Light at the end of the tunnel (updated)

So I have given the Dothep (50mg), Naturopathy and Imovane treatment a good 7 to 8 months now and I can actually say that there has been improvement. The pain used to feel like someone was stabbing me with a knife, and this occurred daily. Now that symptom is less often. Even the symptoms during my period have improved.

So I am definitely going to continue this treatment.

Unfortunately I still have daily symptoms but definitely a lot more tolerable. I am able to be much more active now and even am happy to go back to work part-time.

Hard to quantify something like this, but I will try. Overall I would say a 65% improvement.

My gastroenterologist wants me to take Dothep (50mg) for a minimum a year anyway. So far it has been 7-8 months.

I still have to take Imovane at times, because lack of sleep still does severely disrupt my days. I believe the Imovane helps to relax the gut muscles a little, which is probably why it helps. And also of course gives me a good nights sleep. Please do not take Imovane every night. You will get addicted to it.

I am also still taking the Naturopathy medicine. Some in the morning and some in the evening. I believe this also helps to sooth the gut. The naturopathy liquid remedy includes the following:
- Gentian
- Worm wood
- Melissa
- Mentha
- Matricaria
(Unfortunately I am unaware of the quantity levels of each item).

My diet remains simple. Only eat easy-to-digest foods. No red meats. Avoid chilly, onions and fried foods. Do not eat too much sugar at any one time. Small meals at a time. Avoid preservatives, and other chemicals. No msg. Eat vegetables. Porridge every morning is a good idea if you can have gluten. Stay warm and comfortable. Learn how to relax (I play guitar and computer games). Go to the park when the weather is nice. Stay away from toxic environments if you can.

Because healing is soooooo slow I probably will not write again for another 6 months. I do not believe I can add much value in between.

xoxo
Shikz

Dothep (Dothiepin) & Imovane

I realise that I haven't written in some time. I apologise. I was just trying to give my current treatment a decent amount of time before I commented.

Before, however, I discuss about results I would like to mention that a gastroenterologist analysed my situation and condition and believes that there really isn't anything seriously wrong. It is more leaning towards a miscorrelation of functionality within the gut and the nerves within the gut. Basically my gut isn't reading the signals correctly. So he prescribed me to take a medication called Dothep (aka Dothiepin).

Dothep is an anti-depressant. He gave me a low dose (25mg) to take nightly. The purpose is to take the edge off and numb the pain. This medication has been around for a long time. I have been taking it for over a month now and so far, unlike Endep, it has not aggravated the symptoms. Whether it is helping in any way I cannot tell.

In addition to the Dothep and naturopathy treatment I occasionally take a medication called Imovane (7mg). It's a sleeping pill that I only take around 3 times a month when absolutely required. In honesty I usually require it during my period because the pain is enormously intolerable during that time. Warning: if you take this drug be extremely careful because it is highly addictive. If you take it every night over a lengthy period guaranteed that you will not be able to fall asleep on your own without it if you tried. This is why I only take it when I absolutely need to, a backup, and I am thankful for it because if, on top of aggravating intolerable pain, I do not get sleep the pain and symptoms only get worse. IT IS A VICIOUS CYCLE. So the Imovane at least helps to break that cycle when needed.

So...

Currently treatment includes Naturopathy, Dothep and Imovane. So far, out of all the treatments I have tried over the past 4 years, this combination appears to be helping. Of course, wish I could say right now that I feel completely normal and absolutely am pain free.

*Takes a deep breath*

I will remain patient, and a little hopeful.

Note to self: probably not the best idea to write posts at 1am in the morning.

Shikz

Leaky Gut Syndrome, Damaged Microvilli, Magnesium Deficient, Parasites

Ok, so recently, a few days ago, I went to see a different naturopath. Although my previous naturopath was good after following her guidance for 4-5 months I noticed no improvement so figured time to move on.

I have an aunty who went through something similar to myself when she was in her 20's for 10 years. She recommend I go see her naturopath. She claims her naturopath cured her. So I decided to give it a go.

This naturopath was extremely busy. Managed to get an earlier appointment due to a cancellation, otherwise I would have to wait over a month to see her. She is also very expensive, but hey, if I get better it will be all worth it.

During the appointment she was very professional and explained everything. She had a look at my iris and even showed me a chart similar to this:

Through her analysis she found that I could possibly still have parasites that were not detected previously, that I have leaky gut syndrome where my microvilli are damaged and that I am magnesium deficient.

Here is a great article explaining Leaky Gut Syndrome:
http://scdlifestyle.com/2010/03/the-scd-diet-and-leaky-gut-syndrome/

So she has given me some magnesium supplements to take twice daily, some slippery elm capsules to make sure it hits the gut and a composition of mixed liquid herbs that is, well, disgusting. But if it's that digusting its gotta be good for you right? She also gave a time frame of 3 months like they all do, so am a little skeptical.

If she is correct with this diagnosis that would explain a lot that other practitioners have failed to provide explanation for. So fingers crossed that this works.

