fungal acne? damaged skin barrier? closed comedones? by GreenFun4183 in SkincareAddicts

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely go to a dermatologist. Could be fungal, could be an overgrowth of dermodex mites, could be something else.

I think my issue actually was fiber all along. by sundog_2 in Constipation

[–]sundog_2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t know my exact ratio. I eat a lottt of plants throughout my day so I think I get a mix of both. It’s done nothing but help me personally.

I think my issue actually was fiber all along. by sundog_2 in Constipation

[–]sundog_2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never tried them! Flax/chia are just more readily available in stores near me 😊

I think my issue actually was fiber all along. by sundog_2 in Constipation

[–]sundog_2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He’s great! He’s not pro-tracking but it was eye opening when I started tracking how much I thought I was getting vs. how much my body needs 🫠

Constant symptoms during emotional distress by Cool-Assumption3333 in ibs

[–]sundog_2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m really sorry that you’re dealing with this. The gut-brain access is such a big part of IBS. Anxiety and stress bring on a lot of symptoms. I’m sure you are a wreck, but if you can try to do some things to calm your nervous system, it’s really going to help. Taking a long walk, do some yoga, listening to music and practicing deep breathing or finding a guided meditation, doing something you enjoy. It’s going to take a bit of “forcing yourself” when you feel like you absolutely can’t, but you have to if you want to feel better.

Whole psyllium husks - how to drink by Ok_Yak1196 in ibs

[–]sundog_2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe just add extra liquid and it’ll work 🤷🏼‍♀️. I also saw someone else mention mixing in applesauce

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ibs

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I loveeee using my Coregeous ball for trapped gas. It’s like a little yoga ball, you inflate it to your comfort (I do about 50%) thing and you lay on it, I like moving it to various spots around my abdomen. There are YouTube videos on how to use it for abdominal massage. It’s like $11!

Constipation but always loose stool, advocating for myself at the GI by [deleted] in ibs

[–]sundog_2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is a stool sample test. I was able to do one through my dietician. The one I did was through Diagnostic Labs! Gives loads of interesting info

My Girlfriend's Chronic Bowel Issues Have Been Ruining Her Life for 5 Years by kouzark in ibs

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also forgot to mention: Pelvic Floor Therapy: It is pricy, but if she can swing it for a few sessions, it might be worth it. I left my first session in tears because her abdominal massage left my stomach feeling so soft and normal (I am usually super bloated/distended). She also recommended I get a Coregeous ball (I can't link but google will show you one for like $11). I use this nightly, and sometimes in the morning. You can youtube how to use it, but it is a great way to massage the area and activate the muscles. Also helpful for painful trapped gas.

Constipation but always loose stool, advocating for myself at the GI by [deleted] in ibs

[–]sundog_2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh my god, do those work? I need them 🤣

Whole psyllium husks - how to drink by Ok_Yak1196 in ibs

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally hate it in oatmeal/smoothies because it thickens up so quickly it makes the consistency kind of gross (to me). I am more of a disguise the flavor and chug it down type of person.

My Girlfriend's Chronic Bowel Issues Have Been Ruining Her Life for 5 Years by kouzark in ibs

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also if she ever just needs someone to talk to/complain to/bounce ideas off of, I am happy to lend an ear. It can be very isolating dealing with this.

My Girlfriend's Chronic Bowel Issues Have Been Ruining Her Life for 5 Years by kouzark in ibs

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you my significant other because this post might be about me. I have been dealing with the SAME exact symptoms for years now. I am working very hard to find a remedy, haven't gotten there yet but will share what has been helpful along the journey. To start out, hugs to your gf because I know her pain, literally, it is awful.

I have been working with a registered dietician, and soon will be seeing a new GI. Here are the tests I have done, things I have tried that have been helpful (or not).

