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Many thanks to all those who contacted me by email and telephone ~ regards to all Michael

December 14, 2006  Also From Cindy on HelpforIBS

I've had IBS for 4 years and it got horrible about 2 years ago. I was having episodes every 3-5 days….I've tried lots of things but the last thing I tried was the hypnosis CD's. These have changed my life! I didn't start noticing a difference until after 60 days, so I didn't know if it would work…. amazingly, at some point it kicked in! So try it! You've got nothing to lose. My stomach still gets a little achy but nothing big. I'm actually going to do the program again to get totally symptom free. Acupuncture also helps with depression and anxiety. I have a lot of anxiety and some depression. I take Klonopin for panic attacks which I do not get anymore. I've also had clinical depression and gotten through and I am fine. So try the IBS CD's and keep doing them all the way through.

 

■ January 5. 2007  From SeaDragon in Indiana on HelpforIBS

Re the IBS Audio Program - Just some encouragement. Our daughter (freshman in HS) has started the (CD) series. After only 3 days on session 1 she was sleeping more restfully. She really liked session 2, and last night started session 3. We are following the eating guidelines as well, but she has now been 4 weeks without an attack. It's like a miracle. I would recommend this program based on this experience alone. Thank you.

■ January 3, 2007  From Lisa Marie in Lakewood, CO on HelpforIBS

Thanks, my mom loves it! Thanks for spending time on the phone with me to figure out which CD would be best for my mom. I was afraid she'd think the whole hypno thing was "weird" and wouldn't try it, but she really likes it! I got her the "Anxiety" CD and she's been listening almost daily since Christmas. She's been having a hard time with migraines lately, so the CD has really been helping her to relax. Anyway, just wanted to say "Thanks!" to you and Michael!

 

■ December 5, 2006   From herby1618 in Qld, Australia from Remedy Find - IBS - A

Excellent - After suffering IBS for over 30 years I have finally found something that actually works. Michael Mahoney's 100 day audio program is beautiful to listen to and results happen in a short time. I have just been through a terrible stressful time, usually I would be a mess, IBS would be at its worst!! However I am doing really well, along with insoluble fiber everyday I have what I am sure is a normal and healthy bowel. I highly recommend this treatment.

■ ■ December 6, 2006     From Lisa Marie in Lakewood, Colorado, on HelpforIBS

Last night was my final night on the (IBS Audio) program. I can't believe how quickly it went by. Now I'm excited about listening to my favorite sessions (2 and 3) whenever I want. I definitely notice a huge improvement; especially in one particular area. The hypno really helped me get over my restaurant anxiety. Just walking into a restaurant used to give me an IBS attack, no matter how safely I ate. The imagery in the program really helped me calm myself down so that I can now eat out without worrying about getting sick! I feel like I can start to take part in normal activities again; what a great feeling!

I have also noticed a reduction in gas and bloating. Awhile back I posted that my gassiness was coming back and M. explained about the "mind armies"... well, the gas isn't totally gone yet, but it's gotten better, so hopefully it will completely go away again, this time for good! But I'm just so happy with the overall progress I made! Thank you, Michael!  

….My greatest improvement has been reduced anxiety about eating out, especially at other's homes.

January 3, 2007  From Brett in New Jersey on Amazon.com Review

I bought these tapes one year ago after suffering with IBS for 18 years and trying every med known to man. I was at a point where I could no longer step out the front door to go to work without my gut cramping up and usually resulted in making a U-turn to get home ASAP to get to the bathroom. Fast forward one year, I'm 85% better. I no longer get panic attacks when someone asks me to walk out the front door. I can't say enough about Mike's Tapes or the support people he has in place. His voice is calming which in turn allowed me to relax and drift off into a sleep during every session. I saw small results in the first week of listening and over time started noticing big changes in my IBS. My only regret is not getting these tapes sooner. My family and I lost a lot of years of doing things together because of this nasty condition. Thank you Mike Mahoney for giving me my life back. Bless You

