What are Hemorrhoids?
When someone has a hemorrhoid problem, they are going to be very uncomfortable and will have to do something in order to take care of this annoyance. Having hemorrhoids means that a someone has a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. This may effect in the straining to move bowels. The most common citizen to get hemorrhoids are pregnant women, citizen that are aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea and anal intercourse.
Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus or under the skin around the anus. This means that they are usually internal or external. There are creams and medications for the external problems; however, the internal hemorrhoids may effect in surgical operation or other procedures to remove them.
Many of these hemorrhoid problems will mean that any someone with them will have pain or itching in that area. Hemorrhoids are usually not perilous or life threatening. In most cases, the symptoms will go away in a few days. Although many citizen with them will not feel any symptoms at all. The most common indication of illness of internal hemorrhoids is attractive red blood outside the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet itself.
An internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body and this is what will come to be painful. This is called non other than a protruding hemorrhoid. Symptoms of the external hemorrhoids may be painful as well. This will also include swelling or a hard outside around the anus that results when a blot clot forms.
It is normal to have a hemorrhoid problem. They are very common in both men and women. So many pregnant women have to deal with the pain of hemorrhoids along with everything else that they have to go through while pregnant. Others will have hemorrhoids by the age of fifty.
There are many treatments of hemorrhoids and the symptoms that they cause. Sitting in a warm bath a few times a day will help to relive pain. There are also a lot of creams ready both over the counter and by prescribe that can help to heal and ease the pain of the hemorrhoids.
In greatest cases, it may be thought about by a doctor that a someone must have surgical operation to remove the hemorrhoids. This is to help those that have severe bleeding or anemia and cannot take the loss of blood. This will eliminate the problems of the hemorrhoids so that the someone can live a happier and healthier lifestyle.
To forestall hemorrhoids, many citizen with constipation should relive the pressure of straining. You should have lots of fiber and fruits in your diet and drink fullness of water. This will help to soften the stool and will not cause so much strain. A stool softener may also be necessary to fix this type of problem.
Feeling Tired All the Time? There’s Something You Should Know
Feeling tired all the time is often, but not always, a gradually developing health related with aging. As we get older our power levels seem to lower with each passing year, thus causing us to oftentimes feel tired. However, there are also a estimate of clinical conditions resulting in one’s feeling tired all the time. Feeling tired all time could indicate that you are suffering from chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cfs).
Four or more of the following symptoms that last six months or longer could indicate Cfs:
Impaired memory or concentration, strangeness maintaining reasoning focus
Post-exertional malaise, where physical or reasoning exertions bring on “extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness”
Unrefreshing sleep
Muscle myalgia (muscle pain)
Pain in manifold joints
Headaches of a new kind or greater severity
Sore throat, frequent or recurring
Tender lymph nodes (cervical or axillary)
Other base symptoms include:
irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating
chills and night sweats
chest pain
brain fog
shortness of breath
chronic cough
visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)
allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
strangeness maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, equilibrium problems or fainting)
psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)
jaw pain
weight loss or gain.
Whether feeling tired all the time is, for you, a clinical health or naturally the result of aging there are factors each have in common. An consuming discovery has been made that addresses this factor both have in common. You can learn more about it Here.
Pylori Symptoms
Do you sometimes get heartburn? Do you have abdominal pain? Did you ever notice that your stomach is hypersensitive? It sounds like pylori symptoms. Helicobacter Pylori has a strong work on on the formation of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum which in turn can lead to cancer of these organs.
Where did H.Pylori originate? Helicobacter Pylori was first discovered in the stomachs of animals in the 1880′s. At the gift time it is statistically proven that up to 50% of the people of Western Europe and North America are infected, 80% of the people in Mid European countries and up to 90% of countries with low socioeconomic levels.
