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Years of chronic GI distress - what else to do?
Hello all! I have had 50+ years of GI distress. I have come up negative for celiac disease and a few years ago had an inflamed large colin and passed blood, so they said it was a colitis attack; the only official diagnosis I've received is that I have IBS-C/D. I also have a mild to medium case of gastroparesis.
To summarize my symptoms, several times a month (and when I am really active, it can be several times a week), I have intermittent severe pain before bowel movements, long bathroom episodes, and constipation/diarrhea swings; sometimes the pain is so intense, I also vomit. I also suspect that I have motility problems. I don't seem to empty efficiently. After my GI distress episodes, I have a day or so of recovery and then back to norm. My "norm" could be semi-soft to hard bowel movements. If I don't have a regular, daily movement, I can be assured that "an episode" will be in my near future. It is horrible to live like this.
I thought I had been successful the last few months as I have given up Greek yogurt and read that certain "proteins" can be the culprit. I seemed to be doing well. Also was taking Benefiber and added 1/2 capful of Miralax daily -- this seemed to be working. But the last few weeks has been awful and I am now afraid to do anything.
Has anyone had symptoms like this, and what specialist and testing eventually identified the cause?
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I've worked with several GI and Ortho physicians on research into nickel allergies, and unfortunately, most Nickel allergies aren't documented. Hopefully, documentation will improve so we can do more research.
@cardinal26
Miralax can cause constipation for some people. Miralax takes fluid from the body to work and if your body doesn't absorb enough fluids Miralax can cause constipation. Some people's bodies has problems absorbing plain water. For me I get constipated if I use Miralax because my body doesn't absorb enough fluids.
Eating doesn't bother my symptoms. I have short bowel syndrome. I still can get constipated or have diarrhea but it's not related to what I eat.
I lived with Stomach issues for over 15 years. I can’t tell you how many outings I had to cancelled and friends I lost. I had every test that they could try and all were negative. There may be many doubters but until I did a parasite cleanse am I now living a normal life. I do have to say that I had been tested for those and came back negative. If this helps one person I will be pleased. I used an eye dropper of wormwood and black walnut everyday for 2 weeks, followed up by clove capsules. I figured if it worked great because I tried everything else.
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4 ReactionsHi cardinal26, have you kept a food diary? There could be food triggers. I assume you have explored the A-Z of IBS? Things like peppermint oil capsules, low FODMAP eating, the fiber in your diet (too much, too little).
Are you particularly busy/stressed prior to your problems starting? There is a huge brain-gut connection and a lot of literature on it.
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1 Reaction@murphy1231213
I read your post and felt a connection. I have had frequent BM for 3 years. Usually 4 ,from time I wake up till noon.
I’ve been to GI for over 1 year and all tests negative.
I would like to try the wormwood/black walnut dropperful but not sure where to buy it and what doses? And clove capsules?
Thank you!
Susan Perkins
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1 Reaction@soup1951
I have bought them at my local health food store but they also sell them on Amazon. The drops come with both ingredients together and I used Nature's Answer. I took it every morning in about 4oz of water. I started the cloves when I was finished with my 2 weeks. It changed everything for me. I will do it again in 6 months. I have tried everything before this. Good luck.
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1 ReactionHi @murphy1231213 - here are some articles on wormwood I found helpful, one being a published review from Annals of Gastroenterology:
- What Makes Wormwood a Powerful Yet Risky Herb?https://www.verywellhealth.com/wormwood-5082001
- Gastroprotective effect of Artemisia absinthium L.: A medicinal plant used in the treatment of digestive disorders https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4367210/
Here is another scientific publication on black walnut and GI issues:
- Walnut Consumption Alters the Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Microbially Derived Secondary Bile Acids, and Health Markers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622163248
And here is one on clove:
- Do Cloves Have Any Health Benefits? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-cloves
Most importantly of all, please be sure to check with your physician before using any of these substances to help with your gastrointestinal issues.
Thank you, I had done everything, so I was desperate that I just putting out there what finally worked for me. Absolutely no medical advice.
@lisalucier
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1 Reaction@murphy1231213
Thanks for your help!
Did you notice any side effects?
Susan Perkins
pehaje@icloud.com
@soup1951
Just a little stomach pain but I have that on and off for years.
I did notice things in my stools that were a little scary after the first week. But they cleared up. All I can say it was what worked for me.