Extra note. In regards to the magnesium deficiency, I did recently get a blood test which showed no signs of a magnesium deficiency, however, she mentioned that pathology can only test levels from the blood stream and not levels from the blood in the muscle where magnesium is pivotal. The deficiency she noticed from the muscle, not the blood stream.

So I guess I will see how things are in three months time. I have slight hope, but of course, because I have done so many treatments now, I am not expecting much.

Melbourne Indian Mandaps

Hey Guys,

Ok, this is unrelated, but I recently created a website…

http://www.melbournemandaps.com

For those getting married check out this website. The family is starting a small business.

Short description:

We pride ourselves in providing simple, elegant and stylish Mandaps for Indian weddings across Melbourne. Our focus is on providing the freshest flowers at an affordable price. These flowers, depending on season, come in a range of colours to compliment the theme of your wedding. If you are looking for something simple your Mandap can just be decorated with customised soft drapings with a few bouquets of flowers. 

Our services also include fresh flower wedding garlands.

Our fresh flower Mandaps start from only $1,500. Please give us a call for a free quote.


Below is an example of a beautiful red and white fresh flower with red drapes and bouquets Indian mandap created by Melbourne Mandaps. It's 3x3 metres. I forget the height. 

Stelbid

Ok, so I have tried Stelbid a few times, on an as need basis, and noticed that it didn't really do anything for me. Let me give you some information on Stelbid.

Firstly you cannot buy Stelbid in Australia. My father picked some up for me from India.

The ingredients include Isopropamide Iodide and Trifluoperazine and is largely used for gastrointestinal disorders.

Isopropamide is an anticholinergic which block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Pretty much they help reduce spasms in the gut.

Trifluoperazine is an antiphsychotic that blocks receptors in the brain's dopamine pathways and also act on serotonin receptors. So this I guess helps with the pain levels and emotional side of things related to the gut.

My doctor informed me to just take as a need to basis. So when I was feeling bad I should take the medicine. So I tried that about 4-5 times and noticed no improvement in symptoms.

It has been a while since I have given you an update on symptoms. Currently I am still in pain everyday, mainly mornings and evenings, but the afternoons get their fair share of pain at times. So basically, have I improved much? I would say no. Although my diet does help a little, I am not close to being cured.

:(

Foods to Avoid

Hi Guys,

Thought I'd just give a bit of an update. So the website www.ibs-experiment.com now has a forum so we can all share our stories and treatments. I'll implement soon on the website a Recipes page. Some good recipes that are gentle on the digestive tract. Feel free to share some of your recipes as well. Am more than happy to put them onto my website.

I'm finding Gut Relief to be quite good. Although I still get pain and discomfort everyday the overall intensity has seemed to lessen a bit. Hopefully by summer I'll be much better and will be able to actually enjoy my summer. Haven't been to the beach in ages!

So yeah, back to topic. Thought I'd mention foods that I avoid.

Red meats
Alcohol
Caffeine
Fried foods
Chilly foods
As much sugar as a can because it feeds bad bacteria. I can't resist so I do eat a little chocolate, but only a spoon of Nutella from time to time.
Lentils
Cabbage
If I eat fruit I only eat a little at a time, such as half an apple instead of the full apple
Processed foods such as packet pasta

Basically what most of it comes down to is that I never eat a large amount of one item in one sitting. For example a pasta dish, I'll have a little pasta with a decent amount of vegetables and salad. This rule I've given for myself seems to be helping. It helps to avoid those crazy horrific pain attacks.

xoxo

Stop telling me I'm too thin

Because of my IBS I have no choice but to stay on a very restrictive diet, not unless I want large amounts of abdominal pain. As such I cannot eat all those foods that help one to gain weight and I can't eat large amounts at any given time. I can't eat fried foods, or lots of chocolate, or lots of hot chips, but I can assure you, sometimes there's nothing more I want to do but to eat those things. Daily I have to stop myself because I know the consequences of eating those types of foods, and that's a lot of physical agonising pain. So when people tell me that I'm too thin and need to gain weight, I'm sorry, but please shut your big gob. I've already got problems, I don't need additional personal self image loathing mind disabilities either, like BDD. Now whenever I look in the mirror all I see is ugly and too skinny. So please please please stop commenting on my weight. It's not helping.

And that's my rant for the day.

Cheers :)

Mindfulness Meditation

Ok, so I just completed a course of mindfulness meditation. The course lasted for 8 weeks with weekly sessions and I do recommend doing this sort of course even if you are healthy because it can also help with anxiety, stress, insomnia, and general well being. Alternatively, any meditation is good for you and won't hurt in the slightest. So if you don't want to commit to an 8 week course, that's cool. Maybe just try going to one open session. Some places may even provide for free.

Here's a little bit of information on mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness meditation has been practised for centuries in the East. The benefits of this practise has now been recognised by the West, and, in particular, in certain medical settings for those with a chronic illness.

A chronic illness is for life. Learning strategies to emotionally manage the ups and downs of the illness can assist in recovery.

Learning strategies to manage stress encountered in day-to-day living has been shown through much research, to aid in the management of symptoms.

The program has demonstrated for many years, after rigorous evaluation, that ongoing practise, using Mindfulness Meditation as an anchor to Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, can be effective in the management of depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and, disordered eating: conditions which are often associated with trauma, chronic and gastrointestinal disorders.

Mindfulness-based program offers developing skills and knowledge, by direct experience and practise, to cultivate attitudes of:
- Patience
- Compassion for oneself
- Open-mindedness
- Gentle persistence
- Being in a different relationship with one's thoughts and feelings

Naturopathy

Update 5/4/2015
My naturopathy regime has changed. I ended up with a different naturopath that appears to be more attuned to my requirements. Please refer to http://shikzblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/leaky-gut-syndrome-damaged-microvilli.html for further information.

Update 15/7/2013
Ok so still taking naturopathy. I don't mind taking it on a long term basis because it's all good for you regardless on whether you are unwell or healthy. Slight changes to what I'm taking:

- Just before breakfast and dinner I take Nutrition Care Gut Relief. Here's a link to detailed information about the ingredients. http://www.vitalityandwellness.com.au/Nutritional-Supplements/gut-relief-compound. I believe this helps to repair cell damage and reduce inflammation.

- After every meal I take a herbal tea. At the moment the tea just consists of peppermint and chamomile, but before I took a tea which had ginger, peppermint, chamomile, marshmallow (not the candy :P), and lemon balm. That was a very nice tea and all very safe to take.

- With breakfast I'm taking one Thompson's Kava tablet. Here's some info on Kava. http://thompsonsnutrition.com.au/kava/index.html. It's meant to help with stress and anxiety. Apparently meant to help numb the inside a little as well.

- Before bed I'm taking Symbiotique Probiotics in powder form. I just take it with water. It's got a good strain of probiotics. Better than tablets and yakult.

I'm still symptomatic daily but sometimes I feel that it is becoming a little more tolerable, except for of course around that time of month. So hopefully with continuing with what I'm doing things will gradually get better. *Fingers crossed*

Update 10/6/2013
So I've been taking the naturopathy treatment for about a month now. I do believe that the treatment is helping to calm things down a little, but I still have daily symptoms.

There's been a slight change from what I was taking previously. I'm still taking probiotics, herbal tea, Lavandula and fennel drops. The only change is that I've currently stopped taking slippery elm and taking a product twice a day called 'BioMedica EnteroCare' instead, which consists of the following ingredients:

Glutamine
Slippery Elm
Apple Pectin
Prebiotics
Probiotics

My understanding is that this product is meant to help aid in the recovery of damaged cells. Apparently it helps to reduce healing time after operations.

I saw a gastroenterologist recently and he pretty much said that in cases of post infectious IBS the first two to three years is bad and usually after this time symptoms start to improve. All you can do in the interim is attempt to take products, such as herbal teas, relax and follow special diets to try to relieve symptoms until the body neutralises.


2/5/2013
I started to see a naturopath a few weeks ago and she put me on a treatment to assist with healing my digestive tract, improving my strength and reducing my anxiety and depression. After a few weeks I actually think that I'm starting to feel a little better. It's still early days but severity of pain has seemed to lessen. There's still a bad flatulence level, but she mentioned that with time that will improve as well.

I am taking the following naturopathic treatment:
1. BioCeuticals Symbiotique probiotic powder upon waking and before bed
2. Slippery Elm before each meal
3. Customised herbal tea after each meal
4. Nutri Medicine Lavandula compound before bed
5. Fennel drops

The probiotic is to help improve gut flora. Even though I was taking yakult everyday this is a stronger probiotic. Not as strong as VSL#3, but more for taking long term. And because you're taking one teaspoon morning and night you're saving a lot of money as it lasts longer.

The inner bark of the slippery elm tree has been used as a herbal remedy for centuries. Native Americans traditionally used slippery elm in healing salves and poultices for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation. On contact with water, slippery elm powder becomes mucilaginous (slimey, gel-like) in texture which accounts for the majority of its medicinal properties. It has demulcent (soothing) actions on all mucous membranes, including those of the digestive tract, urinary and respiratory tract and also soothes the skin on contact. It also has astringent effects, tightening the surfaces on which it contacts, providing an effective barrier to bacterial infection and alleviating diarrhoea. Slippery elm is also rich in nutrients and can be used as a gruel for infants, invalids and patients with intestinal inflammation.

The customised herbal tea consists of zingiber officinale, mellissa officinal, mentha piperita and althaea officinale. Similar to Iberogast but stronger, and apparently better for the digestive tract when taken in tea form. It's used to assist the food to digest and reduce gut spasms. It also has healing properties.

Lavandula Compound is designed to naturally help relieve the symptoms of nervous tension, stress and anxiety. It is also a mild sedative and assist with a better nights sleep. I believe this is prescription only.

Fennel is used to reduce flatulence and aid in digestion.

So I will continue taking this treatment. It definitely hasn't had a negative impact so far. Will inform you of progress after a months time.

