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Post by mike on Oct 18, 2003 3:38:13 GMT
Yikes! That's horrible! I hate to think about Paul dying such a painful death.
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Post by Curious on Oct 18, 2003 8:17:33 GMT
Just one thing - IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, not a collective term for inflammatory bowel illnesses.
IBS is usually non-fatal, although, in extreme cases, can be agonising and difficult to treat. It is characterised by spasming of the intestines, usually caused by either stress or a food intolerance or reaction. This, in turn, either causes extreme diarrhoea or constipation.
Sufferers of diarrhoeic IBS are easier to treat, and can usually be pain free within a couple of days. However, sufferers of constipating IBS can go for weeks on various forms of medication without feeling any effect. Pain can often only be relieved through application of heat to the painful area. Peppermint oil is often the most effective treatment, relieving the spasming and helping get things moving.
I've suffered with this for the last 15 years or so, and it's hell to live with. Just thought I'd clarify what IBS REALLY is.
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Post by Curious on Oct 19, 2003 12:48:07 GMT
Thanks, xpt, and sorry you deal with one of the other illnesses. I have to admit, I've never heard of anything other than the non-specific IBS being referred to as IBS. I've always heard the others referred to individually.
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