December 1, 2006  Also From Brett in New Jersey

I have to admit when I purchased the IBS Audio Program CDs last December my faith wasn't as deep as it is today, but I still asked my Lord for guidance in prayer before purchasing the CDs. …Hypnosis has gotten a bad wrap from TV shows in the past for entertainment value. I'm sure you've watched a show or two where they hypnotize people on stage and make them bark like a dog, etc, ... This isn't what it's all about at all. It's not voodoo or hocus pocus or anything like that. Not in this case. The sessions are very relaxing, and for most people, they just work. I've gotten great results from listening to Mike's program. Results will vary but in my case I saw some results within a few weeks. Gradually over the past year I've gotten better and better and can honestly say my life is just about back to normal. I go anywhere, anytime. Today my wife and I went shopping for 4 hours…the important thing is I was able to do this, whereas … last year I was a total mess. I couldn't be in a store more than 5 or 10 minutes. … I also had to weigh the CDs over taking meds the rest of my life. I tried antidepressants among many, many other things. 1, they didn't work and 2, I didn't like the state of mind they put me in. Thanks to Mike’s Tapes (CDs), my anxiety attacks are few and far between.  Had IBS-D (diarrhea) for at least 19 years.

■ ■ November 28, 2006 From Trish on HelpforIBS

IBS Audio Program - Hi, just wanted to say that this program is fantastic. I have suffered with IBS for over 30 years, I have spent a fortune on trying cure after cure .... and never any real relief until now. I am a new person, I have just finished the course, I started having positive results quite early in the program and now I am symptom free!! which is not a statement I would make lightly. I have just been through one of the most stressful times in my life, nursing my mother for 4 weeks until her death, and then a whole heap of stuff to deal with afterward which would have in the past caused me a nightmare situation with my IBS. It was such a comfort to have my 1/2hr listening to the C.D. a real life saver in just giving me relaxation and peace and of course no IBS symptoms. Anyone who reads this who is considering trying this program I say "go for it" the best money I have ever spent!!! Thanks to Heather and Mike, God Bless you both. Regards Trish

 

■ 2006  From Kathy W. on HelpforIBS.com

I have suffered from IBS for about 36 years. I have been to many doctors, including the Mayo Clinic and herbalists. None were able to really help for the long term… For the past two years I have been nearly symptom-free. I attribute this to two things - using the principles … set out in Eating for IBS and the IBS Audio Program 100tm hypnosis  (CDs).

While I was skeptical about the benefits of the hypnosis tapes, I used them just as prescribed for 100 days and have been nearly symptom-free since. Thank you so much for helping me and others with IBS. You should know that I have been able to travel to Ireland (4 times) and various destinations in the United States over the past two years without a single accident.

November 20, 2006   From Aly on HelpforIBS

I am only on day 22 (This is my second time doing the CDs), but I can see some great improvement! I recently had a big move-- across the ocean to England with my fiancé for grad school. With all of the stress, I expected to have a really rough time. I was struggling when I arrived and couldn't sleep well. I remembered how well I slept with the CDs, so I decided to give them a try again. The first time was calming but didn't seem to help my IBS drastically. Anyway, I've noticed that my attacks are so much quicker and less intense. This weekend I was out of my apartment both days all day. That's a huge deal for me. I went into Birmingham on Sunday and even ate out at an Italian restaurant (splurging on garlic bread) and ate a pretzel from the German market with Nutella on it. Normally, I could never do it-- physically AND emotionally. I would have never wanted to try it. I did and nothing happened. I feel like my mind is starting to tell my body it's OK to eat a little bit of stuff I normally wouldn't. It's such a freeing experience! But the most important part is that my attacks are so much better. If I have a bad belly day, it could be a few hours, never days upon days like it used to be. SO, I just wanted to share my thoughts... :)

 

■ ■ November 18, 2006  From Cassandra on HelpforIBS

Day 100 Complete - And I must say that I am MUCH improved!! ... I would say I am 90% better than I was in August when I started and 150% better than I was in February when I contemplated admitting myself to hospital. My attacks are wayyyyyy down - 1 or 2 every week or 2. Compared to 3 or 4 a day is phenomenal. I am so very happy with my progress so far.

