IBS and Diarrhea

Q: Do you have any suggestions for severe refractory IBS that is diarrhea prominent? I contracted campylobacter that has basically destroyed the nervous system in my gut. So, I'm a little nervous about using herbs as I know they can stir up my belly.

thank you
S.

 

A: Hello S., this is an interesting question. First I would ask you what herbs do you know can stir up your belly? I hear you describe your IBS as caused by a bacterial infection's damage to the nervous system in your intestines. Do you feel there is anything else contributing to the IBS? Is this the description offered to you by a doctor? I ask these questions, and find this an interesting question, because of a recent personal journey of mine. Until this past year all these concepts were fairly new to me. And until this year I was ignorant about the huge difference of opinions among medical doctors when it comes to digestive disturbances, the label of IBS, the seriousness of IBS and diarrhea, and what constitutes digestive health. I share all this because I am not convinced there is a simple answer for you. If there is I don't know it.

By definition refractory means your IBS has not responded to standard treatments. What treatments have you tried? Have you found anything to help? How long has this been going on? The idea of nervous system damage to the intestines is actually a fascinating one, however to me, as of yet, a bit complex when learning how to work with it. At present, I see many cases, as I hear yours, as a more broad concept of ecosystem health. I think of the intestinal complexities as an intestinal ecosystem that can get real thrown out of whack from an infection, stress of any kind, tests to learn what is going on, and many of the treatments used to help bring relief to the symptoms. Further, just as a bacterial infection can cause damage, the symptoms from that infection, like diarrhea, can cause damage as well further throwing things a little more out of sync.

My current approach with this, which I have to acknowledge is a work in progress, is from several directions. If you wish to hear further on my own approach I am happy to discuss through email. Or you are very welcome to read a thread on it I started late last summer when in the heart of it all. If just wishing to hear my most recent decisions toward health you may want to skip to the last page :)

I would also love to invite you to a few community resources we have that might help you find some ideas - our online forum, where people from around the world come to share life experiences and questions, and two new email groups - both can be accessed through the website below my signature.

You are welcome to write any time!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
[email protected]
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hi Karen,

Hmm, where do I begin to answer! lol :)

I finally went to a gastroenterologist after going to the ER repeatedly for re hydration and pain med's. I was diagnosed at one ER visit with a confirmed case of campylobacter. The gastro. doc figures it was from that point forward that my nervous system in my gut was compromised. That was about 3 years ago. I was at home for 3 days before seeking treatment for it, I thought it was just another case of belly bugs etc. Well, I was very, very wrong.

I have had all the intestinal tests, colonoscopy, upper GI endoscope, in which they found a hiatial hernia ... and I have severe GERD. Boy, am I a digestive mess or what?

As for treatments, I have tried lots of med's., nortriptyline, Wellbutrin, and a handfull of others that I can't seem to remember the names of them. Nothing works for any length of time for me. I can start a new med and get great relief for about 6 months and then my body builds up a resistance to it and it stops helping.

I have tried watching what I eat, how I eat, etc. Nothing really helps me for any length of time. I have quit using Immodium as it makes the opposite problem. I have a scrip on hand right now that I can take as needed instead of it being a maintenance type med, it's called Lomotil and it will usually stop a vicious attack in about an hour and it doesn't cause constipation which is helpful ...

I have started eating a new yogurt that is on the market that is supposed to regulate your digestive system in 2 weeks ... we'll see. It's called Activia ... have you heard of it yet?

I have six children, we dairy farm on 200 acres and we homeschool 5 of the 6 children. The oldest has graduated :) So, as far as stress being an issue ... um YES! But, how do I "reduce" what is my life?

I would love to know more about what you think can help me with this. I am so tired of living my life on the potty!

S .

 

A: Hi S., what a wonderfully rich life it sounds like you have!

