Okay, so now what - IBS?

    
      Re: Re: Re: Okay, so now what - IBS?
    


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Posted by HFHSM.D.-rf on July 10, 1998 at 21:38:08:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Okay, so now what - IBS? posted by Susan on July 10, 1998 at 16:38:41:

:
  : Dear Susan,
  : To summarize your letter, you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, based on a number of negative or normal investigations, and have failed treatment with fiber.  The first task is to confirm that your diagnosis is correct.  It may be necessary to repeat some of the tests.  Assuming the diagnosis is correct, I would prescribe medications to control diarrhea.  I would start with medications like Imodium (immodium) and then consider drugs such as cholestyramine (based on evidence that some patients with IBS-related diarrhea have abnormalities of bile acid absorption) or even codeine.  If these medications are ineffective, some physicians would try tincture of opium.
  : This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
  : If you want, we would be happy to see you in the Division of Gastroenterology at Henry Ford Hospital and perform any appropriate investigations after we have had the chance to meet you and to review your history in greater detail. You can arrange an appointment with Dr. Fogel, one of our experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diarrheal disease by calling the Henry Ford Physician Referral Line at [phone].
  : HFHSM.D.-rf
  : *keywords: diarrhea
  : 0.5
  I would like to extend my apologies to HFHSM.D-rf.  I was quite frustrated the day I wrote my post.  I meant only to vent TO you rather than AT you.  For the past year, it seems everyone I've turned to tells me there's nothing wrong.  And yet, I have days like today...  in the bathroom 5 times before 1pm.  It's rediculous and tends to fray my nerves.  
  In regaurds to your advice on the Immodium...  I haven't taken any for a while now.  I was hoping that the fiber therapy would work.  However, I do remember a time (back in November/December) when I could take 8-10 Immodium a day and it would slow my gut just for a day, at best.  At worst, it would have no effect at all.  Depressing, isn't it?  :)
  In the meantime, I 'll keep cruising the net in search of answers.  And, I'll keep checking the board to see if anything comes up here that I haven't tried.  
  My apologies, again.
  Thanks for your advice,
  Susan  
_____________
Dear susan,
I think that you may have missed the point of my response.  There are effective treatments for the diarrhea of IBS.  Imodium (immodium) taken daily (in some patients I use up to 12 tablets per day) will control the diarrhea.  Remember this is a chronic problem and requires daily indefinite treatment.  If Imodium (immodium) alone is ineffective, cholestyramine is added.  Sometimes codeine is tried.  These therapies work for many patients.  I suggest that you discuss trying this approach with your physician.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf