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Patient Case Studies/Comments
From Successful Users of Program
IBS Audio Program 100™ Users Comments and Stories
It's been a long road with IBS, and I want to share my struggles so you know
just how far I've come using hypnotherapy, as I have had IBS D/C
(Diarrhea/Constipation) (D-predominant for 27 years.)
It began on the first day of school my junior year. During that first class, I
noticed a girl get up to leave the room to go (I assumed) to the restroom. I
thought "How embarrassing, everyone knows where she's going." From that day on,
I had to leave that first hour class to go to the restroom. At 8:20 each morning
I would feel the urge to go, couldn't take it anymore, and would leave the room.
This is when my anxiety about my bowel patterns began. I began to worry about if
I would have to go, what people thought if me, and that something must be wrong
with me.
The avoidance behaviors began. I tried not to do anything in the mornings, which
was always the worst time. As I went through high school and college, I began
starting my day later and later, until finally, during my senior year of
college, I didn't start classes till 1:00 pm. I was ok later in the day, if I
felt I'd been emptied out I could carry on with normal activities.
As time went on, I'd have problems in other places. I always had to sit on the
aisle seat of the classroom or theater, and be the driver of the car. Once I
told someone driving that I had to stop, and they said "No, you're a grown-up,
you can hold it." I didn't let anyone drive me anywhere again, till recently.
In 1989 we took a trip to England to see my husband's family. I had no idea how
I would make it, and went to see a hypnotherapist. He made a tape for my panic
attacks and taught me relaxation techniques. It helped the panic, but my D and
urgency was still a big problem.
On our 20th wedding anniversary, my husband and I went out to our favorite
restaurant. I stopped at the restroom on the way out, and was in there for 30
minutes. My husband was waiting patiently. He was used to me by now. I had a
horrible attack, but thought it was done. But it wasn't over. On the ride home
we got stuck in a traffic jam in a construction zone. Trapped, no way out. I
couldn't hold it, and had my first episode of incontinence on my 20th wedding
anniversary. I was horrified. My husband was understanding, telling me not to
worry, I was obviously ill.
It was that episode that made me look for a good doctor. I went online, found
the IFFGD and the IBS Self-Help BB. The IFFGD referred me to a terrific GI, and
he did a full workup on me. He sent me for PT and biofeedback. He got me on the
proper dosages of medications (my GP prescribed me dosages too low to be
effective) and supported my use of hypnotherapy. I had good success with it
previously, and thought I would try Mike's IBS Audio Program 100, which I found
on the BB.
I started Mike's recordings with enthusiasm. Change was slow. I went from D to
C/D to C to D and around and around. I finished the tapes and was happy with the
little improvement I had, maybe 35% at that time. But it wasn't until about 3
months after completing the tapes that I really saw a BIG change. It was then
that I noticed my D was gone. My BMs were normal, usually one daily, sometimes
two. I can now "hold it" for hours. Sometimes, I'll drive in the car, and notice
that I'm not even thinking about where the bathrooms are on the route. That
always surprises me. The anxiety is greatly reduced, probably 90%. I sit in the
middle of the theater sometimes. I drive with other people. I've been on two
vacations, been on 8 airplanes trips, been on a boat with strangers, with no
attacks. I was even relaxed and had fun.
At times the old thoughts make their way in. I shoo them away once I notice
them. I have had two D attacks in the past 9 months. I can live with that.
I think it's been a combination of things that got me to this place. I still
watch my diet, although I have added back some things that were triggers, such
as salads and citrus fruits. I do use a fiber supplement. I no longer fear my
anxiety which had caused me so much trouble in the past.
Bottom line is, Mike's program has been the best thing I've done for IBS. I'm
more relaxed, my world no longer centers around when I'll have a BM, I'm a
happier person, less crabby and less depressed. I'm a better Mom and a better
wife. I'm more active, and I look forward to doing things I avoided in the past.
That's my story.
~ from Arizona
I
realize I didn't have IBS as bad as a lot of people, but it had a tremendous
impact on my life. Since I finished the program, I've only had 2 or 3 episodes
of D and I can't even remember when the last one was now. I have days of lesser
symptoms, but overall, I feel almost normal now. I think the tapes are the best
thing you can do for yourself.
~ from San Diego, California
Mike's
program has completely rewired my brain/gut connections. The problem that
bothered me most was waking up in a "terror" or "panic" with cold chills or hot
flashes and have to hurry to the toilet. I never got used to that happening and
it would take quite a while to go away even after waking to an alert state and
realizing there was nothing bad happening! If the tapes had "only" stopped that
one problem they would have been worth their weight in gold to me! No more IBS,
no more anxiety or depression and I look forward every night to falling asleep
to my favorite session.
Mike's program has helped greatly as I'm not on any meds and my IBS/D is under
control right now. the cost/benefit compared to going to the MD and the fact
that they slow/stop the IBS makes them a great buy!! I know they are not what
some consider cheap but as in all things in life "you get what you pay for" and
they are worth saving up .