I can't wait until I see the GI on Dec. 11 to let him know what I have done for myself since I saw him in May. He will be pleased with the progress...

If you haven't tried the program, what are you waiting for? Seriously, it has saved me, physically and mentally. Go ahead, order it!! It is far more valuable than the small investment!

 

November 2006   From Amos

I started the hypnosis CDs for the second time. With using the CDs and fiber twice daily I have noticed such accomplishments. My IBS is triggered by stress and lately I'll notice where it just stops and I proceed with meetings, shopping, just day to day office. I use less Imodium. I am so glad I found this site. Thank you.

 

■ September 2006  From Berry - Canada

"I have two words for you: DO IT !   Like most others here, I tried so many different avenues to get my IBS-D under control. I am amazed at the results from the hypnosis program. Amazed!!!

I started it in May (2006), and by early July, when I wasn't seeing any magical changes, I started to get discouraged. I stuck to it anyway, "just in case"... and I'm incredibly happy to announce that I was able to take a 14-hour road trip (!!!!) to go on my first vacation in 7 years (!!!!!) in early September.

I started noticing the changes in August. My perpetual fear of getting caught somewhere far from a restroom is completely gone. I kid you not. I feel so much more in control!

I'm still careful about what I eat, but I no longer "fear" food, if that makes any sense. Seriously... try the program. When you're through with it, you'll be amazed at how inexpensive your freedom was in the end!

p.s. - I've been eating out at least once a week since August, just because I finally can !... I'll stop soon, not because it's physically uncomfortable for me (my old excuse), but because I can't afford it. That's a problem I can live with! "

August 2006

I've gotten up into about 1/2 way through session 4 of Mike's tapes. The improvements I have noticed in my IBS-D are:
pretty much complete "regularity" now
pain/cramping is now much more rare occurrence
easier & faster recovery from occasional times I do have any IBS problems

Other things I and other people have noticed:
I'm a LOT less anxious overall
I sleep WAY better
I have lost my fear of going out almost completely
I'm generally feeling less moody and more relaxed

Now, I have to admit that I have also made dietary changes - I have cut out all gluten and drastically cut down on caffeine and sugar, but I haven't needed my anti-spasmodics in a long time, and I decided that I didn't need the anti-depressants after all. Also, I just got back from over a weeklong trip to Europe. Normally the very idea of getting on a plane would have me so terrified I wouldn't be able to think (or even walk)straight, let alone the idea of being in a strange country where they might not have available toilets. Not only did I make the whole trip - 8 - 10 hours one way going either way AND during a terrorist alert - with NO anxiety, I took multiple day trips while out there, including one on a boat with NO toilet available - all with NO anxiety or relapse. I even tried to talk my brain into being afraid on one of the plane trips and it just wouldn't listen. I don't know if the IBS 100 Program was entirely the reason for this huge turnaround for me, but I really feel that it has helped a whole lot not only my IBS, but my overall ability to deal with stress. Even my husband who doesn't have IBS likes to listen to the tapes with me because they completely override his chronic insomnia. I like the program a lot!

July 2006  From Marilyn – Illinois

IBS really ruined my whole life; I felt torn between being grateful I didn't have something "serious" and guilty for feeling like I was dying anyway. People treat you differently when they know that IBS is something that isn't "serious" as in life-threatening, but even my gastroenterologist told me that he could treat the pain of his colon cancer patients better than his IBS patients.

I was officially diagnosed in 1988, after about five years (1983) of not knowing why I was having increasingly severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. With the birth of my daughter that same year, I thought I better get tested, that maybe I did have some digestive disease, but several colonoscopies later, (four total over the years) it was confirmed as IBS.

