.com/donate

Shel1126

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 20

Posted 10/5/2005 7:11 AM (GMT -7)

Thanks for the info...While I don't wish this condition on anyone, I am glad to know that I am not alone! :) Thanks again!

Shel

sportsfanatic girl

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2005

Posts : 47

Posted 10/5/2005 7:37 AM (GMT -7)

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?

Shel1126

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 20

Posted 10/5/2005 9:15 AM (GMT -7)

Hi! Somedays it feels better as the day goes on. Other days, not so much...Especially if I have to go somewhere. I don't know if worrying about having an attack, brings one on? But it always seems that if I need to be somewhere, it will start literally as I am walking out the door....how many times I pulled the car out of the garage and parked it out front while I run back inside. I can't even make it out of the driveway! And alot of the time, nothing happens! Its just that pain and urgency! I also wonder if weight plays a part in it. I was always very thin until I became preg. I gained 70 lbs! over the two years since I had her, I have lost all but 15. I have noticed though that as I was losing the weight, my stomach felt a little better....It was as gradual as the weight loss. while I remember having problems throughout high school, it was never like it is now. The only thing I can think of that is different with me between then and now is the weight. I wonder.....
What meds are you taking? Anything to watch out for? Congratualtions on starting your career! I hope you have great success :)

Shel

bunnybabe

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2005

Posts : 263

Posted 10/5/2005 10:37 AM (GMT -7)

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

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

sportsfanatic girl

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2005

Posts : 47

Posted 10/7/2005 6:16 AM (GMT -7)

HI SHEL! I AM CURRENTLY TAKING ZOLOFT 50MG, ACIPHEX 20MG, AND DIGESTIVE ADVANTAGE DAILY. I ALSO TAKE BEANO WITH FOODS WHICH HELPS. I CAN TOTALLY RELATE WITH YOU about WHEN YOU KNOW YOU HAVE TO BE SOMEWHERE IT STARTS. I THINK IT'S THE BRAIN AND GUT DOING THE WORK. YOU GET STRESS AND NERVOUSNESS about IT. TRY TO RELAX AND TAKE DEEP BREATHS FROM YOUR DIAPHRAM. MAYBE IT WILL WORK. THAT'S WHAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO. ALSO, IN THE MORNING TRY AND PUT A HOT TOWEL ON YOUR STOMACH. IT SEEMS TO SOOTHE THE STOMACH.

Shel1126

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 20

Posted 10/7/2005 10:25 AM (GMT -7)

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

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