The fact that Mike's program is "gut specific" is what I attribute to the
success of the program.
Mike, I would like to thank you for allowing me to be medicine free and feel
great after 35 yrs of suffering from IBS/D.
The anxiety level is very low and I've been much more relaxed lately! I still
listen to side 3 at bedtime because it is so relaxing and lets me sleep like a
baby.
~ Norbert, Orange, Texas
I find the program particularly useful for pain and diarrhea , especially, but
not only, pain and D which are directly worsened by anxiety.
I looked at the cost of the tapes as an investment - into my future and my
health. That's because the tapes aren't a one-off treatment, if you choose to
use them, you can use them and the skills they teach you for the rest of your
life.
~ from Dorset, UK
My pain
was severe and actually made me almost dysfunctional. I have seen a tremendous
reduction in that symptom. Like a consistent reduction that no medication or
anything else was able to accomplish. I went thru the 100 day program seeing
great relief as early as 21 days into the program. I also experienced better
stress management & hence stress reduction. Greatest thing? The fact that IBS
was no longer my first thought upon waking in the morning.
My D/C symptoms weren't affected as greatly at the end of the 100 days. However
I re-started the program again and saw great reductions within 30 some odd days
of the start of my second go round. I'm now looking forward to the release of
the follow up recording to the 100 day program that Mike has just completed.
~ from New York City, New York
I tried the
hypnotherapy program as a last resort because not one thing my doctor or
gastroenterologist did for me brought me any relief from abdominal pain.
When I began the program, I did notice benefits occurring from the start - for
one I started to sleep better than I had in a long time, then eventually I began
to notice that my abdominal pain seemed to be so much easier to tolerate -
whether that was because hypnotherapy helped me to relax my abdomen or whether
it was a psychological or both I don't know.
Then I noticed that my entire outlook to having IBS changed, instead of sitting
about thinking "oh why do I have this terrible condition - I don't know if I can
go out and do this and that" my IBS became an issue on the peripheral of life
not the main issue anymore and every time I had a bad day it would be like "oh
well - I'll probably be better tomorrow".
Because of this and not worrying about it anymore, my IBS has become so much
better - I no longer suffer from constipation - although I do have Diarrhea, but
my worst symptom which was chronic pain has been virtually eliminated.
This is not to say that I don't have the odd day when the IBS decides to play up
- but now psychologically I'm much more able to cope with it and take it in my
stride so I can carry on working, having a social life etc.
I have also noticed that it has made me a much more calm person, I no longer get
all stressed out about tiny little things and worry myself to death.
I'll be forever indebted to Mike for giving me back my life and something to
look forward to.
If only I could conquer other health problems like that!
The program has brought me benefits I couldn't even have dreamt of 12 months
ago.
You have nothing lose in trying them - they do not have any adverse effects
whatsoever - so they can only help even if it is some small way.
However, statistics done in the field of gastroenterology do show that there is
a huge success rate for hypnotherapy in reducing the symptoms of IBS in patients
that do not respond to conventional medical treatment.
I guess at the end of the day the choice is up to you and whether you feel
comfortable parting with that sum of money, but considering all the other money
we spend on treatments - it is a mere drop in the ocean and a real opportunity
to help you deal with IBS.
~ from Nottingham, UK
I suspect I had
IBS in a much milder form when I was in my teens. It was mostly constipation but
not bad enough to really interfere with my life. When I was in my mid twenties I
had my first bad attack. It was severe cramping and D. It came without any
warning and I made my first doctor appointment. He asked a lot of questions then
told me it's just "spastic colon". He did not offer any treatment. It improved
over time but I was often aware of mild cramps.
It hit full force in my early forties and was unrelenting. I suffered severe
cramping, urgency and would be going all day. It was like this most days. I was
depressed and sure something was very wrong with me. This time when I went to a
different doctor who was very supportive and ran many tests on me to make sure
that it was indeed IBS. Then came several trials of different medications, some
did nothing and although one had helped some I still spent several days a week
in agony. I then put myself on a gluten free diet and the doctor gave me another
medication. This combination helped more than the others all combined but my
life still was not normal. I worried about going places and still had IBS
attacks now and then. I also hated being on drugs.
In time learned of Mike's hypnotherapy program. I was a bit skeptical and not
sure if I could afford it but when I added up the costs of the meds I was taking
I thought what have I got to lose? This was the beginning of me getting my life
back. The results were not instant but were subtle. For example one day I
realized I got up in the morning and got on with the day without one thought to
IBS. I hadn't done that in years!
Since I have finished the program my improvement has been remarkable. IBS no
longer runs my life. I go months without any symptoms whatsoever. When I do, it
is not as intense and usually self inflicted. In other words I know exactly what
I did to bring it on. Too much sweets, alcohol etc. I can now eat whatever I
want as long as I don't overdo.