How can I get infected by H.Pylori?
unhygienic living conditions
population density. The infection spreads from human to human through food, water, dirty hands, saliva
H.Pylori can also be spread from animals to humans
infected hospital and dental equipment
H.Pylori can lead to the improvement of chronic inflammation in the lining of the stomach and duodenum and this results in ulcers being formed in these organs. This in turn increases the risk of stomach cancer (up to 60% of all cases of stomach cancer is caused by the pathogenic effects of Helicobacter Pylori). However not all H.Pylori cases results in cancer developing. It depends on the strain of the bacteria and the immune system of the individual, the duration of infection and other factors such as diet and lifestyle.
What are the methods for detecting this microorganism? Helicobacter Pylori is found in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is found by taking a sample during an Endoscopy, breath tests, blood tests or stool tests.
Unfortunately these methods only assesses the proximity of the bacteria. They don’t say nothing about its quantity. These methods are fast and easy but don’t interfere with the inpatient much, therefore these methods are used all colse to the world.
Apart from curative tests you can also self diagnose the Pylori symptoms. If you notice any of the signs listed below, you may be infected by H. Pylori:
tightness and plentifulness in the abdomen
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
constipation
bloating
severe stabbing pain in the stomach or duodenum
stomach inflammation
fast weight loss or weight gain
dryness in the mouth
nasty white coating on the tongue
bad breath
sore throat
skin problems
Treatment:
Treatment involves the supervision of omeprazole and antibiotics. This is a very high-priced treatment which also carries the risk of adverse effects and resistance to antibiotics. In addition, there is an immense spread of the infection Helicobacter Pylori so more and more people are turning to natural methods to prevent Pylori symptoms from returning.
Liver Disease in Dogs
Liver disease in dogs is one of the major causes of death for dogs in the United States. The liver removes waste from the dog’s body, detoxifies the blood, and produces bile . Left unchecked, liver damage which impairs the functioning of liver cells can lead to liver failure in dogs. However, the liver has great regenerative qualities and liver disease does not have to be a death sentence for your dog.
Causes of Liver Damage in Dogs
Some of the base causes of liver disease in dogs are bacterial infections,, genetic history, poison the dog has consumed or other health conditions These poisons can be found in a variety of toxins that dogs eat that are found in industrial dog food, preservatives, additives, pesticides and even prescribed medications.
It is critically important to feed your dog a salutary and nutritious natural diet to help her stay healthy. This means avoiding the vast majority of industrial dog foods which are petite more than garbage and poisons that moderately kill your dog with every feeding Only a dog whose body is free of toxic poisoning will be capable of sustaining a salutary immunology and supporting the rest of the bodies organs and functions.
Common symptoms of liver disease in dogs are:
o An growth in water consumption and urinating
o Loss of weight
o Loss of appetite
o Diarrhea
o Lethargy
o Jaundice
o Distended abdomen
o Jaundice
o Vomiting
o Heart Disease
o Viral Infection
o Bacterial Infection
Veterinarians tell use that these symptoms may appear moderately or all of a sudden and may also be symptomatic of other conditions as opposed to liver disease.
As in many disorders, an early analysis of liver disease is desirable. In that the liver has capabilities which permit regeneration, sure diagnosed cases can be managed with a allowable diet, antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present, and allowable care.
Only your veterinarian can decide either your dog in fact does have liver disease by conducting blood tests and exam protocols. So by all means if any of the above symptoms are present, palpate your veterinarian immediately. If not properly diagnosed by a veterinarian, and your dog has liver disease it can lead to liver failure
Treating Dog Liver Disease By A change in Diet
Dietary modification is one of the most prevalent therapies used in the treatment of dog liver disease. A revised diet for the treatment of liver disease in dogs will include proscribed portions of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and some fats.
The purpose of a revised diet is to alleviate liver disease symptoms and to encourage a regeneration of the damaged liver cells. A holistic veterinarian can help you institute a diet that is natural and healthy. You will want to cook it or get ready it your self. Ordinarily this will be a diet low in grains, devoid of fillers, preservatives and by products. After all, you’ll be preparing it yourself so you can be sure that it is healthy.
Taking your dog off the daily dose of toxins and junk found in industrial dog food is an important step in the salvage of your dogs ideas to a salutary state.