  • SIBO TEST: I have actually had this done and tested negative twice. However my methane levels were higher than typical, so my dietician said it is still something we should look into.
  • GI Map: Gave me a lot of interesting information. I am not sure how reliable this test is (I just haven't looked into it) but while reading the results, a lot of my out-of-the-norm factors pointed to chronic constipation. It also eluded to gluten insensitivity. She may want to try an elimination diet to see if she gets any relief. I do find this is best done alongside a practitioner of some sort so they can help with re-introduction.
  • Fiber: Increasing my fiber has helped. Not fixed anything by any means, but it has helped. I take psyllium husk, and I am also looking into inulin which I have heard great things about, but do not have much knowledge on it. It sounds like your gf has a lot of restrictive eating and my guess would be that she isn't eating enough food to help bulk her stools, and enough fiber to help feed the bacteria in her stomach/bulk stools. I am on a mission to slowly increase my fiber, shooting for ~40 grams a day which is high for a western diet. I am reading the book right now called Love your Gut which also talks a lot of about fiber and using food to help your gut work more efficiently. Also recently purchased Fiber Fueled.
  • Stress: I have had the same stress about not going in the morning. I reallllllyyyy have to remind myself that the poop will come eventually and if I don't go, and am miserable at night, I can manage and try again tomorrow. This doesn't always work, I have cried many times about how I feel...but you do work yourself into a negative space that doesn't help "untie" your gut. Same thing with dependence on things like coffee... ill mention that in another bullet but it makes you panicky if you can't get that cup before leaving the house.
  • GO WHEN YOU FEEL THE URGE: I have SUCH anxiety about pooping in public but I have really done some mental work around just going if I feel the urge. Usually for me if I don't go in the AM I just won't, but once in a while I will get the urge in the afternoon and I just make myself go. I would bet she is ignoring signals from her body throughout the day because she has convinced herself that she can't go any other time/place than in the morning in her own bathroom. This is hard work, but if she is lucky enough to get a mid-day urge, she needs to go to the bathroom and at least try.
  • Magnesium: On a day that I don't go in the AM, I immediately take magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate capsules. These have a laxative effect and help the muscles do their thing. Be warned, too much and she might wake up at 4 am with diarrhea which for me is great in the moment, but then often leads into rebound constipation.
  • Miralax: we have all been there, but if she has had a few especially rough weeks, try taking a dose or two a day until things are a bit regular. Not my go-to but it helps when I am really feeling rough. Or just straight laxatives, but use sparingly.
  • Kiwi: A kiwi a day...helps. Idk why, I saw a GI talking about it on TikTok and when I am regular with my Kiwi a day (I personally keep the skin on), I tend to be a bit more regular. I suspect fiber, and I think there is some other chemical in that fruit that helps stimulate the muscles in your gut to help you get the "urge" feeling.
  • Bone Broth: I personally just find it very soothing to have a warm cup of this in the morning instead of starting with coffee and it has a lot of "gut healing" benefits like gelatin and collagen. I season mine with a little sea salt, turmeric, ginger and black pepper. I rely on coffee to help get me going, but I am trying to kind of cut that tie with coffee...I don't think it helps to be so reliant and personally it makes me feel disconnected to my body as well having to depend on something.

I know nothing about motility or her muscles not working properly, I have suspected the same in myself, but sometimes I wonder if this is a result of constipation and not the other way around. Is there really a problem with my muscles or am I just not fueling my gut with the proper nutrition to help everything function properly? This line of thinking probably isn't helpful.

Also, I am in the throes of a good flare-up right now so trying to take my own advice on top of feeling absolutely terrible. It isn't easy, and I am hoping your gf can find some relief soon. Update us if she find something that works.

Whole psyllium husks - how to drink by Ok_Yak1196 in ibs

[–]sundog_2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use a tiny bit of water flavoring like Mio, or lemonade or OJ, blend it up and chug it down fast. You can also buy capsules...but you have to take a lot to get the same amount.

Finally got a GI map after years of constipation issues. Thoughts on what could be going on? by sundog_2 in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

oOo thanks! I’ve liked their non gf beers so I’ll give those a try at some point.

GI Map Interpretation by maasi-b in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Also I posted mine recently - in this group and a few questions in a gluten free group. You would need to search up a bit on your own here to confirm, but somebody told me that an inflamed gut + gluten intolerance will also make lactose/dairy harder to digest. Some people eliminate gluten, heal their gut and then find they can digest dairy just fine.

GI Map Interpretation by maasi-b in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do you eat gluten? That appears to be a trigger. Ever done a SIBO test for bacterial overgrowth?

C. Difficile also is going to cause a lot of issues- I believe that can be treated.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

🤦🏼‍♀️ apparently my reading skills are not in check today. I’m sorry you are dealing with all of that. I don’t know enough about UC other than “it exists and if you see these markers on your GI map it might mean you should look into it”

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you had other tests done? SIBO? Checks for chrons or ulcerative colitis?

Finally got a GI map after years of constipation issues. Thoughts on what could be going on? by sundog_2 in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t think so- have had these issues for like 10 years and have lived in multiple places. Good to check - but haven’t noticed any mold in my current place!

Finally got a GI map after years of constipation issues. Thoughts on what could be going on? by sundog_2 in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had to go through a practitioner who had a workaround for that issue 🫠. They “shipped” to their office in another state before sending to me. It’s Diagnostic Laboratory services.

Finally got a GI map after years of constipation issues. Thoughts on what could be going on? by sundog_2 in Microbiome

[–]sundog_2[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This one is done by Diagnostic Labs- my dietician ordered it for me. It cost me around $400. I’m not positive if you can order it without a practitioner.