My mother, 89 years old, has suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for as long as I can remember. She also has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She would give you a longer version, but basically, there are foods that she cannot eat without stomach distress. Periodically she gets to where she cannot eat anything, literally, without hurting. Latest bout is lasting longer than normal. Constipation is an ongoing problem. We have tried every type of fiber and laxative out there, but even when that is under control she still hurts, has gas and bloating. Every type of food, singly or in combination, including FODMAP. Worse when her anxiety is high (which she denies). She has also tried a number of prescription medications, including Carafate and Protonix, which she is using right now. Acid reflux is an occasional problem. She is on low dose amitriptyline and Lexapro.
Her doctor recently retired, and she refuses to go to a doctor right now anyway because of Covid. Over the years, I have bought quite a few OTC products for her to try. She uses lactose-free milk. Has anyone tried any OTC products that have helped similar problems? Brand names to trust or avoid?
Do not know how the needed Lexapro could be working on the anxiety if your Mom is still taking Carafate. imo.
The Lactaid free milk has an added enzyme, called Lactaid. Can you try non-dairy products instead? Try Rice Milk or Almond Milk instead, imo.
Protonix has side effects listed:
Gas
Dizziness
Headache
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach Cramps
Joint Pain
A review of her medications might help. One can consult a doctor over the phone now, or through online Zoom or Skype (the doctor can see you).
Her primary physician retired, and new doctor seems to require an in-patient visit for first appointment. Her insurance doesn't cover virtual visits. Paying for a virtual visit would be okay, but some of the routine doctor-on-demand services seem more appropriate for more cut-and-dried issues than what we are dealing with. I myself am having problems with less-involved issues that doctors are refusing to deal with virtually, grrrr.
Then there is licorice root that’s great for settling an upset stomach.
Or essential oils rubbed on the stomach, like Digest ease , Peppermint or
Ginger.
Ginger tea is also good, made with organic ginger root.
Digestive enzymes before meals are another great help.
For the acid reflux, a nice cup of warm lemon water made with one whole squeezed organic lemon in purified water first thing after getting up really works.
I love raw organic garlic and eat about 5 cloves daily and the reflux and heartburn were terrible until I started with the lemon water each morning. Been doing this for over 7 years now no reflux or heartburn. And now I can indulge in my favorites habanero pepper which I put on everything!
Drugs are never the answer, look to more natural remedies and be amazed.
Yet, this is my opinion and things I use and have had great success. Give them a try they can’t hurt.
Diet is also important, try going low carb and get the sugars and refined flours out of there and add more fiber rich foods.
You say you tried fibers. Have you tried specifically CITRUCEL. Metamucil is the big boy that gets recommended often and to my mind and in my nurse experience it often caused more problems because of the manner in which it ferments in the body causing gas and pain involved with gas. For me it is citrucel every night, and has changed my life; recommended with the information in ER by a great doc familiar with the fact Citrucel ferments differently in body and for many of us causes no pain.
I would say if you are now dealing with upper and lower pain, and a worsening in pain, that it is worth exploring with a new doctor as things get missed with those of us with IBS--it becomes the "go to answer" and other things can be happening. Happened to me with a severe bout of diverticulitis.
Good luck. I can identify!
None of her pain is new. Having stomach issues and bowel issues together is quite common. The only thing new is that she had an injury that necessitated her taking pain medication that worsened the constipation for a while. Also limited ability to move around as usual, and also increased her anxiety.
She is a chronic complainer, so it is hard to sort out what is old, new, minor, or significant. I do know if it gets life-threatening she will go to the doctor. Until that time, I am the one that is dealing with it.
My oldest daughter has Chron’s disease. Any of these intestinal issues are so difficult.
Best wishes to you.
As to laxatives, we've always believed in natural resources, but you've indicated that she's already tried FODMAP regimens.
I don't know if this helps or not.
What you might try to do is work on lessening her anxiety, which admittedly is hard at this particular time b/c of the pandemic as well as political strife. Maybe you could have quiet sessions to inject calm, something like listening to her favorite music, thumbing through soothing magazines with photos of baby animals, country scenes (Country and Country Extra magazines are like this).
I think that sometimes facing medical issues directly can be reinforced by interaction methods. When my mother was aging and facing health challenges, I brought her either carnations or roses every time I visited. She was so happy, that I knew it was a worthwhile gesture, and a helpful one.
Only one doctor said, yes, she has an anxiety disorder. And still she thinks her anxiety comes from her stomach problems and not the other way around.
She thinks worrying is normal, and worries about the fact that other people don't worry about things - especially family members. I have tried for years to use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy tools with her. Before she lost her eyesight, after she lost her eyesight. Now if I try, it is "You've told me all that before. It doesn't work."
I do record short articles from podcasts for her to listen to. She doesn't have or want the Internet.