If you opt for buying dog food be sure that it is a very high potential . We use a holistic dog food called “Great Life” that has a layer of raw food ice dried on it. It’s about the best you can find in our view
By adhering to an acceptable dietary therapy your dog has an exquisite occasion of improving and possibly recovering from liver disease
Disclaimer 
lease note. I am not a veterinarian. This information is based upon research that I, a lay man found and you could too. If you have any inquire about your dogs health or the possibility of liver disease and how to treat liver disease in dogs palpate your veterinarian without delay.
Diarrhea – Causes And Natural Remedies
Diarrhea is nothing else but a natural defense mechanism. It is a way for your body to issue toxins or other harmful things from your system. In the past, before this was understood, doctors normally prescribed antidiarrheal medication, but today they would propose that you let it run its course naturally.
Antidiarrheal medication will stop your body from performing it’s own natural defense mechanism and will often lead to a continued illness and a weakening of your body’s defenses.
The key to dealing with and treating diarrhea in your house is to witness what is causing it in the first place. Stoppage is always preferable to treatment for any condition.
Experts disagree on what the foremost cause of diarrhea is, but most will say viral infection or a problem with lactose intolerance. If your diarrhea is caused by a viral infection it should run its course within a few days. However, if you are experiencing frequent, or lasting diarrhea you should take a look to see if it is a lactose intolerance problem.
If you hypothesize that you may be lactose intolerant all you need to do is to fully avoid any lactose containing food for one to two weeks to see if your diarrhea begins to go away. If you start getting relief after avoiding lactose you will know what the problem is.
Most people who are lactose intolerant can consume moderate amounts of lactose without any problems. The trick is to consume small amounts at first then to gently growth your intake. There will come a point where you will begin to feel pain and the diarrhea symptoms may reappear. In this way you can learn what your own body’s tolerance level is. Keep your intake below that level and you will be much less likely to have problems with diarrhea.
Some medications may cause diarrhea. The most coarse drugs that cause diarrhea are antacids. Antacids that contain magnesium cause diarrhea in many people. If you hypothesize that this may be the problem avoid using antacids containing magnesium for one to two weeks.
Antibiotics, lactulose, quinidine, and colchicine may cause diarrhea in some users. If you are taking any of these medications and you feel they may be causing diarrhea, talk to your physician about an alternative. The alternative should be used for about one to two weeks to see if relief occurs.
Salmonella Infection Symptoms – Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain And Cramps
Symptoms of a salmonella infection often contain diarrhea and abdominal pain and cramps. A salmonella infection is a form of food poisoning and these symptoms and others tend to originate within 12 to 72 hours after a man eats or drinks something contaminated with the salmonella bacteria. The illness can last 4 to 7 days. The term Salmonellosis is used to chronicle an infection caused by the Salmonella bacteria.
Salmonella Infection Symptoms And Causes
Salmonellosis produces the symptoms that are ordinarily referred to as food poisoning, which may include:
Abdominal cramps and pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Symptoms can range in intensity from straightforward digestive law upset to severe or life threatening dehydration if vomiting and diarrhea persist.
Infections occur after eating foods or drinking a beverage that contain bacteria of the genus Salmonella. The bacteria is found in foods from animal sources but any food can be contaminated if food preparation conditions and tool are contaminated with the bacteria.
Common sources of infection includes: undercooked meats (especially turkey or chicken), raw or cracked eggs, or raw (unpasteurized) milk. Also, failing to refrigerate these leftover foods right away may allow the bacteria to grow. Cooking at higher temperatures can kill the bacteria.
Reptiles are carriers of salmonella and having a pet such as a turtle, snakes, iguana or other lizard can put a man at higher risk.
Salmonella Infections determination And Treatment
Diagnosis will initially be based on the notice of the earlier mentioned symptoms. If symptoms are present, an evaluation by a doctor is encouraged, especially if diarrhea or vomiting persist or increase. The evaluation may contain a bodily test or blood and stool determination to detect the presence of the salmonella bacteria. The local condition branch may need to be notified to help identify the source (i.e. Restaurant, supermarket, etc.).