I am extremely grateful to Mike for making these recordings and all those
involved in getting them out there. I continue to improve and believe I'm not
going back.
~ from Tina Goodwin, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Ever since I
can remember, I have had stomach problems. As a small girl, I was admitted into
the local Children's Hospital because I would just be so sick with diarrhea and
cramping all the time. They ran the tests, upper GI, lower GI (I remember that
one vividly), found nothing abnormal.
I had missed so much school I was in danger of failing, yet when the bus came
around in the afternoon, my stomach ache and diarrhea magically disappeared.
The doctors told my parents it was a nervous stomach, and that I needed
psychiatric help to overcome whatever it was that bothered me about school that
was making me sick. They labeled it 'school phobia', and sent us on our way. The
psychiatrist I saw for years, up until I was a sophomore or junior in high
school, never did figure out what was wrong, but I tried various
anti-depressant/sedative type meds to no avail.
My stomach troubles only really bothered me when I was stressed, so I became a
people pleaser, that way no one would ever get angry at me and my stomach would
stay calm. Smart thinking for such a young girl. It worked pretty well until my
mid-20's, I had taken a job at a very nice company, as I climbed the ladder
there over 5 years or so, my job got very demanding, the pressure was extreme to
say the least, and I found myself popping anti-diarrhea medication just to get
through the day. In late 1998 and early 1999, it pretty much fell apart for me.
I would outline my drive to and from work with places I could stop to use the
restroom if needed, and I needed to stop almost daily usually both coming and
going to work. As the job got more demanding, and the management got less and
less sympathetic, I found myself completely unable to function, I was having
IBS-D attacks daily, it had been months at that point since I had had a normal
bowel movement. I had extreme panic and anxiety, I wouldn't go to the mailbox
without needing to RUN back inside and barely making it to the toilet for an
episode. In June of 1999, I quit work on the spot, no notice, nothing. Just
quit. It was quite liberating, and I thought it would solve all my problems, but
it didn't. I had a very supportive fiancé, and with his help I found a
psychiatrist. He put me on medication, which did take a small amount of my
anxiety away but did nothing for my diarrhea.
My primary care doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist, who diagnosed my
nervous stomach as IBS, after a barium series and a colonoscopy. He put me on
various antispasmodics, they too helped somewhat when I was having an attack,
but I was completely helpless to stop them from happening in the first place. I
literally spun out of control, not even getting out of my pajamas for a couple
of months.
Right before Christmas of that year (1999) I borrowed money from my mom and
ordered Mike's program. Within a week of starting the program, my stomach cramps
subsided somewhat. Within the first month I was actually able to think them
away. To slow down the churning, percolating stomach troubles, and to relax into
Mike's voice.
I was finally able to go out, since I hadn't been in months. I'd just put my
headphones on and drift off to sleep. I could never stay awake through the whole
session. Some nights I couldn't get past the relaxation drill about tensing and
relaxing your muscles. And I worried, was I getting the benefit of the sessions
even though I was falling asleep, but Mike said that it is OK to sleep during
the sessions. It was probably day 50 or more before I stayed awake through a
whole session!!
It took only a couple of months to get my entire life back. My IBS was almost
completely gone, and 100% controllable. I started going out to dinner, taking up
hobbies, even going to outdoor concerts. I had small bouts only when under
EXTREME stress, or when I ate things that I knew would be trouble. And every
single IBS attack I have had since completing the program has been manageable
simply by telling myself that this too shall pass.
It's been a year and a half now since I first got Mike's tapes, and they are
still on my nightstand, I listen to tape 1 occasionally. Since Sept 11th, my IBS
has come back a little bit. I think it's the anxiety more than anything. It's ok
though, I am well equipped to handle it. I may even start the whole 100 days
over again soon.
I'm not afraid anymore, because the program has helped me instinctively know how
and when to calm myself down. I never would have pictured myself here, feeling
as good as I do, if it hadn't been for Mike and his tapes. He is like my very
own guardian angel. And an amazing one at that. I will forever be grateful for
the work he put into making this program.
With incredible respect and buckets of gratitude and thanks.
~ from Berkley, Michigan
I just really
wanted to take a chance to thank you. Your CD's have changed my
life...wait…given me my life back. It still just amazes me that doing those
relaxing CD's changed me so much. I am having trouble expressing just what it
means to me and how much my life has been impacted. My attitude is different
about everything. I'm not afraid to go to work or friends' houses. I don't have
pain all the time. Not only do I wish there was a way I could buy everyone a set
of your CD's that can't afford it but I want to get the word out to doctors and
anyone that will listen. Everyone needs to at least try these. There is nothing
else I have ever done that comes close to the physical and mental improvements I
have seen from doing your CD's.
Thank you with all my heart. Tell your Mom to be proud. Her son has made a real
difference in people's lives.
~ from Oakland, Michigan
Thank you so much...I have received enormous benefits from The IBS Audio Program 100 ™ (c).