Trips to the Mayo Clinic and two other gastroenterologists further confirmed that every single prescription and OTC medication had little or no effect, and only short-term, if any:

Over the next 12 years or so, I was prescribed various IBS medications by my gastroenterologists and internal medicine physicians - some examples: every antispasmodic including Hyoscyamine (Levbid/Levsin, and Levsin SL), Dicyclomine (Bentyl), as well as Donnatal, Tincture of Belladonna, etc., several diets and diet modifications/food eliminations, fiber, the anti-depressant Amitriptyline (Elavil), various SSRIs (Prozac, Effexor and others), Codeine, Colpermin (enteric coated peppermint capsules), various other Antidiarrheal and/or Antiperistaltic prescriptions or OTC medications, as well as non-label use of prescriptions such as Seldane, which has a side-effect of constipation to combat my extreme diarrhea. There were other medications, and herbals as well.

My gastroenterologist finally told me that he had exhausted his treatment options, and to go look up other treatments on the internet. In my search, I found out about the use of clinical hypnotherapy for IBS but I thought this method was pretty far-fetched and seemed to be absurd to me.

But at this point I was desperate, now almost housebound with severe urgent diarrhea, painful cramping, and nothing helping, so I tried this treatment method as a last resort in the summer of 2000. This treatment program is known as the IBS Audio Program 100. It consists of a set of audio CDs containing clinically researched therapeutic sessions with a very specific listening schedule. (Michael Mahoney of Cheshire England is the author of this program. He came to the IBS Group BB in 1998, when his program became available to the public as a result of patient demand. Mike has many publications about him and by him and is one of the leading clinical hypnotherapists in England who works alongside gastroenterologists in his medical centre.)

Even though the program had been helping thousands of IBS patients, even prior to its availability to the public in 1998, I felt that this would not work for me, that I was a hopeless case, having been diagnosed as severe refractory IBS, and I doubted that anything of this sort would have any real helpful effects on my symptoms – I was of a very negative, depressed mind-set from the beginning and throughout listening to the program. I had very little belief in it or the method. In fact, I thought it was rather bogus, and misleading to think anything of a brain-gut approach would help me. After all, the problem was in my gut – not my mind – or so I thought. I fought all the way – writing emails to Mike in England, how this wasn’t working, and that I was relapsing, etc. I was a nightmare patient! An IBS “poster child.”

During the course of listening to the hypnotherapy sessions, I not only had to deal with IBS, but my marriage dissolved in part, due to IBS, and I had several various surgeries – one on my foot, a gallbladder removal (which the doctor misdiagnosed as IBS pain), and removal of repositioned entangled ovaries. While the hypnotherapy program wasn’t dealing with my IBS, I found out it helped me cope with the many other stressors and health issues in my life first, as these were the most pressing – once resolved – I re-listened to the program yet again – and my IBS began to improve. Very gradually at first, but one day, I realized, I hadn’t had severe pain and urgency as often as I used to.

As the time passed, the urgency and diarrhea diminished substantially – in fact, as time went on, I later realized that at the first hint of urgency, I “automatically” had what I would call an “unspoken” inner thought – that “said”, in effect, “I don’t have time to deal with this now,” or “I don’t want this now, go away” and the urgency and impending diarrhea would subside within almost seconds. It was an automatic response – I didn’t think it through. Just as in the past, my “gut” previously reacted as an automatic response to go into pain, cramps and urgency and severe diarrhea.

Due to the severity of my severe refractory IBS, as well as several non related surgeries, I listened to the entire program 3 times. Each time I saw better improvement – I was the worst case scenario. Mike told me that the hypnotherapy program worked first on those health issues and stressors in my life that were most pressing to my overall health – and that the IBS was dealt with last in my case – but I persevered, and my symptoms greatly reduced. That was several years ago, and now I can actually leave the house, whereas before, I raised my children "through the bathroom door!" I had attacks of diarrhea and pain lasting for hours on end, sometimes six hours a day, almost every day, never knowing when...even if I ate small amounts, the attacks would come out of the blue.

I am now able to function – if I do get an attack, most of the time it will subside within minutes, if not seconds – IBS is no longer the severe issue that it was, and though not a cure, for me, it was the best thing I could have done to treat my IBS on a holistic level.