The illness ordinarily lasts 4 to 7 days, and most citizen make a full saving without treatment. However, in some cases, diarrhea or vomiting can be so severe that hospitalization is necessary.
Treatment ordinarily focused on preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance by encouraging fluid intake (Pedialyte for infants and children, adults may use a sports drink). Antidiarrheal medicine is typically not given because it may prolong the infection.
Following a Brat diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast may cut symptoms of diarrhea because these are binding foods that make stool firmer. Warm compresses may ease abdominal pain.
Can Cookies Cure Diarrhea?
Yes, it appears that cookies can cure diarrhea, if they’re the right kind of cookies.
I first read about it in a newspaper narrative a few months ago, and have since come over more references and testimonials.
The cookies in ask are coconut macaroons, and even citizen who have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Chrohn’s Disease for many years are seeing relief by eating just a merge of cookies per day.
But it’s not just for continuing sufferers. Some citizen mentioned using it for occasional digestive upsets – and some keep it on hand for their dogs – although the dogs got half a cookie rather than two cookies.
Why does this work?
It’s the coconut oil. Macaroons are generally composed of dried coconut, which is 60-70% fat (coconut oil.) Unlike polyunsaturated oils such as soy, corn, and other vegetable oils, coconut oil contains “medium chain triglycerides, or fatty acids known as Mct’s. These Mct’s are more easily absorbed in the intestines, and apparently help other nutrients become absorbed as well.
Polyunsaturated oils comprise longer chain fatty acids (Lct’s), which increase inflammation in the intestines. Interestingly, studies done in Denmark and Belgium have shown that when eaten along with Mct’s, the Lct’s are absorbed more readily.
Thus, the coconut oil puts the brakes on diarrhea by helping your body absorb the food you eat. But you don’t have to limit yourself to coconut macaroon cookies. Pure virgil coconut oil is ready for use in cooking, and is easily classic to olive oil for frying because it doesn’t degrade at high heats.
For many, the use of coconut oil for cooking has allowed them to resume eating fried foods and baked goods that had become off-limits due to their body’s reaction to the Lct’s in other oils. Others found that they were able to accumulate weight lost as a effect of continuing diarrhea.
Vitamin C Overdose – Is it Possible?
“Excess of whatever is bad.” This includes Vitamin C. This vitamin is recommended for a supplement in nearly every doctor’s office, Tv ad, and print ad. However, going beyond the Recommended Daily allowance (Rda) can cause severe problems with a persons health. Most believe the body will only use what they need and eliminate the rest. This is not always the case. A Vitamin C overdoes hinders the metabolic activities throughout the entire body.
The Rda is broken down into two cut off categories:
Women Men
Non Smoking Smoking Non Smoking Smoking
110 mg 75 mg 125 mg 90 mg
Anything over 200 mg is more than adequate to maximize the levels of plasma and lymphocytes. There are times when a body does require supplementary amounts of Vitamin C. For example, if you are under any type of environmental stress such as a trauma, fever, or any kind of infection. whatever over 500 mg, even with any of the above mentioned environmental factors, will reach any person’s maximum saturation rate. Vitamin C is a water – soluble protein and in general conditions, whatever in excess is excreted by the body. When it is not excreted it will cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps at the very least. Other effects can be severe cramps, nausea, and risks for kidney stones.
Major overdoses sacrifice the bodies level of copper, an critical nutrient. If a someone already has an iron plenty disorder, even small doses of Vitamin C can cause severe condition risks as Vitamin C increases iron absorption into the system. In Pregnant women it can in fact cause infants to fabricate rebound scurvy when born. Elder people also need to be very cautious with the amount of Vitamin C they take, as they are more prone to fabricate a toxicity level in the kidneys, resulting in very serious medical issues. The same results of interference with functioning of definite medications are true with patients who have diabetes or high blood pressure.
There is exiguous investigate linking Vitamin C overdoes over long periods of time that will lend a sick person to be at a higher risk for cancer.
