Newbie - Wonderful Board!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2006
Newbie - Wonderful Board!
11
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 6:10pm

Hello, Everyone!

This board is a blessing! Just when you think you've lost your mind, a bit of sanity comes your way!

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in January. I've probably had it for 10 years, but I didn't know what it was. Along with it, I've been suffering with IBS (w/diarrhea). Now I've found out that it's all linked together.

I thought I was all alone in this until I found all of you. **sigh** It's a big relief to see that I'm not suffering alone. Of course, I'm terribly sorry that all of you are suffering, also.

There are times when I'm afraid to leave the house because I worry about a flair up while I'm away from home. Being afraid to go out terrified me, until I saw that there are other people having the same problem. I find that sometimes I'll stop in the bathroom 4 or 5 times before leaving the house. Does anyone else have this problem? It seems like I get so worried about a flair up, that I'm causing them whenever I know I have to go out. I'm a preschool teacher, so I have to go out pretty much every day of the week.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to treat these little "episodes" that seem to be happening almost every morning lately?

Thanks so much for sharing. All of you seem so understanding -- and that's what I needed right now.

Hugs,
Donna

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 11:07am

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Thanks Donna and so glad you found us!


Not everyone here has Fibro, but I do and can empathize with you! I need to run out and do some errands, but wanted to welcome you before I get going. I will reply more fully later today, OK?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 3:36pm

Hi Donna, me again. Here is what works for me. With personal modifications, it might help you too.


I have found that I had to 're-train' my brain and body so that I'd be ready to go to the bathroom at a convenient time every day. Basically you need to find whatever food helps 'move' things along and be sure to eat it every single day. I trained my body to be ready early morning, so I try to eat an apple each evening; that works for me. In the morning, after I've been up for a short time and eaten something light (which helps get things moving along), I am able to 'take care of business' in a timely manner.


This didn't happen overnight, or even in a week. It took a while to get to this point, but now I can definitely feel the difference, especially if we travel or my schedule is messed up because I won't be able to go to the bathroom.


Any questions, please ask!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2006
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 7:40pm

Hi, Elise

Thanks so much for your welcome and reply.

Your advice is very much appreciated. However, my problem is more that I can't stop going to the bathroom rather than I can't get started. When I visit the bathroom 4 or 5 times every morning, I'm going all of those times. Sometimes I can't believe how much my body can produce! haha

Thanks, again, for your help and I look forward to keeping up with this board.

Hugs,
Donna :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 9:01pm

Hmmmmmmm, have you ever considered keeping a food journal, just to see if certain foods cause more problems than others? It might be worth a try because there may be a food, spice, something insignificant that keeps you 'going'!


I look forward to getting to know you, although I wish the circumstance was different! lol

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2006
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 5:28pm

Thanks, again, Elise!

I've just started a food journal during this past week, so, hopefully, it will point to some underlying cause.

Thanks so much for your help -- keep up the great work!

Hugs,
Donna :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 6:33pm

Gosh, thanks for the vote of confidence!


Here are some parts of articles that address foods that may help...


Here are some tips on how to cope with diarrhea.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2006
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 4:33pm

Thanks, Elise!

You're so helpful! I had no idea that oatmeal and wheat where acutally soluble fibers. See, I'm learning more and more while hanging around here! haha

If you have any more suggestions on "intestinally friendly" foods, I'd really appreciate them! Also, I'm looking for more info that I can read on IBS/with diarrhea and on colitis. Could you please steer me in the right direction?

I truly appreciate all of your help and understanding.

Hugs,
Donna :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 5:11pm

I will look for more info for you, but may not get to it today...I have a hubby that had a colonoscopy today...are all men big babies? lol

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2006
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 5:39pm

That's okay, Elise, you don't have to do it today - I understand.

Yes, I have to say that pretty much ALL men are babies! Mom always says, "They're all cut from the same cloth"! I didn't understand what she meant until I got married. ;o) Ya gotta love 'em, though! haha

I look forward to your response when you get time! Thanks!!

Hugs,
Donna :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Thu, 09-21-2006 - 8:46pm

Dh is back to a relatively 'normal' day, which equates to him being out of the house, allowing me more computer time! LOL


If you have any more suggestions on "intestinally friendly" foods, I'd really appreciate them!


Yogurt is an excellent food to keep your intestines from acting up. I don't care for yogurt on a daily basis, so I take acidophilus 3 times a day. For the maintenance dose

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