IBS problems when going to bed

Posted by cadunkin @cadunkin, Jan 14, 2024

My 37 year old daughter has been diagnosed with IBS. She has done everything recommended by every specialist she has seen. She is now eating only a few different foods. Has anyone found anything that helps with cramping, gas & constipation during the night? Thank you everyone for any suggestions.

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Profile picture for qaaz @qaaz

My IBS lead me to my doctor. I did a poop sample testing for different parasites, etc. Everything came back okay. She sent me to a gastroenterologist. Of course, I'll have to have a colonoscopy. I told her my habit of prune juice. Anyone else? I've been taking a cup of prune juice every morning for years. I'm 76 and I think I started in my 30s? She told me to stop with the stimulants of coffee and prune juice. I myself, had suspected it might be the culprit. So I stopped. It led my body into a tailspin of constipation. So, I tried metamucil, anyone else. Long story short I'm still struggling. Don't think metamucil is going to help. I do, however think prune juice was the culprit. I'm now taking IBS clear and Emma. My stomach has really settled down I just have to figure out how to have regular bowel movements now. Would love to hear anyone's thoughts or similar situation perhaps.

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@qaaz, I’m 74 and I am not kidding, I started eating an apple every evening after dinner and it relieved my constipation, I feel truly blessed because I remember how agonizing it was to go through this, I’m very sorry that this doesn’t work for you except when you were younger, best wishes.

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Profile picture for standinginfaith @standinginfaith

I tried every thing and take one Trulance in the morning and a cap of MiraLAX in the evening.. also one VSL3 Probiotic.. drink 2 Vanilla Plant based Ensures a day (5mg fiber each) and eat one Thomas Multigrain English muffin a day. 8 mg fiber..no sucralose.. they whole wheat has sucralose.. a good gut bacteria killer.. and am going several times a day I hope this helps..prayers!!

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Thanks

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Profile picture for qaaz @qaaz

My IBS lead me to my doctor. I did a poop sample testing for different parasites, etc. Everything came back okay. She sent me to a gastroenterologist. Of course, I'll have to have a colonoscopy. I told her my habit of prune juice. Anyone else? I've been taking a cup of prune juice every morning for years. I'm 76 and I think I started in my 30s? She told me to stop with the stimulants of coffee and prune juice. I myself, had suspected it might be the culprit. So I stopped. It led my body into a tailspin of constipation. So, I tried metamucil, anyone else. Long story short I'm still struggling. Don't think metamucil is going to help. I do, however think prune juice was the culprit. I'm now taking IBS clear and Emma. My stomach has really settled down I just have to figure out how to have regular bowel movements now. Would love to hear anyone's thoughts or similar situation perhaps.

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Things to try for normal pooping:

Slippery elm inner bark powder, provides slip. I have it "all the time" with my food.
Raw kiwi at night (1-2). It acts as a stimulant. There is a study. It will be gentlier than prune juice/and has less sugar.
Magnesium at night
Cooked rhubarb (I have at night with the kiwi).
Easy to digest food (for you, that could mean not much constipating food, such as meat or cheese, etc.), gentle fiber (cooked veggies rather than raw may help).
Plain water. It is magical.
And check out the inexpensive Monash IBS Food App.
I do all of this and more.

Good luck!

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Profile picture for researchmaven @researchmaven

Things to try for normal pooping:

Slippery elm inner bark powder, provides slip. I have it "all the time" with my food.
Raw kiwi at night (1-2). It acts as a stimulant. There is a study. It will be gentlier than prune juice/and has less sugar.
Magnesium at night
Cooked rhubarb (I have at night with the kiwi).
Easy to digest food (for you, that could mean not much constipating food, such as meat or cheese, etc.), gentle fiber (cooked veggies rather than raw may help).
Plain water. It is magical.
And check out the inexpensive Monash IBS Food App.
I do all of this and more.

Good luck!

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The food suggestions are very helpful, I will definitely try. I cannot tolerate fiber supplements and too much water because I also have IC. Sauerkraut used to help with constipation also, but right now the only things that work are enemas and laxatives.

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Profile picture for qaaz @qaaz

My IBS lead me to my doctor. I did a poop sample testing for different parasites, etc. Everything came back okay. She sent me to a gastroenterologist. Of course, I'll have to have a colonoscopy. I told her my habit of prune juice. Anyone else? I've been taking a cup of prune juice every morning for years. I'm 76 and I think I started in my 30s? She told me to stop with the stimulants of coffee and prune juice. I myself, had suspected it might be the culprit. So I stopped. It led my body into a tailspin of constipation. So, I tried metamucil, anyone else. Long story short I'm still struggling. Don't think metamucil is going to help. I do, however think prune juice was the culprit. I'm now taking IBS clear and Emma. My stomach has really settled down I just have to figure out how to have regular bowel movements now. Would love to hear anyone's thoughts or similar situation perhaps.