Motilium for Gastroparesis

3/5/2013
Future Update

I would have to say that Motilium has not really been effective for me. I have now reduced to taking once a day before dinner and will eventually stop altogether. I have recently started a naturopathic treatment which actually seems to be helping a little so far. Please see my post on Naturopathy for further details.


29/3/2013
Motilium (a.k.a. Domperidone) is an antidopaminergic drug and used generally to suppress nausea and vomiting, as a pro kinetic agent and for promoting lactation.

There is some evidence that domperidone has antiemetic activity. Domperidone is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting. In Italy it is also used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as for hiatal hernia.

Domperidone has also been found effective in the treatment of gastroparesis, a stomach motility condition, and for paediatric gastroesophageal reflux (infant vomiting).

So I've been taking Motilium for about three weeks now for my gastroparesis. Good news is that there hasn't been any negative side effects. Problem is symptoms do not appear to be improving much at all.

I plan to take it for another month to see if it helps in any way, but to be honest, I was sort of expecting to see results straight away. Perhaps I need to give it a little time.

I'm Engaged!

I realise to some that this may be off topic, but in a way, it isn't. IBS can take over a person's life for years, and although it currently has stopped me from socialising, working and dancing, it hasn't changed me as a person. I still have my views and opinions, my beliefs and scepticism, and my love and admiration for my partner. And despite the limitations, frustrations, hatred and disappointments related to this illness there is still a little light glowing in the darkness. No matter how unworthy you think you are there are others out there that think otherwise.

I hope for all those suffering, despite the difficulties, that you do manage to find a little happiness.

xoxo
Shikz

New IBS Website!

12/01/13

Oops, forgot to update. The website is working just fine. It is very informational and has a forum for discussion.
______________________________________________________
23/4/13

Ok, there is something technically wrong with the website. It's stopped working for some reason. Will need to look into it. However, you can still visit for information relating to different available treatments for IBS.

The data collection process is what's causing me a little grief.

Will keep you posted to when it is fixed.

Shikz

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Guys,

Ok, so the website I have been working on is up on the internet. The link is below.

www.ibs-experiment.com

It's still not 100% complete, but it's getting there.

Grabbed the following info from the website:

This website aims to gather the knowledge and experience from each individual that currently has or have had IBS by creating a database of information on treatments that are most effective and plot this information into a visual graph available for the public. 

FYI, the website currently does not have enough data yet, but I would really appreciate it if people would go visit and contribute wherever they can.

You can write comments on each of the different treatments, submit answers or even make any requests or recommendations by simply writing to admin@ibs-experiment.com.

I want this website to be for the people so any idea or contribution is welcomed.

Thanks,
Shikz

Enzymes low, Gastroparesis & Hypersensitivity

30/3/2013
I tried digestive supplements for only 4-5 days because they seemed to make symptoms worse, so I stopped them immediately.

6/2/2013
Yes, I am still suffering on a daily basis. Wish I could provide those who are suffering with better news.

Is this difficult to cope with? Definitely. Have I had enough? OMG yes! Is this ever going to end? Wish I knew.

Rewind

About a month ago I caught up with my Gastroenterologist to discuss the results of my colonoscopy and he did find something. My enzyme levels were low in lactase, sucrase and maltase. These enzymes are important because they help to digest the foods.

In addition to the colonoscopy I went through a Gastric Emptying test. This test found that my rate of digesting liquids and solids took roughly double the time of an average person. In other words I have Post Infection Gastroparesis. Yeah, I didn't know something like this existed either. And yes, it does explain why I have so much gas because the food is staying in me for longer and fermenting longer.

The low enzymes and gastroparesis go hand in hand. I'm sure that if my enzyme levels increases my rate of digestion would increase as well. My homeopath and dietition recommended that I take enzyme supplements for a little to aid in my digestion until my body goes back to normal. Makes sense. Could give this a try. Might help? Only one way to find out.

So after every single test I have done, and I have done A LOT, I believe I have come to the conclusion of the specifics of what is currently wrong with me. 

1. My enzyme levels are low

2. My bacteria is imbalanced

3. I have post infection gastroparesis (the rate of my digestion is too slow)

4. I have oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus) / acid reflux

5. I have hypersensitivity in the gut (e.g. [analogy] someone decided to bleach their teeth too much and as a result their gums nerves became very sensitive so whenever they ate something it hurt)

I guess all of this equates to IBS in a nutshell? Have I solved the riddle of IBS?

So now that we've figured out everything that is wrong. What can we do to fix this?

 1. Take enzyme supplements and continue with homeopathy (which is meant to aid in enzyme balance)

 2. Keep eating yogurt and/or yakult everyday, or some other probiotic

 3. Hopefully when enzymes are balanced this will increase rate of digestion, but in the interim do the following:
 - eat 6-8 meals a day
 - eat slowly and always have a single course only
 - small early light dinner - chew food thoroughly
 - soft to liquid consistency meals will digest easier
 - soft well cooked meats such as fish, and chicken
 - eat small amounts of hight starch foods such as rice, bread and pasta
 - eat fruit, vegetables and salads - soups are proven to cause less bloating than solids
 - drink Ensure Plus 2 or 3 times a day (Ensure plus is a liquid supplement drink full of vitamins and minerals that aid in health, strength and immunity and is easy to digest)

 4. Take somac everyday

 5. Try to avoid stress as much as possible

With the above, if you have IBS I'm not suggesting that you go out and start eating enzyme supplements, but it might not hurt to discuss with your doctor the possibility of having low enzymes, bacteria imbalance, gastroparesis, etc.