If you believe you may be taking an overdoes amount of Vitamin C, the first must is to taste your medical professional. Never stop taking whatever “cold turkey” together with Vitamin C, as it may bring on an additional one whole set of issues in the body. The good news is that is is nearly impossible to overdose on Vitamin C from the foods that you eat. So before choosing to take Vitamin supplements, ask yourself and your doctor – Do I in fact need the extra Vitamin C supplement? Your medical profession will be able to help you in development the spoton decision with you.
33 tour security Tips
Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can bring to you the sort of troubles you do not want to caress while on the road namely: robbery, rape, or murder. Tourists often fall prey to perpetrators because they do not get ready properly before embarking on a trip. Let’s survey some things you should do to prevent your travels from becoming a tragedy:
1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.
2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.
3. Carry prominent papers with you; Never check anyone that you naturally cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.
5. Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. In some countries safe bet prescription medicines are forbidden.
6. Never wear anyone that projects affluence. No gold chains, costly watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Good yet: leave your jewelry at home.
7. If potential voyage with only one or two credit cards.
8. Women particularly should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
9. Vary your schedule; try not to come and go at the same time everyday.
10. Only stay in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock. Fetch the chain and Fetch the door by pushing a rubber stop under it.
11. Stay in a room near a stairwell. Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Always stay in a hotel where the doors enter the hallway and not directly from the outside.
12. Do not wear name tags in public.
13. Do not use unmarked taxi cabs.
14. Sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he cannot see you.
15. Pay the driver upon arriving at your destination and while you are still sitting in the vehicle.
16. If you must rent a car, rent only from a reputable company. Any operating problems that occur could signal sabotage.
17. Be aware of ‘staged’ car accidents meant to catch you off card.
18. Back into your parking spaces to facilitate a quick exit.
19. Park only in well lit and well traveled areas.
20. If your cell phone does not work surface of the country, think renting one that does for the period of your trip.
21. If detained for anyone speculate by an official, ask for identification. If in doubt, tell them that you want to see his superior. Keep your emotions in check.
22. If traveling with children, bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you come to be separated from them.
23. Write your child’s name and your hotel estimate on each card; comprise a close friend’s or relative’s caress information on the card. Give a card to each child which they will carry with them as long as you are away. Destroy once home.
24. Discuss with your family what they would do in event of an crisis while away from home, e.g. Whom to call, how to caress crisis personnel, etc.
25. Do not discuss voyage plans, your room estimate or any other personal information in communal within earshot of strangers.
26. Bring along a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, alcohol packets, dramamine, pepto bismol, diarrhea medicine, etc.
27. Edify yourself with train and bus schedules before traveling. Have an alternate plan in place in the event your communication plans change.
28. Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show prominent documents to officials only.
29. think purchasing movable alarms that emit a loud sound.
30. Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets.
31. Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.
32. Have tips ready in advance for aid personnel.
33. think renting an conduct [security] aid if traveling in areas where crime is high.
The key to safe traveling in any area is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. Can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in operate of every situation.
Lower Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Is there a correlation in the middle of lower back pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Researchers have long argued that Ibs may be caused by abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel. No indication or explanation is ever given as to why this malfunction might occur. To my knowledge there has been no enough evidence to maintain this assumption. More over, I have not seen, heard of or read about any studies which were specifically implemented to test this hypothesis. Because of my own observations about my own Ibs symptoms, I am inclined to believe and maintain this hypothesis.
Some of us who suffer Irritable Bowel Syndrome have tried for many years, without success, to eliminate the often debilitating affects of this mysterious disorder. Generally those who suffer have spent a great deal of time and money, having test after test only to be told that nothing conclusive was found.
Often after years of diagnostic procedures and high-priced studies, patients are told there was nothing wrong with them. Their complaint of symptoms are brushed off as imaginary or more properly put in medical terms, psychosomatic. But with the ever addition estimate of patients complaining of the same generalized list of symptoms, the medical community has been forced, in at least a small part, to acknowledge the malady as something more then imaginary symptoms of hypochondria.
