Question:
How do you control the gripping pain of cramps?

Hi AMOS family, I was wondering if anyone has had the problem of dealing with cramps when they pass gas or move their bowels? I know it's kind of disgusting but the pain is so intense I can't breathe. What can I take or do in order to stop these painful cramps? They are really debilatating and sometimes brings me to tears. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.    — Ms. Ang (posted on May 14, 2003)

May 14, 2003
I have "cramps" when I eat any kind of bread even if it is toasted. I have found the only kind of bread I can eat and not have immediate cramps is Quiznos. I order a sandwhich that has avocado, turkey or chicken, and cheese for the protein, rosemary cheese bread that is toasted. However, the next day I have "cramps" when passing the sandwhich. Have you kept track of what you eat that causes it? I also get "cramps" when I eat too much sugar at once or too much fat. Good luck but it does happen to some of us. 4 months out and down 60 lbs. Lap gastric bypass
   — Laura K.

May 14, 2003
Oh, do I know what you're talking about!!! Seems like MANY things give me painful gas. Okay, coping...heres what seems to help. 1.Fluids, make sure to get all that water. Keeps things moving along. 2.Gas-X is my friend! LOL No, really. Simethicone (or however you spell that) really helps with the gas pains. If I'm starting to get a bad spell I take a couple of Gas-X capsules. They are pretty small so they are ok with the pouch. I've taken the chewable Gas-X with Maalox too when I had upset tummy along with the gas and it worked great. 3.Exercise, even just walking... again.. keeps things moving.
   — Anne R.

May 15, 2003
I can feel your pain! How do I know when I have to go to the bathroom? My intestines cramp up so bad and I can't move for atleast 10 minutes. Then it passes and I'm off to the potty. lol It truly is painful though, the pain is so intense. I have see a gastroenterologist, however, due to ulcer and IBS issues, so he gave me a prescription for the cramps, and it helps. One is Nulev, the other is Robinul. Maybe you could ask your doc? And could get it checked out, often times the cramping is due to stool backed up (sorry to be so descriptive) which in itself is painful and not very good, so maybe you wanna check it out with your PCP? Feel better!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 15, 2003
I see you're a recent postie and wanted to assure you that this should get better as time goes on and your bowels adapt to their altered state. In the meantime watch your diet really close and avoid things that are known to cause gas...most dairy products (especially if you are or have developed a lactose intolerance). You could try taking one of the lactaid products - they come in chewables, or sticking to acedophelus milk products. Cheese, the stronger the cheese the higher the risk of gas so stick to mild cheeses (moz, mild cheddar), artificial sweeteners - especially sugar alcohols. Limit broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and eggs (and egg based products/dishes). As I said this does get better and you could try these things alone to see which one (or two or three) is the culprit. Otherwise, I did lamaze breathing. It really helped me!
   — [Deactivated Member]