Did you have a chance to read any of my post at the forum? My approach lately has come from several directions. The main one is looking inside to find my own answers. This has been an interesting journey. Next I first want to alleviate the stress on my digestive system by eating foods that feel easier for me to digest, meaning less work. I want to do this for now so my own self-healing abilities have a better chance to work. Next I have been working with herbs to help, as I understand it, toughen my intestinal walls so less water passes through them. This has slowed the diarrhea tremendously. Third since I feel I have a bacterial infection still to some degree, I have been working with some antibacterial herbs. Fourth and fifth I am working at healing from the damage of this journey by restoring depleted minerals, oils, etc. and by replenishing the lost helpful bacteria. Of course none of this is identical to your situation, but perhaps can give you some ideas. At this point I think each situation, though there are many like this, is unique. Not sure if this will relate to you but I think of it the same as I think of working with the land I live on, how each piece of land is unique and how to work with each, landscaping, building a home, etc. is unique. I don't think there is one herb for anyone with IBS. I wish I could tell you better.

I am very curious to hear what you choose to work with. And am happy to help you explore ideas.

Karen Joy

 

Q: Hi Karen,

One thing I have done was buy Activia yogurt. It has a blend of I think, 3 different bacteria's. I have to watch and not eat it every day as it will upset my stomach. They "advertise" that it can stabilize the digestive system in 2 weeks. After about 10 days, I am noticeably better.

I know I have to be pretty careful with what I eat. Sweet corn is a no-no. In fact, a lot of corn based products are a no-no for me.

Yes, my life is rich :) I am blessed.

I am also plagued with severe migraine's. I was hospitalized for them in October of last year. And was referred to a neurologist and after a host of drugs, nothing works, or I have a lot of stomach related problems with them. So, I am going to a chiropractor, and have been there now for 2 weeks, and it is "helping". Nothing seems to keep them at bay however. :(

S.

 

A: So wonderful the yogurt is working for you. The live cultures are a great way to help your digestive system. And I am so glad you have explored for yourself what foods are best to eat and best to avoid. We are all so unique. The headaches sound awful! Have you read either of these articles on our websites:

Headaches/Migraine
Spearmint: A New Natural Antimigraine Remedy 

I do understand though when having dealt with something so severe for so long, trying so many different remedies, new ones may sound futile. So I share it only if something in there sparks some ideas. I imagine more than a new remedy to try you need a new way of looking at the situation and approaching it.

I hope the chiropractor work is helpful enough to give some relief.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Comments

[mishele]

Excellent web site I will be visiting often.

[KarenJoy]

This doesn't surprise me. I bet antibiotics can be an extremely helpful part of some people's healing through this. The trick I think is to remember it is only a part. If the IBS is in any way a result of an overgrowth of a bacteria that does damage, we have to remember we all have bacteria in our guts and this is essential to good health. While some bacterial overgrowths may come from a one time exposure, say to contaminated water, many came from possible years of stress on the digestive system, both from what we ingested and from what did not as well as mental/emotional effects. The antibios may be effective at killing of the harmful bacteria, but will also kill off the helpful bacteria, which will need to be repopulated. The antibios can give us a clean playing field to work off of, but the work is far from done. They will likely help the symptoms for a bit as you say. In addition to ensuring we have a healthy bacterial population we need to do the work to ensure we do not set things in motion again. If it is from a one time contamination we need to be sure we do not deal with it again if possible. We also need to nourish our selves from the damage that was done - we are complex beings and IBS, diarrhea, constipation, inflammation, internal battles, shortage of nutrition absorbed, etc. can do lasting damage in so many areas of our body. Deep nutrition is essential now, in a form our possibley tender systems can most easily handle. If the bacterial imbalance is from habits that are now many years ingrained we need to work, gently, on shifting these. Along the way may be some ups and downs, maybe even wise conscious use of antibios once or twice more (only if necessary please!), but it can be done. And not for waste, all we learn is passed on to the next generations :)

Karen Joy