So what can we presume about Ibs? It is a health or disease in and of itself? Or is Ibs is a health caused by or a symptom of some other physical, neurological or perhaps even psychological problem that is as yet undetected or undiagnosed as being relative to the Ibs condition? I find this to be a more plausible conclusion and will supply some comprehension for my personal reliance that Ibs is a secondary health rather then a health unto itself.
For years doctors have proposed the secondary health belief in relation to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Unfortunately, they have not yet been able to successfully document any evidence to conclusively say what might be the root cause of Ibs. Moreover, I believe there is not just one cause, but several causes, all with the same secondary symptoms, which make up what is termed as Ibs.
Please don’t think that it is my intent to say the Ibs health is not real, or the symptomology is psychosomatic in nature. I know from painful perceive the health and symptoms of Ibs are very real. I also would venture to say because of the sheer estimate of reported cases, the medical community had been forced to re-evaluate their approach while dealing with patients with complaints of Irritable Bowel Syndrome-like symptoms. I am merely going to express what I personally have terminated about another potential causation for Ibs which may be overlooked by the medical profession.
I would like to also toss up for notice that Ibs, with its list of many symptoms, may be a traceable progression of symptoms stemming from a single causation. I believe, in my case, this is a very valid assumption. I have as yet been unable to get any doctor to agree with me, at least to the point of taking up the position on the record.
Before going any further, I think it would be a good idea to quote a partial list of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Ibs may be characterized by a blend of any or all of the following symptoms:
o Abdominal pain or pain, ordinarily in the lower abdomen
o Altered bowel habit
o lasting or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both. May be mixed or in alternation.
o Bloating
o Heartburn
o Nausea
o Abdominal fullness
o Feelings of urgent need to evacuate the bowel
o Feeling of “incomplete” bowel emptying
o Low back pain
o Headache
o Fatigue
o Muscle pain
o Sleep disturbances
o Sexual dysfunction
More and more it is Generally believed that the symptoms of Ibs are produced by abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel. More and more I personally agree with this as a valid and plausible perception of at least one of the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. With some personal observations, I hope to give light as to why I believe this to be a potential causation for many Ibs sufferers. Unfortunately, what I have come to believe as the causation for my single brand of Ibs, most easily will not be a pathology for all cases of Ibs.
I think we who have suffered Irritable Bowel Syndrome tend to minimalize our symptoms and pain. We have been led to believe that other than base sense changes to diet and practice there is nothing we can do because there is no cure. Many people who suffer will suffer in silence for years before seeking medical treatment. By then, and I contain myself in this group, we may have subconsciously lessened or even put aside some of the lesser symptoms that Ibs causes, focusing only on the ones that cause the most pain and discomfort.
Worse yet, we are less likely to bring symptoms to the concentration of a doctor by mere assumption that it is just another facet of our complex disorder. This could come to be a dangerous scenario for anything who suffers from Ibs. We may ignore persistent symptoms that have gotten more intense or new symptoms that seem to be associated only because we are discouraged by being told there is nothing anything can do.
Doing these kinds of things could lead to serious life threatening symptoms being overlooked. Symptoms of conditions that, unlike Ibs, can be treated if caught in time. Things like colon cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer or many others, might be missed because we want to ignore our Ibs symptoms after so many trips to the doctor.
My story of Ibs starts over 20 years ago when I was a young man of 26. While helping lift a very heavy cast iron wood burning stove from the back of a pickup truck, the other man lost their grip and the load all shifted down hill onto my back. I felt my back give way as the stove went crashing to the ground at my feet. I knew I had sustained a serious injury. I couldn’t erect myself from the 90 degree bent send position I was in. I had to easily pull my self up by using my hands and arms against the side of the pickup.
Being 26 and stubborn and thinking that I was invincible, I had my wife help me home and to bed, not bothering to go to the accident room. I had some left over pain killers which numbed the pain enough to allow me to sleep. When I awoke in the morning I was horrified as I could not feel my legs. They were both cold and numb to the touch. I could move them, I just couldn’t feel them. After about 30 minutes of movement the feeling began to return to my legs and at that point I knew it was time to get to the doctor.
