I need the names / recomendations / experiences with maintenance drugs for IBS. Meaning - drugs I can take on a daily basis to prevent me running for the toilet at the drop of a hat or cramping up while I am trying to work.
I used to take Bentyl every morning - it worked GREAT!!! Until I took it for 4 years and my body became immune to it
Got any ideas? I go to the GI monday. I have been off Bentyl about 1 year....? Should I start it again?
You take all that and you still have D and urgency? Maybe you should up your calcium intake (if you're not already taking 1500 mg - then you can't up it).Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
Yikes! Sorry, Gawz. I guess the next step is an antispasmodic that works for you. Have you tried Digestive Advantage yet? It's not a miracle OTC but it has helped many. If you haven't tried it then you might as well - you haven't got anything to lose (except for $10 if it doesn't work).Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
Hi GAWZ, I have IBS-C so as far as recommendations for your symptoms, I can't help you too much there. I used to have D all the time and I abused Imodium which I would not recommend to anyone (Imodium is good, but I only suggest to use sparingly).
For D sufferers, I am curious about the new med Nulev that I think may be the newer version of Levsin. Its an oral disentegrating tab which is supposed to give fast relief. I haven't read up to much on it but some people that I have talked to that are on it have had some success (and they say it tastes pretty good too, minty). You may want to ask your doc :=)
Hugs, Des
Co-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
If you have bile in your diarrhea (burns, yellow in color)--which is espcially common in post-gall bladder people--get your G.I. to give you Welchol. It's a cholesterol medicine, but it binds up bile and keeps the bile from causing your dirrahrea. If bile's not causing your problem, though, it won't help a bit. I take it and calcium to keep myself almost normal.
Also, there's an expert on calcium running around here who has made previous posts. The type of calcium you take is important. If it has a lot of magnesium in it, it won't help. The recommended type is Caltrate 600 w/ vitamin D. It doesn't have too much magnesium in it (magnesium couteracts the calcium-induced consipation in normal people).
Oh, and I just read on MSN the other day that calcium can't be absorbed all at one time by the body; people who take it for bone health need to space out their doses over the course of the day. So you may play around with when you take your calcium. If you take it all at once, try a pill in the morning and one at night. OF course, it's the calcium that doesn't get absorbed that helps us, so you may want to try and take all of it at once right before that time of the day that you're sickest. Me, I take one before bed and one first thing in the morning because I'm sickest in the mornings. I keep some in my desk at work and take a third at lunch if I've been a bit "off" during the morning.
I just read on MSN today (can you tell I'm bored at work) that Vitamin D may help inflammation. They were studying it in regards to gingivitis, but that may be one of the reasons why the Caltrate 600 w/ Vitamin D helps us--the Vitamin D may help de-inflame the intestines.
Thanks for all the help guys. I was going to ask for Nulev for my flare ups. I think I need something as a "daily" helper - but I guess I will live with a "as needed" RX. I just used to be hooked on (I am serious - addicted) to Donatol. But I am off of it now.
Hello--I am new to IBS chat and really need some help. I've had IBS for YEARS and doctors have always said there's nothing they can do. My very worst symptom is gas. I fight it all the time! It is so embarrassing. I take two Imodium every morning and have a purse full of Maalox, etc. Can anyone help me?
Hi Butterfly, welcome to the board! I'm sure you will find this place as helpful and friendly as I have. I would suggest trying Beano before your first bite of food and/or Gas-X after your meal. Those 2 anti-gas OTC meds do wonders. Also, try staying away from gassy foods like leafy greens, cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, apples, and there are plenty more.... but I can't list them all. Keep posting! :)
Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
Hi Butterfly, Welcome to Healing Well!! I am gas queen here... lol (ok, I know everyone here is :) I am a Beano user and for me it seems like the only thing that helps me however a lot of people, including Lil, have success with Gas-X. The only thing that I can tell you is eliminate the gas when you can if that means going outside and taking a walk. The worst thing that you can do is try to hold it because it will make you miserable. When you get a chance, post a new thread introducing yourself, I'm sure a lot of people will relate to your situation.
Take Care :)
Hugs, Des
Co-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
hello~ I have my zelnorm scrip but I have been afraid to start it...wanted to wait until the weekend just in case I have a problem with it but I have been sick the past two weekends. So, I hope to start on Fri...any side effects to watch for initially? It really works wonders? I am so miserable and desperate with this...I feel like I am going to lose my mind sometimes! Thanks!
Shel, I'm sorry you haven't been well enough to start Zelnorm. Hopefully you will start feeling better soon. Try and relax and eat healthy. I think that is smart to wait until the weekend because it is possible to get D. I didn't get D, I got a headache instead. If you do get any of the side effects try to push through it, unless it is too terrible, then go off and consult your doctor. Zelnorm worked great for me. I have been on it for 8 months and I plan on staying on as long as my doc will let.Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
Thanks for the Zelnorm info. I am glad to hear that it works! Do you mind telling me exactly what it has done for you? Should I expect a cure?!! how has it helped you? thanks so much!!
