Questions on IBS

[SandraCT]

I was told 10 years ago I have IBS after a colonoscopy. I went because of blood on stool but that was determined as hemorrhoids which I still have. Anyways, most of the last 25 years, I have had constipation. Once in a while diarrhea but usually Constipation. I started taking metamucil daily per my doctor's advice and have been pretty normal until this past Saturday. I have constant diarrhea. I'm afraid to eat or do anything. My lower abdomen feels sore sometimes. It almost feels like I have some kind of bug but I'm not sure if this could just be my IBS going in reverse. The thing is I'll have diarrhea, then when my stomach is totally empty, I am just passing mucus. It's like a yellow/orangy color. Almost what happened when I took the orange colored metamucil but I stopped taking that since I have chronic diarrhea. In addition to this, I have lots of heartburn/indigestion. Just wondering if this sounds like IBS. Thanks.

[Mothergoose]

You should go see a Dr. this dosen't sound right.

Metamucil is used for both D and C, so maybe you should still be taking it.

I really found the organge met caused my bladder to hurt, you might want to try and other one of them, they have one now called I think clear and simple.

The orange D is from the bile in your system. Even if this is a bug it has been going on long enough to have it checked out.

Goodluck MG

[SandraCT]

Thanks MG.
I'm actually feeling better today. I still have mild diarrhea, but the soreness in my abdomen has subsided. I think I may try the metamucil again. It does seem like I had a stomach virus. With IBS, my stool is always strange. When I take the metamucil it is very soft and sometimes like ribbons or rabbit pellets. I've pretty much been like that forever. I get colonscopies every 5 years and I'm due next year but I think I will have it checked sooner if I can. Thanks again for your reply.

[jenny2]

hi i know this post is old but i wanted to tell you that i also have ibs and have alternating constipation and diarrhea. i use metamucil also..

[Snowflakes]

I have been diagnosed tentatively with IBS in my teen years. I still get the alternating constipation and diarrhea with nausea, pain, bloating, etc. despite a healthy diet.

I have found better luck with stool softeners than laxatives. There is one marketed for women that you can mix in coffee, tea, or juice... I think its Restoralax? It's in a purple container and its a powder.. I found it at Wal-Mart. Metamucil always gives me terrible cramps and so does Ex-Lax.

I also started taking ground/milled flax when I have a flare up of constipation and it worked wonders. Only thing is you have to drink a lot of water with it. Also you have to be careful, especially males, because it can have hormonal side effects if taken in excess. I also don't know if its recommended for IBS patients, so might want to run it by your doctor first, if you haven't tried it before.

For diarrhea, I usually eat a banana and that helps a bit, and cheese of course, lol. I try to use foods as much as possible instead of supplements because I know its dangerous to rely on laxatives and hardeners all the time. But sometimes I just have to take the Immodium... It got so bad for a few weeks that I couldn't eat solid foods and ended up losing 20 lbs and getting so run down... This has happened a few times over the years actually.

Ok, I talk to much so I'll stop there, lol.

But I find the soreness happens after using most supplements except the Restoralax.