~ from Honolulu, Hawaii
The IBS Hypnosis tapes help
a lot. Thanks! ~ Becky, Northwest USA
I was doubtful, but not
now. Well done mate. A great program. Delivery was quick too. ~Jim,
Australia
Thanks, Mike! ~Helen,
South America
It has not cured me, but it
has for sure helped me. ~Chrille, Sweden
The recordings are the best
for IBS. Keep up the good work, Mike! ~ Gretchen Woody, Eastern USA
On second time around, and
am very appreciative of the results so far!! ~ Nancy, NW USA
Not a cure, but close
enough! Thanks for everything! ~ Kathy, USA
Thanks for the endless
amount of information and suggestions. You and Mike have made a big difference
in my life. ~Brian Gehringer, Pennsylvania
Three-Quarters of the way
through! Almost there! ~ Jennifer Berger, USA
Mike, another happy
customer here – it has been over a year since I finished – and the results have
changed my life. Thank you so much! ((HUGS)) ~ Clair, UK
I’m just on my last week
and I’m really enjoying it! My thought processes have changed a lot and I’m
really noticing the difference. I feel much more free of the burden! Thanks
Mike! ~ Tanya Stephens, UK
Thanks to Mike and his
team. This is a great program. ~ Zayaka, Puerto Rico
Getting better all the
time. A life changing program. ~ Peter, UK
Thank you Mike for your
never ending devotion to helping all of us. ~ Lauralee, Midwest, USA
Thanks Mike! Don’t know
where I’d be without you! ~ Nikki Williams, London, England
The best thing I have done;
my life is back to normal, thank you Mike for all your work, I would recommend
it to everybody. ~ Janice
Excellent program -
did great for me. ~ Sarah, UK
You couldn't pry these
tapes out of my hands. You would have to blast my home with me still clutching
them. I love these tapes. They are a real life line. Life is bearable now, I am
going places and doing things that before I never would have done. ~ May,
2003 Charlotte A. Tirre, Anderson, IN
Hi
I finished listening to Mike's tapes in March 2000. Prior to that I alternated
C&D, with constipation and pain lasting 3 days at a time, and a lot of bloating.
I rarely am constipated now, and only have pain around my period. Bloating is
also to a minimum.
I've found that the tapes have helped other areas of my life, also. I tend to
hold my stress in my lower back, and now when I feel the tension in that portion
I do self-hypnosis and it relaxes the muscles to the point they don't go into
spasms.
I'm extremely lucky because I had only had IBS for about a year before doing
these tapes, and so was able to nip it in the bud before it got worse. I listen
to a tape or two once a week now just to relax.
Jean G USA
I was just thinking of expressing some of my
thoughts on IBS and having it for thirty
years. I have pain predominate IBS and alternating C and D. Although I can say
had
and really mean it, as I am doing so much better at about(85%) and I believe
still
improving thanks to this BB and Mike's tapes.
I believe my IBS started from a trip to Mexico where I swallowed a small amount
of
chlorinated water out of a swimming pool and a half hour later, I was very sick
with
amoebic dysentery and spent the next month seriously close to death. No Joke.
They
also pumped tons of penicillin into me at this time. However, amoebic dysentery
is
known to cause inflammation in the digestive tract. I recovered from that and I
don't
remember when or how soon I came back from Mexico, I was suffering from severe
abdominal pain and alternating c and d.
It wasn't to long before they started the first tests on me and that that
testing would
continue on and off for a big part of my life and cost thousands of dollars.
The first tests were stool samples and upper gi tests all negative. The next
test was a
lower gi, also negative. Blood tests and all the regular tests from a normal MD.
I was
ten. In those days no one had a clue about IBS and they called it spastic colon
or
nervous stomach.
I missed a lot of school and was always trying to catch up in my school work.
Since the good doctors couldn't figure it out, I was sent for therapy and put on
librium
and told it was psychosomatic.
I struggled for years through school, some working and trying to explain to
friends why I
was in pain a lot and could not do things. Dating was a problem. They thought I
had a
stomach ache and it would go away and I should just quite being a big baby.
Funny
because my boss said that to me also, ten years later as well as a lot of
coworkers.
More testing. Basically the same kinds of tests over again. When your in your
teens
and your seeing some upstate NY Md in a small town in those days testing didn't
amount to much.
Still no advise from anyone on what to do.
My parents were very supportive and my mom is a nurse, which was very helpful
and
supportive. However, sometimes my moms own concern bothered me as she could not
help and I could see that in her eyes while I laid there in complete agony from
the
knife jabbing sharp pains coming from my gut. When I got these pains I would
hyperventilate and all kinds of thoughts raced through my head.
For me this was already establishing itself into my thought patterns on a day to
day
basis's and I didn't really know much about living any other way as I hit my
late teens. I
was having episodes at least two to four times a week and that continued until I
join this
bb two years ago, although I would have some remissions they always came back
and
for a while my IBS went cyclic and bothered me most in the winter months, but in
the
summer improved somewhat. But it came back.
