Recommendations
The tale of...Linda
What has helped me for more than two years with almost daily attacks of
diarrhea is calcium. Calcium is known to be constipating so if you suffer
from constipation-type IBS do not take it. Here is the what and how to take
the calcium information if you suffer from diarrhea.
Calcium is an over the counter supplement we all do not usually get enough
of. When you take calcium about 40
per cent of the dose gets to the bones, the rest is eliminated in our waste.
The calcium goes to the intestines and soaks up excess fluids and binds them
together and they are gotten rid of in our waste.
This is a process that can be continued by taking the calcium carbonate on a
regular basis, thus giving a more formed bowel movement.
The dose to take is different for everyone. I must take three a day one at
each meal and it does not make a difference if I take it before, during or
after: just take it regularly.
The most success has come from using any formula of calcium supplement that
is like Caltrate 600 Plus with Vitamin D and Minerals, in the purple and
white box. I hope this will help anyone wishing to try it and I am always
here to answer any questions for you. I have a lot of feedback from many
users.
There are other things to consider. If you take any other meds check the
side effects and also check with the pharmacist to see if taking calcium
will interfere with your other medications and how you might take them.
The only side effect is at the beginning of taking the calcium you may have
some gas or indigestion but this usually goes away soon after taking a
regular dose for a few days, as your body adjusts to the added calcium.
Starting with 1/2 tablet doses with each meal will lessen this problem and
it may be enough to control the diarrhea attacks without making you
constipated. Constipation can be a problem so be careful not to take too
much.
I had my gall bladder removed in 1976 and from that time on I had suffered
urgent attacks of diarrhea. Went through a lot of test but nothing else
could be found.
I took many of the meds for bowel spasms and cramps over the years but
nothing ever seemed to help. I started to take a calcium supplement to help
prevent bone loss in later years and from the first day I felt relief. I was
pretty much a prisoner to the bathroom or had to go without eating to be
able to leave the house.
I must take one tablet with each meal and the diarrhea does not come back.
If I miss taking it I get diarrhea.
You won't be sorry if you try it. I suggest starting with 1/2 tablet with
each meal at first this may be enough to control the diarrhea if not in a
few days up the dose to 1 tablet with each meal. The side effect is
constipation so if you feel it coming on just cut the dose.
It has been working since the first day I started taking it July 1998 and as
long as I take three a day (this is the amount I must take - it may be
different for you) I remain diarrhea-free. No cramps, bloating or diarrhea.
The dose you take with each meal is not the dose that is helping you at that
meal, it is the prior ones that have time to work their way through your
system to soak up excess bile and water in the intestines.
It also works for those of you who still have the gall bladder.
It is worth a try, and I have been getting some good feedback from Lotronex
users who are getting some help with the calcium.
Take care,
Linda
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