My IBS cost me a whole lost life...events and special celebrations for my kids, just taking them to routine doctor and dentist appointments was an ordeal, and my marriage suffered and collapsed in part because of it. I went from being able to travel and talk professionally in front of large groups of people, to being just about housebound.

This program saved my life. And that is why I am still here helping on the BB and why I now help the author of the program, Michael Mahoney, as a result of my gratitude for getting my life back. As one of the slowest persons to respond, and with very severe symptoms, I feel that I do need to pass on what was given to me and encourage others to not lose hope. That's what worked for me and I hope this helps someone too.

July 31, 2006   From shannon  - Belfair, Washington, USA

Amazon Product Review   - Five Stars ***** Calming and peaceful

I am only on the second cd but I can tell you this, I am calmer and able to handle stress better, and my stomach problems are better too. I still have some issues with my stomach but as I said before that I am only on the second cd. Most every night I fall asleep to the relaxing voice of Dr. Mahoney, he says you don't have to stay awake to have the message work and he is right after the first night I notice a change in the way I handle stress.

■ ■ July 2006  From Stephanie Norton

I, too, am a testimony for the IBS Audio 100 Program for self-hypnosis.  I tried it as a last resort - out of desperation.

The first thing I noticed was a change in my thought pattern and my reactions to stressful situations. Then I slowly began to see a change in my bowel movement. The changes went back and forth for me for a while because I'd just started a new job that was very stressful, along with the fact that I am a full time wife and mother who's taking a full course load in college. So I knew that if was to work for me, it had to be pretty good.

It was difficult for me to stay on track with the schedule at times, but I was persistent because I knew that this was something I had to do for myself. With such a busy schedule, I was always tired when I listened to it and would fall asleep every time. Thank goodness hypnotherapy works on the subconscious, allowing the subject to totally relax. I began to see a total healing in about 75 days.

For the first time in years, I have eaten a full tossed salad as a main course, ice cream and other things that I had sworn off because of IBS. My only concern now is keeping my weight down. I commend Michael Mahoney for a terrific, effective program. It works. It truly works. It is worth the money. There is no reason for people to suffer unnecessarily.

Thanks for all that you do. I hope that others will listen as well.

Stephanie Norton

 

■ ■ July 2006  From Natalie -  UK

I wouldn't get on the bus, train anything without a toilet in sight and  it had been ruling my life for so long that it was just normal. I didn't want to think that way, but there seemed to be nothing to get me out of that thought pattern. Until that is....I discovered Michael!! I think I’m one of the only people on these boards to have used Michael’s hypno CDs and then gone and actually had sessions in person with him....he is AMAZING....and although I didn't notice it working as quickly as some people...now I can't get over the change.....its like a miracle!

 

June 19, 2006   From Kim   - Amazon.com Product Reviews
Five Stars  ***** Better than any drug helped

I have been diagnosed with IBS and am on a prescription that helps but my problem is the anxiety which still causes problems with my digestive system. I am only part way into the Audio 100 and am already noticing a big difference in the way I feel when I leave home. I highly recommend this program!!

 

■ ■ June 6, 2006   From Jenks  - Orange County, California 
Amazon.com Product Reviews – Five Stars ***** Haven't felt this good in years!,

After trying every medication/diet imaginable over the last 7 years, I tried the IBS 100 CD's and have finally found relief! The hypnosis program has worked wonders for me. Over the last 6 months I have gone off all of my medications and am far less sensitive to stress and diet triggers. Hypnotherapy really works! It has helped me to manage stress in my life so that it doesn't affect me the way that it used to, and I can eat the foods I haven’t been able to eat in years. I highly recommend this product!

■ April 29, 2006  From Sharon Hall of AZ – Update from 2001

It has been at least 5 or 6 years now, since I used Mike's hypnotherapy program and am still doing great. IBS is a shadow now, it is in the back of my mind rather than dominating my life. I function very well day to day. Sometimes I am surprised to realize I haven't thought about IBS for a while, or find myself in a situation that used to put me in a panic. I think about the "what ifs..." once in a while, which was a huge problem before, but now I am able to get rid of the thought as soon as I recognize it.