Meanwhile, I continued to try to figure some of it out for myself, in ways I
could manage
it or do things to reduce it. Late teens to late twenties. More tests. "Maybe an
ulcer, but
we don't see it." New drugs, and from there librax, donnatol, prescription
tagament, and
a few others I don't even remember, but prozac was one as well. No noticeable
long term
improvement. Mid thirties. I got serious and went to the best GI doc in town and
told him
to test away on everything we could think of that might be applicable. Also
worried it
could be something else still, although nothing showed up before he tested me
and
after he tested me. More drugs. Bentyl and valium. Sent to therapy told to
relieve
stress. I knew this wasn't the cause and thought because the pain was so severe
that
something had to be wrong in there, it just couldn't be possible to have this
much pain
and not have something physically that they could see wrong. I just didn't get
it. I did
know stress aggravated it but not to the extent I do now or the kinds of stress
either
environmental, physical, or psychological and at the time I did not know how to
reduce it
enough with the management techniques I was using and I used a lot of them. I
tried all
the food aspects and nothing other then some common sense on most things.
Although
it made sense what was going in had something to do with it, but in reality
looking back
now, it was common sense issues of eating to much to fast, at, spices ect. etc..
There were some weird signals before an attack. My skin would turn whiter, my
eyes
would twitch and my hands would sweat. Sometimes I would get dizzy.
My therapist had migraines and knew nothing about IBS, other then realizing some
of
the symptoms sounded somewhat like some symptoms she would get with her
migraines and that it was not in my head (psychosomatic or crazy) and I should
go back
to the doctor. It wasn't helping me to see her so I agreed. Although she didn't
explain
serotonin to me, nor did my doctor take the time to either. I feel if someone
would have
explained some of the mind-gut connections earlier I could have save a lot of
time and
effort. I know some are relatively new, but I think they had some idea and
either it was
to complicated to explain to me or they just didn't have the time. I think at
this point one
of the best things a doctor can do is explain some of this to new patients. I
didn't have
any other issues I was healthy otherwise and was playing soccer for twenty years
and
going professional until I blew my kneecap out.
I believe I personally have a classic case of IBS. For me I believe it is faulty
neurotransmitters that are not talking right between my brain and my gut.
Just some thoughts and thank god for hypnotherapy, which I want to add some of
my
thoughts on as a side note. Of course most people know I work with Mike now, but
some probably do not. After meeting him on the bb here and the success I had I
decided to work with him as I feel he has one of the most effective treatment
tools for
IBS. I am drug free and very happy with the results.
I want to say something about hypnotherapy in general and what I believe and
have
seen for myself and these are my own personal comments from my experiences with
it.
Although, many others feel the same way now.
It is the deepest from of relaxation I personally have ever found.
It has tremendously reduced the pain for me from severe to very mild. I think
this has
worked two ways. It has steered my thoughts and attention away from the pain
when I
want and I also believe the relaxation aspect of it is releasing endorphins to
my gut.
This has been a big achievement and will save me trips to the ER.
When I wake up in the morning I no longer have IBS on my mind first thing.
I no longer dwell on it.
I don't worry to much about going out or bathrooms any more.
I know longer turn white or have my hands sweat.
I can relax my gut at will.
My whole body is more relaxed in general and I didn't realize how tense it was
before.
I breath better and more deeply. Which I have found useful if I feel any twinges
of a
potential problem.
I sleep better and more deeply.
Day to day problems don't bother me like they use to.
I can eat things I couldn't before.
I feel like I have been rewired so to speak.
My BM's have improved substantially.
There are symptoms I don't even remember and that is unbelievable.
Anyway just some thoughts of an IBSer pondering.
I don't know if this helps anyone and I also don't want to say hypnosis is a
cure or the
only thing people should be doing to manage IBS, but it is one effective tool
that isn't understood by a lot of people or used enough by doctors in the IBS
world and
why I sound like a broken record sometimes.
However, I hope no one gets tired of hearing about something that really works
for the
majority of people with IBS as there are just to few of the things that do.
Shawn Eric Case USA
Shawn,
The tapes were amazing as u suggested. I have had very few bad days
of late.....
I do however make a strong effort to keep stress to a minimal. That is
my worst enemy!...............(I have kids so Big Time Stress is a given!)
At this point, I love the voice, ("Mr. Michael's"), and the way I fall
out to sleep so quick!
Now.............. what can I listen to?..........I always have
listened to the tapes at bedtime when the kids are asleep since that was my
only option. ...............(It is the only time when I have a "Safe
Environment")!.............So now that I have completed the program, what can
u recommend?