I hope that this information has been helpful for some people and I hope that it will help towards putting an end to the suffering.

Shikz

P.S. I'll let you know how the enzyme supplements go. I haven't started to take them yet. Will start within the week.

On the Mend: Status 4

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

 I hope that you all had a wonderful christmas and new years despite all the abdominal pain and discomfort. :|

 Thought I would keep everyone in tune as to progress since it's been a while since I last wrote.

 So I've been on Homeopathy medicine for about 5 months now. Alas, I still experience pain every day, so do I believe that it's working? After such a long time most likely not, will be honest, but I'm still taking the homeopathic treatment. It's not making it worse so I guess I have the slightest hope that it may be doing something. False hope perhaps?

 My boyfriend believes that I'm getting better, however, I can't tell anymore. I guess it's just been so long and so much suffering that I no longer can distinguish anything anymore. I probably already mentioned this before, that I probably won't be able to tell if I'm getting better until the pain completely disappears. Perhaps Glen is right, it's only a matter of time. No treatment will provide relief.

 I know, probably not the answer you're looking for.

 It is bizarre really. I did have a colonoscopy performed and the specialist checked for everything, but nothing was found. Amazing how nothing can cause so much pain and distress. Makes no sense, yet it exists. And there's my 2 seconds of D&M.

 Despite the negative news, which I apologise for, I do intend to continue working towards a solution, even if it is just a matter of time. Keep in mind though that all the treatments I've tried may not necessarily be very effective on me, but may be effective on you.

 I am currently in the process of creating a website. The idea of this website is to see which treatments people have tried which are most effective for the majority. Sort of like a stats website for IBS treatments. I'll let you know when the site is ready. I'm hoping the information gathered will be useful in the future for others and myself suffering from IBS.

Homeopathy

30/3/2013
Ok, so I've been taking homeopathic medicine for about 5 months. I still suffer daily symptoms, however, symptoms have seemed to lesson a little. Having said that that may not have been the result of taking the homeopathic medicine. It could be a combination of good diet, rest, vitamin and mineral supplements, some conventional medicine and time.

Initially when I saw the homeopath he said the treatment will take three months. Five months later and there wasn't much improvement. To me that is an indication that the treatment is not working and it's time to move on.

30/10/2012
Ok, so along with Iberogast I decided to also start homeopathy, which I started on 9th September. I started Iberogast mid August, but after a month I didn't really feel much different so I thought adding homeopathy to the mix wouldn't hurt. I already knew that homeopathy was safe from research. First I'll give you a little explanation of what homeopathy is and then mention the additional things I have been doing recommended by the homeopath.

Homeopathy
Reference: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Homeopathy


Homeopathy (or homoeopathy) is a holistic system of medicine based on the theory of treating ‘like with like’. It claims to stimulate the body’s own healing response to disease, using specially prepared, highly dilute preparations. Homeopathy claims to treat the symptoms of a wide range of illnesses including allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever, headaches, stress and respiratory infections. 

The cornerstone of homeopathic philosophy is the ‘Law of similars’. This law or principle is based on a long-held belief (by ancient healers like Paracelsus) that substances that produce symptoms in a healthy individual can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person. Modern homeopathy was founded in the 18th century by a German physician, Dr Samuel Hahnemann.

An example of this principle is coffee. Coffee can aggravate some people who are sensitive to its stimulating effects. These people may experience increased mental and physical alertness, along with an exaggerated response to stimuli. People who present at a homeopathic clinic with symptoms of insomnia, headache, irritability and an overstimulated nervous system may be prescribed a dose of Coffea cruda,which has been prepared according to homeopathic principles. Practitioners believe that this will settle the symptoms of insomnia in these people.

Homeopathic medicines are made from a variety of sources, such as plants, animals and minerals. They are prepared according to strict guidelines set out in international pharmacopoeias. Homeopathic medicines are considered safe and free from serious adverse reactions.

Sometimes symptoms may temporarily get worse before they get better. This ‘aggravation’ of symptoms can be part of the homeopathic treatment. However, you should tell your homeopath if you have these reactions. Your homeopath may refer you to a doctor or other healthcare practitioner if necessary.

Additional

In addition to taking the homeopathy I am still taking Iberogast three times a day. I was also told to take fresh coconut water daily. I drink about half a coconut a day because I am quite petite and read that too much coconut water can have a laxative effect, something I really want to avoid. 

The homeopath also told me to eat some raw carrot after dinner every night. This is meant to help improve the enzymes in my stomach somehow. I don't understand the specifics.

