I've shared 10 little things that work for me -- now it's your turn! Help us all learn to manage our symptoms better by telling us what helps you. Share What Works for You!
Alka-seltzer
- it helps for some reason. I really don't want to look up why, but I suppose it's a very good ingredient that help alleviates the pain for a while. Let me know if you use it and it helps.
- —walkingthroughit.shean
Share What Works For You
- Cathy had a response concerning soy oil. Does soy milk or soy fillers in vitamins present a problem? This could be something that is aggravating me as I too have IBS. I appreciate your help and thanks for your information
- —Guest Lucy
my two cents
- I just got a pair of crocs prepair shoes they add about 2 hours of mobility to each days breaking point. Also and I cant stress this enough you have to exercise hard and consistently. At first I would do it when my painkillers would kick in but as I got stronger now I exercise when they are about to wear off. The endorphins released seem to make the pain stay away for at least another hour or so. And don't forget to smile I find it makes me feel good if no one can see me grimacing so a smile makes a good mask
- —Guest glenn
Help For IBS
- I've had Fibromyalgia for 12 years & was experiencing 2 bouts of IBS per week. Thought I was going to die! Found helpforibs.com and ordered the manual, acacia fiber & "tummy tamers." The latter caused heartburn for me so I wrote & told "Heather" who owns the website. She said to return & gave me credit for my next order of fiber. I started with 1 1/2 lbs. per month and now take 1 lb...that usually stretches over a month by a week or so. It is so easy to take...either sprinkled over food or mixed with small glass of water. No harsh taste or effects at all. I have NOT had an "attack" in approx. 9 months! I'm even able to eat, in moderation, some foods I couldn't tolerate before. It is a Godsend...and with that, I will add that the "Ark of the Covenant" & other "Temple" furniture, in the Bible, was made from acacia wood & covered with gold. Heather's entire website is "great" with all kinds of info. & recipes for those of us with exceptionally "tender tummies." Hope you'll check it out.
- —arlomarie
no soy
- my pain and my skin problems are easing up and it was also the source of digestion problems. read labels and avoid soy oil. the problem is that's very difficult since soy is used in so many food products. it has taken me twenty years to figure it out. doctors don't see the connection to the allergies to soaps lotions shampoos etc. & digestive problems. they all contain some form of soy. whether we are putting on or in us our bodies react badly to it.
- —Guest cathy
Aloe Vera Juice
- I have a lot of "gut" discomfort and constipation. Aloe Vera juice has really helped lower the pain level. I mix it with juice as I find it difficult to drink alone.
- —Guest hellokittygrrl
Mylanta Maximum Strength Liquid
- My doctor suggested I take two Tablespoons every night to help with bloating, stomach upset, and/or constipation. Works great and relieves back pain and muscle spasms too, along with 50mg of Benadryl at night.
- —Guest Soleil
Rhodiola Rosea
- I would like to share with you that my daughter of 13 years old has CFS and I find what helps her for energy is Rhodiola Rosea, it is a herb and does stimulate the adrenal gland. Don't use it every day. We use it when we know that we are going to have a busy day, it definitely helps with her energy levels. This can be purchased at your local health store.
- —Guest Meghan.rous1
What I find helps me
- What works for me I do not allow myself to become cold, always keep my stress levels down,try to get as much sleep as posible.Even if that means having a sleep during the day which for some reason means I sleep better during the night. Never wear tight clothes and always have elastic in any thing around my waist. No high heel shoes nothing above half an inch this cuts down on pain in my legs and back, I try to advoid walking for too long and try to walk a thome every day some times if things are bad just for 5 minutes.
- —Guest Kathy Wiliams
Body Brushing
- You will think I'm nuts but body brushing really helps with digestion, circulation, and that 'itchy' feeling we get. I recommend using a brush specifically made for your skin that is made from cactus. Here is a good article on 'how to' http://spas.about.com/od/skincare/a/skinbrushing.htm I started doing this originally because someone said it would help get rid of stretchmarks and cellulite. That didn't happen but the other results I mentioned did. Now I can't stand going without it & my skin is sooo soft!
- —Guest Dena
exercise
- A light work out, 30 minutes every other day lifting 5-20 lbs, using a stair stepper and a gravity rider--working up a sweat but never accelerating my heart or getting winded. Regular indoor exercise in the cold months; outdoor fresh water swimming in the hot months--even when I feel too pooped to pop--makes all the difference. It lifts the fog and is well worth the occasional pain.
- —Guest Paul Bates
Using a cane
- My doctor said that I waste precious energy trying to keep my balance and had me start using a cane. It helped a lot with the balance, and it also alerts people that I am not 100% okay. I find it quite useful if I have to stand for long periods of time as well. You can get some very trendy ones (mine is hand carved with a wolf's head) and so they don't look dowdy.
- —Mummylady
Tea (repost of blog comment)
- Tea! My doctor (a rheumatologist) told me to drink green tea during the day and chamomile at night. He said tea is a natural muscle relaxant, and it’s true — it does ease tight muscles and reduce my pain! He told me to use chamomile tea to “spike” my sleep medicines at night. I’m surprised, but I have been sleeping much more soundly following this advice!
- —Guest Heather