Donna
From Ellan:
As a behavioral health practitioner – I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist in
the San Francisco Bay Area – I’ve been using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
Couples Therapy (when a partner is involved) to treat my IBS patients for
several years
now. I had been looking for resources to refer my patients to re: hypnotherapy,
since I
do not practice hypnotherapy myself. I had read the studies re: the benefits of
hypnotherapy for IBS a few years back, but had difficulty finding
hypnotherapists who
knew enough about IBS. As an IBS sufferer myself since 1990 (now much improved),
I
was curious to see what hypnotherapy could add to the treatment options. After
seeing
the posts on Mikes Tapes, I decided to order them and try them myself , before
recommending them to patients. I am on Day 34 now, and am thus far thoroughly
impressed. Very high quality, and a real bargain for the price – one session of
hypnotherapy in this area is about the equivalent of the price of the entire
tape series.
When I think of all the money that I (and my patients) have spent on IBS
treatments over
the years, the cost of the tapes seems like a drop in the bucket. I’m thinking
that the
combination of CBT and the tapes might be really helpful for many of my
patients.
Thank you Mike for developing this worthwhile resource – your expertise really
shows.
And thank you Eric for getting the word out – I hope that others will find them
as useful
as I have.
Ellan
This will be long, as I have had IBS D/C
(D-predominant for 27 years. It's been a long road with IBS, and I want to share
my struggles so you know just how far I've come using hypnotherapy.
It began on the first day of school my junior year (1974) in my Modern American
Literature class. During that first class, I noticed a girl get up to leave the
room to go (I assumed) to the restroom. I thought "How embarrassing, everyone
knows where she's going." From that day on, I had to leave that first hour class
to go to the restroom. At 8:20 each morning I would feel the urge to go. By
8:30-8:40 I couldn't take it anymore, and would leave the room. This is when my
anxiety about my bowel patterns began. I began to worry about if I would have to
go, what people thought if me, and that something must be wrong with me.
The avoidance behaviors began. I tried not to do anything in the mornings, which
was always the worst time. As I went through high school and college, I began
starting my day later and later, until finally, during my senior year of
college, I didn't start classes til 1:00 pm. I was ok later in the day, if I
felt I'd been emptied out I could carry on with normal activities.
As time went on, I'd have problems in other places. I always had to sit on the
aisle seat of the classroom or theater, and be the driver of the car. Once I
told someone driving that I had to stop, and they said "No, you're a grown-up,
you can hold it." I didn't let anyone drive me anywhere again, til recently.
The first Dr. I went to said it was normal to go several times a day, and not to
worry about it. But I DID worry about it, all the time it seemed. So I went to a
psychiatrist. It was too difficult to sit in a closed room without a panic
attack. She gave me a relaxation tape, and that was it.
I had two children by 1983. This was the most difficult time for me. I think a
combination of being a young mother, working, going to school, trying to do what
the modern woman was supposed to do, "Have it all," was too much stress. The
panic attacks were horrible, and I was nearly housebound at this point.
My marriage was in trouble too, just adding more stress. We started marriage
counseling, which lasted only a short time. I ended up staying with the
psychologist for two years, trying to get help for my fear, panic, and stomach
troubles. I was diagnosed as AGORAPHOBIC. The referring psychiatrist prescribed
a tricyclic antidepressant, I think it was imipramine. It was horrible, giving
me the worst C/D I ever had. The shrink finally ran out of things to talk about.
Let me tell you, psychotherapy does NOTHING for IBS. At this point I still
didn't even know I had IBS.
1989 now, and we took a trip to England to see my husband's family. I had no
idea how I would make it, and went to see a Hypnotherapist. He made a tape for
my panic attacks and taught me relaxation techniques. It helped the panic, but
my D and urgency was still a big problem.
I saw an ad in the paper for a talk by Lucinda Bassett about stress and anxiety.
She could have been talking about me. I bought the stress and anxiety tape
course. One of the tapes mentioned "IBS." This was the first time I'd heard the
word, and finally, 17 years after my symptoms began, I knew what I had.
I went to my family Dr, so excited that I had discovered IBS. He said he had
always known I had IBS, and that he didn't know I needed a "name" for it. Well I
DID, I thought I was crazy all these years. He prescribed BuSpar and Levsin. I
hated both. Then gave me Xanax, which was a help. I mentioned hypnotherapy to
him, but he said he didn't believe in it.
On our 20th wedding anniversary, my husband and I went out to our favorite
restaurant. I stopped at the restroom on the way out, and was in there for 30
minutes. My husband was waiting patiently. He was used to me by now. I had a
horrible attack, but thought it was done. How could anyone have so much ****
inside of them? But it wasn't over. On the ride home we got stuck in a traffic
jam in a construction zone. Trapped, no way out. I couldn't hold it, and had my
first episode of incontinence on my 20th wedding anniversary. I was horrified.
My husband was understanding, telling me not to worry, I was obviously ill.
It was that episode that made me look for a good Dr. I went online, found the
IFFGD and this BB. The IFFGD referred me to a terrific GI, Dr. Kevin Olden at
Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, and he did a full workup on me. He sent me for PT and
biofeedback. He got me on the proper dosages of medications (my GP prescribed me
dosages too low to be effective) and supported my use of hypnotherapy. I had
good success with it previously, and thought I would try Mike's tapes, which I
found on the BB.