He mentioned to eat alfalfa sprouts daily, which I do not do. I should, but it is all just a bit too much for me.

He mentioned to not eat too much protein, which makes sense because red meat is hard to digest. Well for me it is. I've always found it a bit tough to eat too much red meat so I am currently avoiding red meat and have reduced drinking Sustegen daily to two to three times a week.

I'm not allowed to drink large amounts of liquid (inc. water) during or just after a meal. Not sure why. Maybe to reduce bloating? I'll ask the homeopath next time I see him. 

He also mentioned to avoid onions and garlic, which is also mentioned in the FODMAP Diet.

Light exercise is recommended, not heavy exercise. For example, something like yoga.

I am also still taking Activia every day, which he has encouraged. It also doesn't hurt to eat foods rich in folic acid (folate), such as spinach, broccoli, papaya, corn, etc. Research has shown that folic acid has a role in the prevention of colon cancer. Patients with the inflammatory bowel condition ulcerative colitis are particularly at risk for colon cancer, and folic acid may play an even greater role of protection for this group. Cervical cancer prevention can also substantially benefit from folic acid supplementation. The vitamin can also prevent esophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancer.


Refer to http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/folic-acid-foods/ for details on foods with folic acid.

Hmmm, what else? That's all I can think of at the moment. The homeopath said it would take about three months of treatment to fix me up. I am both hopeful and skeptical because I do not want to keep my hopes up too high. I am tempted to give an update of my progress but I want to give it another month.

How to Understand Someone With Chronic Pain

So I came across this article in wikiHow and I thought that it pretty much hit the nail on the head. It explains what a chronic pain sufferer is going through very well and says the things that I find difficult to say to family and friends.

http://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Someone-With-Chronic-Pain

I would definitely recommend to read it if you are a chronic pain sufferer, like myself, and to also share it with those near and dear to you.

Iberogast

FUTURE UPDATE 5/3/2015
I changed to a different naturopath. Please go to: http://shikzblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/leaky-gut-syndrome-damaged-microvilli.html. The current Naturopath I am seeing is more experienced and her remedies are helping more than the previous naturopath. It might also help to check out http://shikzblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/dothep-dothiepin-imovane.html and http://shikzblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/light-at-end-of-tunnel.html for a complete treatment plan for severe IBS.

FUTURE UPDATE 23/4/2013
I've just recently started to see a naturopath. Because she has given me some herbal remedies I feel it is unnecessary to continue with Iberogast, especially considering that it did not really have an impact on me. Refer to post "Naturopathy" for further information.

Don't forget to check out www.ibs-experiement.com for a complete online database of information relating to IBS. Everything from this blog plus additional information. It also includes a support forum where you can write and ask questions relating to IBS anonymously.

Future update (1/3/2013)
Ok, so I've been taking Iberogast for 6 months now, and unfortunately I still have daily symptoms. Perhaps my case is too severe for Iberogast to have much of an impact. I will still continue to take it, it can't hurt, but it does not appear to be helping much in my situation.


Posted 19/8/2012
Hey guys,

So my bf's mum came across this product called Iberogast which is meant to assist in the treatment of IBS and dyspepsia. I've taken it for about a week now with not much of a change, but I believe to get the full benefits you probably need to take it for at least 2 - 3 months. For some people, maybe even longer. But the good thing about this product is that it isn't too expensive and no known side effects, so it's safe to take long term.

There does seem to be quite a few good reviews on this product on Amazon.com. Lots of people seem to be happy so I am a little hopeful. Fingers crossed. Please please please work.

Here are some details:

http://www.flordis.com.au/pages/products/iberogast.php

What is Iberogast?

Iberogast^® (STW 5) is specifically clinically proven for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms and dyspepsia (heartburn and indigestion). It is a liquid formulation of 9 herbal extracts and has demonstrated proven efficacy in 19 clinical trials. Iberogast has been used for over 50 years by 25 million patients worldwide, in 17 countries. In Germany where Iberogast was developed, there are over 6 million bottles sold each year.

What is Iberogast used for?

Iberogast is a specifically clinically proven natural medicine which

• may assist in the management of non-specific dyspepsia e.g. heartburn, nausea, bloating, stomach pain and cramping
• assists in the management of symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as irregular bowel function, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping.

Iberogast offers all-round relief for:

• Heartburn/acid reflux
• Stomach pain/cramping
• Indigestion
• Bloating, gas
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Fullness
• Early Satiety
• Nausea

Taking Iberogast

Iberogast has been shown to be very well tolerated in numerous clinical trials and post marketing surveillance including over 42,000 children under the age of 12. There are no special warnings or precautions required for the use of Iberogast.

• No known side effects
• No known interactions between Iberogast and other medications
• No known contraindications and no documented cases of overdose

Unless advised by a health care professional, Iberogast should not be taken during pregnancy or by breastfeeding mothers due to lack of clinical evidence in these patient groups. However, many years of therapeutic experience has shown no harmful effects for mothers or their children.