Jump to this post

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions!
KZ

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Profile picture for researchmaven @researchmaven

Things to try for normal pooping:

Slippery elm inner bark powder, provides slip. I have it "all the time" with my food.
Raw kiwi at night (1-2). It acts as a stimulant. There is a study. It will be gentlier than prune juice/and has less sugar.
Magnesium at night
Cooked rhubarb (I have at night with the kiwi).
Easy to digest food (for you, that could mean not much constipating food, such as meat or cheese, etc.), gentle fiber (cooked veggies rather than raw may help).
Plain water. It is magical.
And check out the inexpensive Monash IBS Food App.
I do all of this and more.

Good luck!

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Postscript to my "Things to do for normal pooping."

My list reflects the fact that I cannot eat a large variety of foods. For folks that have a less sensitive gut, you can consider cooked foods like beans, sweet potatoes, green peas, leafy greens, carrots, beets, etc. In fact, more cooked veggies for some of your carbs, anything you like and can tolerate, are so much better for preventing constipation than what we are all "trained" to eat, such as overly-processed bread and sweets, candy, fried foods and frozen entrees. Cooking your own food can be simple, and it only takes 6-8 weeks to start changing your taste buds.

And consider whether any supplements or medications are constipating. I was very surprised to learn that Melatonin can be constipating, for example. Googling can help you learn of any constipating side effects.

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Profile picture for qaaz @qaaz

My IBS lead me to my doctor. I did a poop sample testing for different parasites, etc. Everything came back okay. She sent me to a gastroenterologist. Of course, I'll have to have a colonoscopy. I told her my habit of prune juice. Anyone else? I've been taking a cup of prune juice every morning for years. I'm 76 and I think I started in my 30s? She told me to stop with the stimulants of coffee and prune juice. I myself, had suspected it might be the culprit. So I stopped. It led my body into a tailspin of constipation. So, I tried metamucil, anyone else. Long story short I'm still struggling. Don't think metamucil is going to help. I do, however think prune juice was the culprit. I'm now taking IBS clear and Emma. My stomach has really settled down I just have to figure out how to have regular bowel movements now. Would love to hear anyone's thoughts or similar situation perhaps.

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hi I know that everyone is different but I am very careful with food after my small bowel obstruction operation last November. I have to watch constipation and here is what I do: teaspoon of Metamucil every day; one tablet of Senna and one stool softener every day; and one glass of Miralax every day. This works for me. If there is a problem I then have a glass of prune juice but only if there is a problem. Also I find lentil soup is very good to get things going. I know my regime would't be for everyone but it does work for me. And yes cooked vegetables are good too

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Profile picture for researchmaven @researchmaven

Things to try for normal pooping:

Slippery elm inner bark powder, provides slip. I have it "all the time" with my food.
Raw kiwi at night (1-2). It acts as a stimulant. There is a study. It will be gentlier than prune juice/and has less sugar.
Magnesium at night
Cooked rhubarb (I have at night with the kiwi).
Easy to digest food (for you, that could mean not much constipating food, such as meat or cheese, etc.), gentle fiber (cooked veggies rather than raw may help).
Plain water. It is magical.
And check out the inexpensive Monash IBS Food App.
I do all of this and more.

Good luck!

Jump to this post

Thanks so much for your input.

REPLY
Profile picture for qaaz @qaaz

My IBS lead me to my doctor. I did a poop sample testing for different parasites, etc. Everything came back okay. She sent me to a gastroenterologist. Of course, I'll have to have a colonoscopy. I told her my habit of prune juice. Anyone else? I've been taking a cup of prune juice every morning for years. I'm 76 and I think I started in my 30s? She told me to stop with the stimulants of coffee and prune juice. I myself, had suspected it might be the culprit. So I stopped. It led my body into a tailspin of constipation. So, I tried metamucil, anyone else. Long story short I'm still struggling. Don't think metamucil is going to help. I do, however think prune juice was the culprit. I'm now taking IBS clear and Emma. My stomach has really settled down I just have to figure out how to have regular bowel movements now. Would love to hear anyone's thoughts or similar situation perhaps.

Jump to this post

I too have IBS. I stumbled upon a product called EMMA It has very high ratings. It not only cleanses but restores the linings of your bowels. Perhaps you might want to try it also. They have a money back guarantee. I found the best pricing on Ebay. God bless you qaaz

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Profile picture for brotherchuckles80 @brotherchuckles80

I too have IBS. I stumbled upon a product called EMMA It has very high ratings. It not only cleanses but restores the linings of your bowels. Perhaps you might want to try it also. They have a money back guarantee. I found the best pricing on Ebay. God bless you qaaz

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Thanks for your comment. I have been taking Emma for almost a year now. I haven't felt very much relief from it at all. I'm now trying another one called IBS clear. We'll see how that goes. I'm glad that Emma works for you though.

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