I still get D on occasion, but I can usually figure out why...consuming alcohol and allergies will always trigger an attack. I can shrug it off easily with "It's just my allergies, it's not the IBS returning." I guess mainly I have learned to under-react to IBS symptoms. I realize these are CBT techniques. I tried using them for years before I used Mike's program, but without the hypnotherapy to help me change my way of thinking CBT was not enough.

March 1, 2006 – From Mary H. Wright "Children's book author" - Houston, Texas
Amazon.com Product Reviews – Five Stars

"Having just been diagnosed with IBS, but realizing I've had it for some time, I ordered this book The First Year- IBS and found it to be extremely helpful. It reviews Dr. Michael Mahoney's hypnotherapy CDs which I bought and have found to be just the ticket. I would heartily recommend this book for anyone with IBS."

 

■ May 18, 2006 From D. Anderson -  Newark, Delaware
Amazon.com Product Reviews – Five Stars   ***** Best product for IBS!

I believed I may of had IBS for all of my life, however I really noticed it after getting off a well known medication. After searching for over two years I finally found something that really works for the long term. My underlining problem though is anxiety (social) and that really is what causes my IBS. But this cd helps with anxiety as well. For the price of this cd it's well worth it for your health. Although I'm not 100% healed I am able to live my life comfortably with less anxiety and less IBS symptoms....

 

March 21, 2006  From Robin L. Mcdorman  - SAN CLEMENTE, California
Amazon.com Product Reviews – Five Stars    ***** great product

I have finally found something that has helped my IBS. I recommend it to anyone suffering.

■ April 2006  From Aurora

I’m on  day 95 and it was 10 days ago when I took Imodium last time. When I started Mike’s program, I was on Imodium every day. The frequency I needed to take Imodium came to reduce gradually, but I used to need to take it at least around twice a week even during the time I followed Mike’s program. But yesterday when I looked at my IBS-diary, I noticed that I had not taken Imodium for the last 10 days, it’s an incredible change for me and I just couldn’t believe my eyes!!

I have even noticed a great change when it comes to how I feel and think about IBS, especially when I’m at the University. Before, I always had to go to the bathroom at least twice just before the class would start (for just in case, even though I had been on my bathroom several times at home just when I would leave the house) and was worried all the time with the thought what if I began to feel that I needed to go to the bathroom again during the class etc, but during the recent days, I didn’t think about the bathroom at all and went to the classroom straight away. I even didn’t think about the bathroom during the class and I felt really, really happy after the classes. It’s like as if I have got new confidence that I can make it without thinking of bathroom and D all the time.

 April 2006  From Wmtand

My 100th day of this program was this past Saturday and I must say that I am feeling much better than when I started. I am much more relaxed and although I still get cramps from time to time and the odd bout of the runs, it is so so much better than 100 days ago. The biggest test for me was last week.
We went on vacation which although I love, it always has a ton of triggers for me, starting with, Are we going to miss our flight, What if some one else is in the bathroom, what if I am held up in customs, where are the bathrooms, what type of food can I eat, will I be affected by the water, what about island excursions, did I pack the right stuff etc etc etc, (I know most of you can relate) I always rely on Imodium, lomotil, buscopan and rolaids, different combinations for different days to get through the holiday and there is always a great deal of anxiety that is ever present even with the drugs.
This vacation was so different, We took a 7 day cruise from Florida to St. Thomas, St. Martin and Bahamas and had to take a 3 hour flight to get to the cruise ship. I did not take Imodium until the third day and then it was only one dose and definitely due to over indulgence the night before.
I was up early every day, did multiple shore excursions, had 2 anxiety free flights, ate pretty much whatever I wanted, drank far too much alcohol, faced unknown territory every day etc. and I was fine. Yes I did have a few times that I suffered from pain and cramps but they were manageable and did not stop me from doing anything that I wanted to do. Certainly the best vacation experience (IBS wise) that I have had in years.

I am not saying I am cured (yet) but I would easily say I am 80 - 90 % better. The trip was the first time since December that I have taken an Imodium although I have taken the occasional buscopan for spasms.