I started Mike's tapes with enthusiasm. Change was slow. I went from D to C/D to
C to D and around and around. I finished the tapes and was happy with the little
improvement I had, maybe 35% at that time. But it wasn't until about 3 months
after completing the tapes that I really saw a BIG change. It was then that I
noticed my D was gone. My BMs were normal, usually one daily, sometimes two. I
can now "hold it" for hours. Sometimes, I'll drive in the car, and notice that
I'm not even thinking about where the bathrooms are on the route. That always
surprises me. The anxiety is greatly reduced, probably 90%. I sit in the middle
of the theater sometimes. I drive with other people. I've been on two vacations,
been on 8 airplanes trips, been on a boat with strangers, with no attacks. I was
even relaxed and had fun.
At times the old thoughts make their way in. I shoo them away once I notice
them. I have had two D attacks in the past 9 months. I can live with that.
I think it's been a combination of things that got me to this place. I still
watch my diet, although I have added back some things that were triggers, such
as salads and citrus fruits. I do use a fiber supplement. I no longer fear my
anxiety which had caused me so much trouble in the past.
Bottom line is, Mike's tapes have been the best thing I've done for IBS. I'm
more relaxed, my world no longer centers around when I'll have a BM, I'm a
happier person, less crabby and less depressed. I'm a better Mom and a better
wife. I'm more active, and I look forward to doing things I avoided in the past.
That's my story.
AZ USA
Mike,
Your tapes have made a tremendous difference in helping me with my IBS
problems----I am a firm believer in them....Thanks so much..
Bettie
I am using the tapes and love them. I waited until I could feel justified
spending
that kind of money. I've spent a lot more money on loads of stuff that didn't
work. I guess
I got to the point where I thought, what the heck, what have I got to lose
(except
100.00-which is a lot of money), but if it works, then it's cheap!! I have
gotten so much
better (I'm a C type)-I just can't really even tell you why or how it works. The
tapes have
a rather pervasive effect with me, I mean, I'm calmer during the day, sleep 100%
better,
have a BM everyday and overall feel less anxious. My 16 year old son LOVES Side
2
because HE is sleeping100% better-he and I negotiate which tape he can use
because I'm following the program that is outlined for you.
Some people say that time is a factor that turns them off of the
tapes, but I only listen to them at night while going to sleep, so really no
extra time has
to be involved. Good luck. I recommend them.
From Tiss
Ugh - before I started the tapes I was constipated all the time, I suffered from
almost
daily nausea that would not let up, even worth motilium (a drug designed to
eliminate
nausea, whatever the cause), I got a lot of bloating - to the extent that my
clothes would
no longer fit by mid/late afternoon, cramping pains, especially in my lower
right side,
lots of flatulence, and almost more importantly I felt miserable most of the
time. It
seemed that there was not much else in life except was I going to be able to
'go' today
and even if I did would it bring relief or would I still feel like there should
be more, would
I be able to fit into my clothes and be comfortable etc etc. After doing the
tapes I now
feel a lot more positive, I can remember now what a good day is and can keep
this is
mind when things aren't so good. Yes I still have bad days, but they aren't as
bad or as
frequent. The incomplete evacuation feeling is almost never there, and I very
rarely feel
sick any more (this is great!). the bloating is less now, and I pass less gas.
I got quite despondent when I was doing the tapes because I didn't really feel
any thing
was changing until about 60 -70 days, but I emailed Mike and he was good enough
to
reply and keep me on track.
This late action is probably the reason why I like to carry on with the tapes
now, plus I
cant really understand how or why the effect of 100 days would last forever
without
some revision.
After 11 years of having this thing and trying most things I have read about on
these
BB's (including elimination diets, wheat free, dairy free, antidepressants,
homeopathy,
yoga, fiber supplements, low fiber diet, high fiber diet, linseeds, laxatives,
bulking
agents, stool softeners.....de da de dah) I can honestly say that Mikes tapes
have been
the most beneficial thing I've done, so well worth the time and money.
Ugh, keep on with the tapes, if you find they help even a little id say when you
reach
100 days go back and start them again. Keep at it. I personally don't think that
IBS is
entirely brain-gut, but I think it does play a large part in it, even if only as
a consequence
rather than a cause.
GOOD LUCK
From LG
What "did it" for me was the Hypnotherapy Tapes ... as well as helping to
reduce my
symptoms by around 80%, within a couple of weeks (though I think this is an
unusually
quick response) I was getting out of the house, and feeling perfectly calm and
relaxed in doing so. I felt mentally normal for the first time in a very long
time. All
the "what ifs" and the "I can't do that because" just disappeared as if by
magic.
To this day I still don't fully understand why this happened - I can get a hold
of why
and how the tapes work on the physical symptoms, but it's like I just woke up
one
morning wearing my "old" head again.