Dosage and Directions for Use

Iberogast is taken 3 times a day before or with meals, in a small amount of warm water (or mixed with another drink of your choice, preferably not chilled). Shake the bottle before use.

Adults and children over 12 years - 20 drops

Children 6 to 12 years - 15 drops

Children 3 to 6 years - 10 drops

Children 3 months to 3 years - 8 drops

Babies under 3 months - 6 drops

A dropper is already in place within the neck of the bottle for your convenience.

Flordis encourages you to discuss your health needs with your doctor, natural healthcare practitioner or pharmacist.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, patients should consult their healthcare professional.

FAQ

Is Iberogast tolerated by infants and children?

Yes. It can be taken mixed in with water or juice, preferably not chilled and applied with a pipette for small children.

Does Iberogast contain alcohol?

Yes, Iberogast contains alcohol and as such patients with illnesses related to alcohol should avoid Iberogast. It should be noted however that there is more alcohol in a glass of apple juice than in 4 times the adult dose of Iberogast.

Can Iberogast be used in coeliac disease?

Yes. Iberogast is gluten free.

Is Iberogast safe for long-term use?

Yes.

If you go to the Find A Practitioner tab above and follow the instructions, you will be able to find a list of practitioners in your state who either stock Iberogast or will know how to order Iberogast.

Does Iberogast affect the ability to drive and use machines?

Iberogast has no known adverse effects in these situations.

Can Iberogast be used for ‘Spastic Colon’?

Yes. ‘Spastic colon’ is another way of referring to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

General information on gut health

Gastrointestinal problems are common and are often associated with a wide variety of symptoms. Iberogast has a very broad range of actions so it provides a comprehensive and holistic approach, offering all-round relief. Iberogast is a liquid product which makes it easy for the whole family to use, including children. Evidence from numerous clinical studies supports Iberogast’s safe and effective use.

A lack of dietary fibre can also contribute to some of these gastrointestinal symptoms. To increase fibre intake some people take dietary fibre supplements, but some of these products can increase feelings of bloating and other symptoms. The insoluble fibre in Agiofibe and Agiolax is a convenient and simple way to increase dietary fibre and helps improve gut health without causing bloating. These products are also available from Flordis.

If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.

The Australian public can access the Patient Support Programme, "Natural Relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, through an Australia-wide network of leading natural health practitioners. Interested people can enrol by calling the Patient Support Line on 1300 633 635 or by enrolling online at www.ibsnatural.info

Iberogast Storage Information

Iberogast should only be used if the neck seal on the bottle is intact and it should not be used after the expiry date. Iberogast should be stored in a cool place that stays below 25°C. Please note, if Iberogast appears cloudy this will not affect the efficacy or safety of the product.

Manufacturer

Iberogast is made in Germany by Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH, one of the world's leading herbal medicine companies. Iberogast is marketed in Australia and New Zealand by Flordis Natural Medicines.

Endep Withdrawal

Ok, so I've stopped taking Endep for 3 to 4 days now and OMG I did not expect withdrawal. No one told me that I had to come off that stuff gradually. So nausea came back full throttle, bad headaches, can't sleep well and heavy fatigue. WTF!

That's it! No more drugs! Same thing happened to me when I took Nexium and Somac. I'm not even sure if Endep did anything apart from making me sleep more. From now on I'm just sticking with good old fashion recovery:

- Healthy diet
- Sleep and rest
- A bit of regular exercise
- Herbal supplements

On the Mend: Status 3

Ok so I have just eaten my last VSL #3 sachet. I am also near the end of my second Endep course. I am still pretty close to following the FODMAP diet. Kind of have become lazy in taking Vitamin D everyday. I know, not wise, but I'm just getting sick of it all. Still drink Sustegen everyday. Trying to keep the exercise up, but don't usually during menstruation because of cramping. Stopped seeing the psychologist. I do not believe that it was really helping. Started to paint, write and sketch, and still from time to time play the piano.

Here are the current symptoms:

- I still have pain every morning and night. More so at night.

- I still have excess flatulence which at times is intolerable and embarrassing.

- My symptoms worsen during menstruation. Ahh the joys of womanhood. I have discovered that Ibuprofen 200 mg seems to work better than Panadol because it also assist with inflammation.

- I have gained a few kilos which is excellent, but must gain at least 4-5 more kilos. Believe it or not but this is very hard to achieve when you are not allowed to eat junk, on a limited diet and experience pain everyday.

- Still have a little nausea every morning and other times but it is tolerable.

Next action plan:

I no longer want to take Endep. Not exactly sure if it is helping in any way so will see how I go without taking it for a few weeks.

I have started to drink Aloe Vera juice. 40ml every morning before breakfast. It is recommended 40ml twice a day but I want to ease into it.

I might even try homeopathy.

Shikz

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

30/3/2013
If you have a severe case of IBS taking Aloe Vera is unlikely to help. I tried taking it for a few months and it did nothing.

24/6/2012
Aloe vera has been cultivated for several thousand years throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Its first medical use is not recorded, but the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Indians and Romans all used it extensively as a laxative when taken internally and as an astringent when applied topically.


