Yen

I'm asking this for a fellow cyclist. The problem is bike-related (as you'll see below).

This person has had IBS for most of his life. His case is relatively mild, but enough to cause him to shy away from early-morning rides. He must allow enough time for a relaxing breakfast, coffee, and time in the BR to avoid any "issues" on rides.

Fortunately, there haven't been any "issues" and this doesn't bother him the rest of the day.

The problem is that he is reluctant to participate in any organized rides that begin early in the morning, e.g. 7:00, as they don't give him enough time unless he gets up at 3:00 which he's unwilling to do.

I tend to believe that in this day and age there's got to be a solution for this.

I did a little on-line research and saw a variety of solutions including to eat more fiber, and eat less fiber (what??). He eats a fairly healthy diet.

Does anyone have any tried and true suggestions? He's probably not willing to make big dietary changes unless he knows they are known to work and would make a big difference for him.

FlatSix911

It Depends ... sorry, I just could not resist.
Your friend should consult with his MD and possibly visit a specialist.

Bare Feet

A very close family member has IBS and I am an "expert".
The problem with IBS is it encompasses a large group of symptoms, varying widely from person to person, with treatment/management varying just as widely. It sounds like your friend is using the term "mild" because he has learned how to live with his condition, after many years of conditioning through trial and error. Once a person finds what works for them, they stick with it. There is no cure, no pill, no single regiment that fits all.

One most troubling symptom can be the act of eating, especially breakfast, stimulates the urge to go. Going can take some time. Of course, you need to eat before a long ride, so you would need to start your day early. Also, stress effects IBS. If you can't relax, you can't go: could lead to issues.

It's a difficult and frustrating condition, but more than anything your friend needs your support and understanding. He has had to alter his life in many ways. He wouldn't choose to miss out on the morning rides if he didn't feel he had to.

donheff

I have the same problem. Fiber helps a lot. But, if he wants to go on early morning rides, he needs to get up earlier My case is probably an anomaly -- it is triggered by coffee, doesn't mater whether it is caffeinated or decaf. I tried removing all kinds of other things from my diet before I came across some reports on coffee as a trigger and tested that. The problem is I really like coffee in the morning so I just make sure I have a half hour before I need to leave the house and everything is copacetic. If it ever gets bad enough for Depends (nice one there) I will switch to tea.

mingus76

Tell him to stay away from coffee, its a GI tract irritant, also sugar, dairy, and wheat may cause problems. There are natural supplements that can help tremendously, acacia fiber, L-glutamine pwd (10-20gm a day), enteric coated peppermint oil caps, and a high potency probiotic (20-50 billion strength). There is a website that has some really good info, www.helpforibs.com. I am in no way connected to this company but have had heard good success with their products. I have worked in the supplement/natural food business for 17 years.

The Weak Link

Wow. A topic I know something about for once and I remain strangely silent.

I can't comment as a physician because we live in a profoundly litigious society.

However, I have IBS so I can speak as a patient.

I need to have my colonoscopy updated. Your friend needs to make sure his is up to date, too.

I take Imodium AD 2-4 mg. before a long ride, and if there's a lot of mileage involved (>40 miles) I'll take a few extra tablets with me.

I have to be careful what I eat on long rides. Gatorade does not sit well. Clif Shot Bloks work the best for me.

I drink coffee anyway and make sure I have plenty of time to accommodate the gastrocolic reflex.

Not all probiotics are the same. I prefer Align or Florastor.

Peppermint oil can be helpful but may worsen GERD.

Finally, I really appreciate full-zippered jerseys when I wear bib shorts.

surgeonstone

Tell him to ignore the advice in this column. IBS remains a mystery and no two patients are alike- what works for one may not work for another. Many with IBS will have had their gallbladders out and this in itself can cause many of the problems mentioned. Best answer is to work with a Doctor who has an interest in this disease process- many consider it an area they would rather avoid. Even the specialists disparage those that suffer from it. Find someone who takes it and you seriously and patiently figure out what works for that patient.

Kurt Erlenbach

I thought I had IBS because I was way too young to have colon cancer. Turned out I was wrong. I trust your friend has gotten a firm diagnosis following a colonoscopy.

Now, missing a large part of my colon (having a semicolon, as it were), I have similar dietary and bowel troubles. The best I can say is that experience is a good teacher. Trying the things the folks here relate is probably a good idea. Some may work and some may not, but experience is the best teacher.

AzTallRider

"My names is James, And I am an IBS sufferer."

I get up early enough to allow my system to get through its morning processes before the start of the ride. Fortunately, for me, that isn't a huge amount of time. I walk the dog a mile or so each morning, coffee in hand, and shortly after that, I'm ready to ride.

I take Benefiber, which has been a tremendous help. No idea how much the coffee contributes to my condition, and I'm not quitting to find out.

Phil85207

My son had IBS for years and finally they discovered wheat was the culprit. It's tough though. wheat is in a lot of stuff. Good luck

wiredfoxterror

Lil Miss IBS/colitis here. Since I've been low carbing I am off my meds and no "attacks". That means since 2003 - except for when I decide to "eat normal" for an extended period of time. I've done a lot of reading and there seems to be a consensus that it's a wheat allergy, which would explain why my way of eating works to keep it at bay. It took a long time to get used to not scheduling around my stomach attacks!

Garfield Cat

Perhaps he can start the group ride later. He will miss out on a portion of it but he can join up at another point.

It's one thing to try to solve an I.B.S. issue and another if it's just a scheduling issue.

Wildwood 

In WA, IBS would qualify him for a medical marijuana card.
I know 2 people who believe it really helps their (alleged?) condition, and puts a smile on their faces. But they are not cyclists.

donheff

I doubt that will qualify under DC's new law. Not sure I would want to smoke a joint before heading out on a club ride anyway

Neil_B

I have attacks of it from time to time. I suffer through it.