My husband has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). We never know what is going to trigger an episode. By epsode I mean abdominal cramps, and some heinous diarrhea. It hits within moments of eating. If he eats something one night and has no episode, we never know if two weeks later eating the exact same thing will send his system into fits of IBS. So there are no foods that we know to avoid. Heck, eating some nutter-butter crackers set him off tonight! Some evenings we can't even leave the house because a toilet has to be nearby.
It seems to be a mystery condition. His General Practitioner gave him some medicine to 'stop colon spasms', thinking that would help, but it has done nothing beneficial at all. I'm thinking we need to take him to a Gastrointerologist. But from what I've heard, there is just no cure.
Does anyone else out there have this, or lives with someone who has it. If so, what on earth can be done? It is miserable.
2006-07-05 17:36:22 · 4 answers · asked by momof2kiddos 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
The only advice I can offer is for him to take Immodium or Maalox. It helps with the diarrhea but not the stomach cramps, and can cause constipation if taken for a prolonged period of time. According to WebMD, anti-depressants may help with the stomach cramps.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/86/99279.htm is the URL for more information from WebMD.. it might give you some ideas for things he hasn't tried yet.
They recommend you do NOT take Zelnorm if you have IBS with diarrhea as Zelnorm is geared towards IBS with constipation and can aggrivate diarrhea symptoms, making it a lot worse instead of better. .
2006-07-05 17:47:47 · answer #1 · answered by Fallon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Zelnorm has helped some people. This disease is difficult to control. Even a cold environment can trigger an attack. Ask for a consult for a gastroenterologist. They may have more information on the latest research. I hope he can get better control over his attacks. Good luck and don't give up.
2006-07-05 17:45:59 · answer #2 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put a halt to pretty much the same problem with two patented supplements. One is a fantastic multi-vitamin and the other is a pro/pre biotic combo. As long as I remember to take them I have no problems what so ever.
2006-07-05 18:02:36 · answer #3 · answered by Know it all 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.aboutibs.org/treatment.html
http://www.aboutibs.org/
2006-07-05 17:53:39 · answer #4 · answered by bettyboop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