The following information was gathered from http://www.naturalnews.com/021858.html

Benefits include:
• Halts the growth of cancer tumors.
• Lowers high cholesterol.
• Repairs "sludge blood" and reverses "sticky blood".
• Boosts the oxygenation of your blood.
• Eases inflammation and soothes arthritis pain.
• Protects the body from oxidative stress.
• Prevents kidney stones and protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea.
• Alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.
• Cures ulcers, IBS, Crohn's disease and other digestive disorders.
• Reduces high blood pressure natural, by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
• Nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glyconutrients.
• Accelerates healing from physical burns and radiation burns.
• Replaces dozens of first aid products, makes bandages and antibacterial sprays obsolete.
• Halts colon cancer, heals the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract.
• Ends constipation.
• Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces triglycerides in diabetics.
• Prevents and treats candida infections.
• Protects the kidneys from disease.
• Functions as nature's own "sports drink" for electrolyte balance, making common sports drinks obsolete.
• Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance.
• Speeds recovery from injury or physical exertion.
• Hydrates the skin, accelerates skin repair


There is a lot of information on the website I referred to. I just put up a summary of benefits. So I would advise to actually check out the website.

Now I'm not quite sure which is better, aloe vera gel or juice. It would appear that the gel straight from the plant is quite bitter so some people have recommended adding it to a smoothie. Also, aloe vera from stores can actually contain a lot of chemicals, so you might want to check the labels to avoid the chemicals.

Now I am one to believe that you can't trust everything you read on the internet because I'm not sure how much research has really gone into the topic. So I looked up Aloe Vera on 'The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines' by Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm.D., and Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D. The book I have was printed in the year 2000. I thought that the information here was important to share.

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Aloe

Aloe has a long history of popular use. It comes from the aloe vera plant (also called Aloe barbadensis, A. vulgarise hybrids, A. africana, A. ferox, A. perryi, and A. spicata). The plant's large, blade like leaves are a source of aloe gel. Aloe preparations for oral use contain either the colourless juice that comes from plant's top layer or a solid yellow latex obtained by evaporating the juice.

Aloe comes as both topical and oral preparations. Topical preparations contain the colourless aloe gel or aloe vera gel (sometimes mistakenly called "aloe juice"). Aloe gel can be prepared by various methods. Some people prefer to obtain fresh gel directly from the aloe vera plant. 

Why people use the herb
- Acne
- AIDS
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bleeding
- Blindness
- Bursitis
- Cancer
- Common cold
- Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Hemorrhoids
- Lack of menstruation
- Seizures
- Skin conditions (abrasions, cuts, irritations, minor burns, frostbite, sunburn, and wounds)
- Stomach ulcers
- Varicose veins

Side effects
- Delayed healing of deep wounds (with topical forms)
- Dehydration (with frequent use)
- Intestinal spasms
- Reddish urine (with frequent use)
- Skin irritation (from direct contact)

Aloe can also cause:
- Blood build up in the pelvis (with large does)
- Low blood potassium, resulting in irregular heartbeats, weakness, and flaccid muscles
- Severe diarrhoea, kidney damage, and possible death (from overdose)
- Spontaneous abortion or premature birth if taken during late pregnancy

Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use aloe internally if you're taking:
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Drugs that cause potassium loss, such as Bumex, Demadex, Edecrin, Lasix, and Sodium Edecrin
- Diuretics
- Drugs for irregular heartbeats
- Steroids

Important points to remember
- Don't use external aloe preparations if you're allergic to aloe of plants in the Liliaceae family (garlic, onions, and tulips)
- Don't take aloe internally if you're pregnant, breast-feeding, or menstruating
- Don't give aloe to children
- Avoid aloe if you have kidney disease or heart disease
- Don't use aloe gel or aloe vera juice internally. You may experience severe stomach discomfort and serious problems from body salt imbalances
- Be aware that four people have died after receiving aloe vera injections for cancer. Injecting aloe vera isn't recommended

What the research shows
Studies show that topical aloe gel application eases acute inflammation and itching, promotes wound healing, and reduces pain. Fresh aloe may have value in treating burns and minor tissue injury, although studies aren't well documented. The Food and Drug Administration considers topical aloe to be generally safe, although it doesn't recommend aloe for any specific condition.

No studies support internal consumption of aloe juice. Aloe laxatives that contain anthraquinone have dramatic effects, and most experts recommend less toxic laxatives.

A recent study found that aloe can alter the body's DNA. This finding may lead to research investigating aloe's possible role in treating cancer.

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Here are some other useful sites relating to aloe vera:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/aloe_vera.html - A lot of individuals have replied on this site to inform others of the effects they had when taking aloe vera. Most replies are positive.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068245_take-aloe-vera-health.html - Typical average intake is about 30 ml one to three times a day. I personally would start small to see how it reacts with your body. You don't want to make things worse.
http://www.aloelife.com/aloeverapages/aloedigestive.html - Another interesting site relating to IBS and Aloe Vera. Recommended dose is 1 tablespoon before each meal to assist with repairing damaged cells.


Shikz