Managing IBS and Gas: Relief Strategies & Support

Question
Hi Catherine,

I wrote to you back in March and you really helped me.  Thanks.

I am a 30 year old female.  I am overweight, I have Lymphodema, and have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  I have had a difficult time lately dealing with gas; pain, pressure, being uncomfortable.  The gas seems to be something that I am dealing with every day..and it is driving me crazy!  :)  

I am currently taking the following medications:  prescription birth control pill (Mircette);  a Diuretic (Triam/HCTZ) for swelling and a bit of high blood pressure; a multivitamin; over the counter gas medicine as needed; and Hyoscyamine which I take as needed for IBS symptoms.  I don't take the Hyoscyamine very often lately.  It is a medication that my dr prescribed that I place under my tongue and allow it to dissolve..and take as needed for IBS symptoms.  

Recently I was searching the internet and found a young woman that said her Gastro Dr told her to purchase Acidophilus for gas problems.  Do you know anything about this?  Does it interfer with other meds?  Does it work?  Will it make my symptoms more severe?  Is there anything for gas that you might suggest?  

I have been dealing with a lot of stress at work lately and understand that might be causing my IBS symptoms to be more severe.  But I really would like to not have to deal with them so often.  Thank you Catherine,

J  

Answer
J;

well i have IBS as well,i dont take anything for it. i decided i didnt need one more drug to take....i take some many as it is[16]!!!!!!!!!! a day;

you need to write down everything you eat,then you will see what is causing the IBS to react. and then you dont eat those ideas. make sure you drink enough water as well.
its all what you put in your mouth, which causes the problems. believe me soda is a bad thing.......

by eating the right foods and keeping stress under control,you can minimize the discomfort;

catherine;