After the exam and x-rays what the doctor had to say wasn’t pleasant to hear. He told me I had two options. One was to go to a surgical scholar and have fusion surgical operation on several of my lower lumbar vertebra because the discs in the middle of them had been severely compressed. He mentioned that having this type of surgical operation would cut my corporal mobility by as much as 30% or more. At best, he explained, the surgical operation was about 40% effective.
My other option, he told me, was time… Time allow let my body try to heal itself. He explained I would probably never be as good as I was before the accident, but with time my body should partially heal it self. He told me the inflammation which was causing the pain and partial numbness should lessen. At age 26 loosing constantly 30% or more of my mobility was an unthinkable option. At least the second option offered some hope of recovery. He gave me muscle relaxants and pain pills and that was that.
I trusted this doctor…we were good friends. We had a good personal and professional relationship. I took him at his word. By today’s medical standards, his medical advice probably wouldn’t hold water, but over 20 years ago, it was most likely a very good perception of my problem.
For the next 6 months, I would wake up to cold, numb legs and each day, but as he said, the symptoms slowly got better. I was so focused on my back injury improving; I didn’t pay concentration to other, minor things going on which had come to be bothersome.
The first and most prevalent symptom was a change in my bowel habit. Not a big change, but it seemed that instead of a daily movement, it was now once every other day, and it took a bit more effort. But with the back issue, it seemed minor in comparison and for several years seemed to be the only symptom. My back continued to get good but my bowel never did return to normal.
I have all the time been a large person, in 1986 at the age of 26: I weighed about 220 pounds, standing 6 feet tall. Slowly, my weight began to rise. I attributed my first weight gain to a lessening of corporal performance over the first year or two of my back problem. By the end of the second year, my corporal quality and performance had practically returned to normal. I learned to deal with the pain and my legs no longer went numb. I was able to function fairly well. Only occasionally did the pain in my back come to be such that I was unable to function in my “new” normal fashion, and ordinarily only lasted a day or two. I now had added 70 pounds to my weight with no real explanation.
Only in the past combine of years (over 20 have passed since my back injury) have I begun inspecting the customary injury being associated to my bowel and stomach problems. Because I believed there was exiguous I could do to rectify the situation, I have done as well as I could to manage the pain mentally. I did this well until the pain in my back started to worsen to the point that again my legs started going numb again. Not that this happened all the time, it was only occasional, but these bouts of pain have gotten much worse.
Only now that the back pain is impossible to ignore have I come to comprehend the cycle of events which have taken place. Now when I notice my legs are beginning to go numb on a more frequent basis, I have also noticed an increase in my Ibs symptoms. More frequent and painful symptoms seem to begin with lasting constipation, lasting for many days. This is followed by the gas distress fatigue, head aches, bloating, acid indigestion, heartburn and at last explosive diarrhea. Along with other symptoms, all interwoven into a cycle I now believe to be directly associated to some type of nerve injury due to my customary back injury.
I have since gone to a neurosurgeon and been diagnosed with severe disk compression and degeneration and spinal stenosis in the lower lumbar region. The treatment is as yet to be mapped out, but I now have at least one doctor who agrees that many, if not all, of my symptoms could be tied directly to nerve dysfunction resulting from my present spinal condition.
If you have sustained a back injury, or have Ibs with lower back pain, it may be prudent to have a spinal study, to find out if an basic back problem might be complex in the causation of your Ibs symptoms. It stands to practical presume that if there is injury to the spine or lower back from where the nerves controlling lower bowl function stem, there could also be bowel dysfunction. With bowel dysfunction, the progression of symptoms in logical sequence right up the line to the top of the digestive tract would be a very plausible scenario.
If you have Ibs and low back pain you easily have nothing to lose and everything to gain by having a spinal examination. At the very least you may find out that there is no problem with your spine thereby eliminating one more source.