Almost embarassed to ask this . . .

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Almost embarassed to ask this . . .
7
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 4:44pm

I have GERD and IBS. This question is related to the IBS.

My IBS problems are mostly diarrhea. I rarely have constipation. I take Detrol LA for a cystocele (in layman's terms my bladder bulges in my vagina). Believe it or not, the Detrol LA has really helped my IBS. I still have about 4 or 5 bowel movements a day. They are not diarrhea, but are still soft. After all of these years I have actually learned to live with this. My problem is that because I go so often and the BMs are soft, I do a lot of wiping and have become very irritated (burning and itching). I only use soft toilet paper. I have tried using the Charmin wet wipes, but the dampness seems to make things worse. I can't be the only one with this problem - can I? Does anyone know of a cream that would help me? Any suggestions would be appreciated. TIA.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 5:32pm

Welcome and thanks for asking! I also have this problem often and now that I researched it for you, I also have some answers. Here is a link to some info that might help, please let me know if you find it helpful, or need more links! From what I read, we might be causing a part of the problem, who would have guessed?


http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00453.html

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2003
Wed, 11-15-2006 - 4:14pm

I am new to this board, but I also have this problem. Honestly, the wet wipes really, really burn, so I don't use those. I know this is gross, but I put Vaseline around that area overnight (and sometimes during the day depending on the severity). It burns a bit at first (but not like the wet wipes), but after that, it feels so much better. I put it on some toilet paper and wipe it around "back there" and then go to sleep. I usually don't have to use the bathroom (except to urinate) during the night), so in the morning, it usually feels better.

Hope that helps.

Shannon

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 11-15-2006 - 5:22pm

Thanks for sharing what has helped you Shannon. Did you take time to read the link I provided? We sometimes can cause part of the problem by not allowing the area to 'dry', so be sure to check out the info, OK?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2003
Wed, 11-15-2006 - 6:09pm

Thanks for the link, and yes I did read it. Very interesting. I don't really have any itching, but I can see the relation. I have a burning sensation due to the dry skin and repeatedly using toilet paper to try to clean up the mess. I thought that's what the original poster was saying also. And I agree that being too wet there may cause it. That is why I also blow dry the area after showering (on low, cool setting of course!)...now I'm really embarrassed! When it is raw -- and it has gotten like that when I have multiple bouts of diarrhea in a short period of time -- the only thing that works for me is a little vaseline overnight.

Shannon

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 11-20-2006 - 8:33am
Thanks for that great link. The information is just what I was looking for. It's a big relief to know that it's not just me (although I don't like to see others suffer).
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 11-20-2006 - 8:34am
I hadn't thought of vaseline, but it's a perfectly logical thing to do. I have some in the house and am going to try it. Thanks.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-05-2006
Tue, 12-05-2006 - 6:43am
Have you ever thought of using maybe diaper wipes. They have some really good ones for sensitive skin and with aloe in it. This may help on the irritation. I have a problem with hemroids and using the diaper wipes really helps soothe the area. just a suggestion, hope all is getting better :)