I can't begin to describe the way it works because I really don't know but Mikes Tapes certainly have helped so far and I trust what I have learned will continue to help in the future.
Best investment I have made in my health for quite some time. I would highly recommend them, however you do need to be motivated because it is a significant time investment and to work I understand that you need to be consistent with the schedule. I was.

Take care all and Hats off to Mike’s Tapes (CDs).

  February 2006  From Kerry - Australia

"I've finished round 2 and am feeling good. stable again and back on track. It was no easy task with two young children but I made the time and I'm glad I did.

If you are thinking of trying the hypno but haven't yet I recommend it!"

 

January  2006  From M&M – Texas

I just finished the tapes. …After listening so many times you'd think I'd have each one memorized, but I think I've only made it to the end 3 or 4 times without passing out. And I'm not one of those who can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Even though I slept, they were sinking in, and have helped me a lot to relax, and I think in a very subtle way they are helping me to change the way I live around my IBS. I'm still stuck with some anxiety, and haven't been keeping track, but I don't think I've had an emergency in a good while now. For a few years I have only had D when it was inconvenient for me, with the occasional once every month or so having a big reaction to food. Usually my problem is being stuck away from a restroom and freaking out. I still get nervous but have had many occasions recently in which I sat as passenger ( I hate not driving) in a car with family or friend and did very well. I also try to make it to yoga class 2 times a week and walk my dogs as much as possible.

■ ■ January 12, 2006 From Cacti in the UK

Mike,  Just a quick e-mail to say THANK YOU for the creating the IBS 100 CDs. I discovered the CDs on the IBS Group bulletin board (I am logged on as Cacti!). As an emergency nurse by background I have been a believer in traditional scientific medicine and wary of "alternative" therapies - how my beliefs have changed over the last few months!!!!

I have had IBS since I was 19 when I was on a long term course of antibiotics whilst living in a student house studying for my degree. I now think the combination of the antibiotics and the anxiety of the shared bathroom may have been the trigger for my condition. I am now 30 years of age and over the last 11 years my symptoms have got progressively worse and I ended up feeling quite anxious about trips away (not just overnight but just to the local shopping centre!). I was reading the reviews on the bulletin board with some skepticism (not a believer in miracle cures!!!!) but I was at the end of the road having tried many conventional treatment options!

I started the CDs in August and followed the schedule to the letter (if I missed a day or two I jumped back the required number of days!) - I completed day 100 on the last day of 2005 whilst on holiday in Hong Kong. I can not put into words the difference your programme has made to my life - my symptoms have more or less gone (and what remains does not hinder my life!). I feel calmer - I recently had to present my MSc study at an Ethics committee (sounds like you may have gone through this process as you do NHS work!) - well I would normally be in pieces but I was calm, self assured and defended my study.... I have also just returned from a 4 week trip to Japan, Australia and Hong Kong - in the past I would be popping  back to the hotel after every meal and eyeing up public toilets wherever we went - this time I ate LOTS of food and forgot about my IBS for 95% of the time!!!!

Really I just want to say thank you  for your help and also for not dismissing this problem. I am very very grateful!!!  Thanks. 

Jan. 7, 2006   Additional Update From Cacti in the UK :
 
Happy new year to you all! Just thought I would pop in with a progress report...

I arrived back from my vacation this week and had a fantastic time... I listened to day 100 of the programme on the last day of the year (which I thought was great and unplanned timing!).

I can not begin to put into words the difference that the IBS 100 CDs have made to my life. This holiday was like no other... I was away for 4 weeks and had 1 minor episode of loose stools (and even then I did not feel the need to rush back to the hotel - I waited until we had finished our drinks and then headed back!). Previous holidays I would have to head back to the hotel after every meal, I would have anxiety moments about going on organised trips (boats and coaches) - I had none of that this time!

I used to not go out without my loperamide with me - I set off one day and realised in the afternoon that I had left them in another bag which was at the hotel and that did not even bother me!!!!    I am so grateful for Michaels tapes - thank you!