Help!! Does this sound like a flare up?

Nichole

New Member

Joined : Feb 2006

Posts : 2

Posted 2/8/2006 4:39 AM (GMT -6)

I'm really struggling here and could use some help. I've had IBS for about 5 years now (I'm 28) but it's been predominately with constipation and mucus in my stools. I gave birth 6 weeks ago and since then I've had a bit more diarrhea but just a small amount, every time I go to the bathroom, and there is no cramping or pain involved with it. Last night I had a ton of diarrhea about 3 hours after finishing dinner (take out Chinese) and continued to until my bowels were empty. I also woke up with it 2x's during the night. Today I've been very hungry but eating bland foods like bananas, toast, broth, crackers, and mashed potatoes as well as sipping water. After every time I eat, within 2 hours I'll get some cramping and diarrhea again. I even just took a small sip of water and had more diarrhea within 10 minutes of that. I had a stomach virus 3 weeks ago with severe diarrhea, cramping, and dry heaves that ended me in the ER with dehydration. My stomach hasn't been quite the same since then but it also hasn't been this bad until last night. I did have a rough day emotionally yesterday with some issues with post-partum depression and then had the Chinese food for dinner so I'm wondering if one or both of those things triggered a flare up. I've never had diarrhea predominent IBS, does this sound like a flare up? If so, does anyone have any suggestions on how to treat it or what I might try eating since everything is going right through me? How long do these flare ups usually last? I'm concerned about getting dehydrated again since even water triggers the diarrhea and I'm also nursing my 6 week old. I would GREATLY appreciate any help or input! Thanks so much.

dbab

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2004

Posts : 4151

Posted 2/8/2006 6:55 AM (GMT -6)

Hi Nichole,
Welcome to Healing Well :)
Your IBS symptoms may just be changing. In the 15 years that I have had this, my IBS has changed from IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea prodominance) to IBS-A (IBS alternating diarrhea and constipation) to IBS-C (IBS with constipation prodominance), now back to IBS-D again (whew!! LOL) Its very frustrating because when you finally learn to control your symptoms with your diet and medication/supplement regimine then BAM! everything changes. My biggest concern for you would be your dehydration especially since you had a problem with it before. IMO, diluted Gatorade helps a little better with it than plain water because Gatorade has electrolytes that you need to replenish your body. Are you on any fiber therapy, this helps to bulk up the stool but you need to introduce it slowly since it can cause intestinal gas in the beginning. Many people here find relief from calcium carbonate and/or probiotics. I'm sure many others will be on their way to wish you welcome and give you some more advice.
Take Care

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_{Co-Moderator ~ IBS Forum}

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Sarita

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2005

Posts : 2486

Posted 2/8/2006 12:55 PM (GMT -6)

Actually, it sounds as if to me you've nabbed yourself another viral or bacterial infection. Could be from that Chinese food...you never know with take-out! I am willing to bet it will subside within the next 12-24 hours. In the meantime, drink diluted Gatorade (diluting it helps to cut down the sugar, which can make diarrhea worse, while still giving you much-needed electrolytes) and don't eat until it passes! If it's not an infection, it could be that your IBS is simply changing course, like dbab suggested.

7Lil

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 3269

Posted 2/8/2006 1:04 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Nichole,
Welcome to HealingWell!

I hope you start feeling better soon.
Take care.

Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum

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Nichole

New Member

Joined : Feb 2006

Posts : 2

Posted 2/8/2006 1:28 PM (GMT -6)

Thanks so much for the input everyone! The diarrhea has subsided a bit since early this morning. I've had one bout of it after sipping water for a few hours and having half a piece of plain toast. I did call my dr's office and because I've had diarrhea 6x's today and am having symptoms of dehydration, they want me to come in so I have an appointment in a couple of hours. I also checked on the safety of Immodium while breastfeeding and if I need to take it, it should be okay. But if this is a viral or bacterial thing I don't want to take any so we'll see what the doc says. I do take acidophilus capsules and used to take fiber supplements but haven't for a couple of months. Thanks again for the help!

unhappycramper

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2005

Posts : 113

Posted 2/10/2006 12:05 AM (GMT -6)

Hello Nichole,

Welcome to our world.

I started having symptoms this past last August, and after my Colonoscopy,Upper/lower GI,and three blood tests to rule out any parasitic bug, My GI diagnosed me as IBS-C.

You will find that not all of us will eat the same foods,and that is very frustrating. Not only did the tests reveal IBS,but mild diverticulosis,and mild Gerd too.

I'm alway's trying to eat certain foods but for now. all carbonated drinks (mostly beer, becuz I was not a huge soda fan) No Aspartame sweetner,No Coffee,teas even herbal sets me off. No spicy foods,spices,garlic,cabbage,pasta sauce,spinach,brocolli,.....white rice,couscous,pasta,wheat bread because I may also be gluten intolerent...pretty much all the good stuff.

I have talked to people who have had IBS,but now drink coffee,and enjoy their old foods.

I recently had a fruit punch gatorade, after getting tired of drinking so much water,and that itself threw me off the edge with terrible cramping and tummy rumblings. My episodes sometimes last a few days. Then I'm afraid to eat. I lost 50 lbs since August.

Stress and Anxiety plays a BIG part. Try to relax.

Good luck with you and your little one,and take care of yourself and don't get too discouraged. This condition is not deadly,just a BIG inconvenience and life interuptus. I'm still trying to find my way back. A lot of this is trial and error on the foods. Maybe my problem is I'm eating the wrong foods that are not neccessarily the triggers for IBS, but the gerd and Diverticulosis. Bye.

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