IBS on the camino

[mitch237uk]

Hello one and all, a happy new year to you if you are reading this.

Well I have been thinking and planning for over a year now , and now its the year, kick off Sunday 24 August 2014 from SJJP. Ah now the problem, I have now been told I have (IBS) irritable bowel syndrome. If possible please can any one give me any advice as i'd be grateful, (mitch237uk@yahoo.com). I'm on 30mg of Lansoprazole daily. Cheers for any good advice as I don,t want this amongst other things to spoil the pilgrimage.

 

[lynnejohn]

My advice is to tell your health professional about the camino you are planning and then incorporate into your plans any advice, support or adjustment to your therapy or lifestyle they recommend.
Buen Camino!

 

[anniethenurse]

Just of curiosity, lansoprazole for IBS?

 

[Anniesantiago]

My advice might be to get off all grains - which stopped my IBS in its tracks.
Turns out it was the bromine - and I LOVE the grains in Spain.
I have no problem there at all.

 

[MichaelB10398]

Maybe it is a different medication you are also on for IBS; Lansoprazole treats something else. I suspect maybe you are taking it in conjunction with another medication? Regardless, IBS does create challenges for walking the Camino. I have Ulcerative Colitis, which is different but may have some similarities depending upon your specific symptoms.

For me it is a matter of diet and when I eat. Given the decades that I have lived with UC, it is easier for me to deal with it. However, it can still create problems if I am not careful.

You can still walk the Camino, but it is easier if you learn to listen to your body and know when to take a break and when it is okay to go for a long walk.

Buen Camino

 

[k-fun]

I have suffered from IBS for more than 30 years. Though every person is different, I had no problems walking the Camino. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Avoid the foods you would avoid at home, and have a good time. I found the Spanish diet, the exercise, the reduced stress, and the longer hours of sleep beneficial—after a week or so, my symptoms were relieved. Of course, keep the toilet paper handy and don't fret about it. Buen Camino

 

[mitch237uk]

Thank you to all who took the time to give me input.

@Lynnnejohn, @Anniesantiago, @MichaelB, @K-fun

@ Anniethenurse the question mark made me think. It started with an operation on my lungs and since then I have had many tests and medications, so I could be on the wrong stuff. I am seeing my Doctor this week so maybe the mystery will be solved.

To all Buen Camino, and roll on August.

 

[mitch237uk]

Been back to the doctors done more tests, and now after all this time been given new medication. I am now happy and confident and once again thank you all . Buen Camino John

 

[alanis100]

Hello,

My doctor just recommended me for a trial with a Vida health coach, has anyone heard of this?

 

[TerryB]

My advice might be to get off all grains - which stopped my IBS in its tracks.
Turns out it was the bromine - and I LOVE the grains in Spain.
I have no problem there at all.

We too have no problem in Spain with bread etc. Years ago we worked out that it was the "flour improvers" used here in the U.K. that were causing the problems. Different things are added to bread and pastries to stop them "going green" and prolong shelf life. For us the chief culprits are the poly-phosphates. E450 and E451.
These are added ingredients in many grain / flour based products. Making our own bread and pastries with organic flour while at home avoids the problem. However eating out can be a nightmare . The removal / reduction of salt means that manufacturers are turning to the poly-posphates as preservatives.
Along with following your doctor's advice, it will not do any harm, and may be helpful, if you check all labels and avoid anything that contains "preservatives" or "flour improvers". And that can mean avoiding sauces, supermarket chickens, fast foods . . . . Not easy but good health is worth the effort.

Blessings on your planning
Tio Tel

 

[BamaVol]

I feel your pain and concern. I was incorrectly diagnosed with IBS years ago and treated with an antispasmodic, hyoscyamine. Turns out I was lactose intolerant but the antispasmodic worked 75% of the time. I will be avoiding dairy on the Camino and should be okay. Good luck with your doctor. Buen Camino.