From Julie
I got Mikes tapes in January 2000 after a lifetime of IBS-D. From about 1990
to 1998 I was managing my IBS with Imodium, but as my career took off, my job
got more demanding (on call 24x7) I started to spin completely out of control.
In August of 99 I had to quit work due to my IBS. In September, after my first
colonoscopy, the doc put me on Levsin SL and Lomotil, this helped for when I had
an IBS attack, but it didn't do much in preventative maintenance on the
condition. I tried all sorts of kooky, nutty things, one doctor even suggested I
take gecko tablets, I was a sucker, I tried everything. I started in on the
caltrate plus, but found that I couldn't balance my dosage, and so I quit it.
(bad idea). I got on Paxil, which did help with my anxiety induced IBS attacks,
but did nothing for my food induced attacks (which seemed to occur at every
meal). I lost 25 lbs, (and I didn't need to lose any weight). I finally decided
to give the tapes a try, and at the same time, I started back on the Caltrate,
with Lnapes help in finding the right dosage for me (1/2 chewable 3x a day).
Within a month of starting the tapes, I saw I noticeable improvement. Not only
in my IBS symptoms, but in my general outlook on life. I seemed more positive
about things in general, and in IBS specifically. It really really saved my
life. I now go back to them occasionally, like right before my wedding last
year. It was the right choice for me, and I feel like I can control my IBS more
now than my IBS can control me.
From Erin
About a year ago I was suffering very badly with IBS-C and was in constant
pain. (I'd
suffered on and off for many years but never with continuous pain lasting many
weeks)
After finding this website, I phoned up for the IBS tapes and spoke to Mike
personally.
Although I was very skeptical that they would work, I was getting so desperate
that I
would have tried anything!
It must have taken about three weeks before I started to feel any real benefit
from the
tapes, although I was enjoying doing them anyway as it gave me some time through
the
day to switch off and relax. I finished the tapes in late September and, by
then, all my
IBS symptoms had gone. Before I started the tapes, my IBS used to flare up when
I
would go round to friends' for a meal. I had even been known to resort to lying
down flat
in their bathroom in an effort to get some relief from the pain. Now I can enjoy
my
evenings out without worrying any more.
In the 6 months since I have finished the tapes, I have had only occasional,
mild
cramping, but it has always gone after a day or so. I've even had a major
holiday to
Florida without any symptoms. When I'm feeling stressed at work or home, I make
time
to listen to my favorite session's again, and that always helps. What I'm trying
to say
is please stick with the tapes if you are trying them. It might not be instant
but it certainly
does work. I'd also like to say thanks to Mike - you've turned my life around.
From Scotcat-UK
Yes, I have done it. I started just before Christmas, when I was in a severe,
pre-holiday
"D" outbreak, and have finished with the coming of spring. No "D" since 12/23.
It is not
unusual for me to have long spells between the "D", although this is a pretty
good
stretch for the last couple of years or so. I am trying a few new foods. We were
away a
couple of weeks ago- at a restaurant I ordered the "safe" chicken I've had many
times
there, and the new cook had added a spicy seasoning. The next day, I didn't feel
too
great, but was fine by the next day- my bouts frequently last for weeks to a few
months.
But, in addition, at a time in my life when I have many more personal and
professional
stresses than previously, I find that my outlook is much more positive. I am
dealing with
new challenges at work with more confidence, with a tough situation at home with
more
hope, and in general with life without as many concerns about the future as I've
had
previously. From about the second month of the tapes, I would find myself
beginning to
worry about some future event or do some negative "What ifs?" and before the bad
thoughts would take on momentum, I'd find myself thinking, "Well, it certainly
isn't
productive to think about that", or "There's no reason to think this negative
scenario will
play out." I don't know how much of this is due to the tapes, because I've been
pretty
pro-active and have made some other changes too. But, on the whole, I think the
tapes
have been a major factor in the improvement I've seen in my state of mind over
the last
three months. I intend to continue to listen to them a couple of times a week,
and would
definitely recommend them to anyone.
Thanks, Mike and Eric, and others who have written their encouragement and
advice
over the last 100 days.
From Kate
I ordered Mikes Tapes last year and have finished them in May 2000. I didn't
notice a big difference. In fact, my bladder acted up horribly (I have also a
history of chronic UTI's). This made me very depressed. Mike (to whom I'm very
grateful) sent me text especially created for my situation and after about 4
months the bladder was better. About 6 months after the tapes I noticed that I
was more calm inside and when the panic turned up, could somehow "push it down".
I was in Madeira, Mexico, Australia and Mauritius since I have finished the
tapes. I was in concerts (although on the aisle seat). I feel like I had grown
as a person and become mature. I'm not as deeply depressed and suicidal as I
used to be and I survived last autumn without the obligatory autumn-depression.
I have to add that I follow psychotherapy as well but I definitely think that
the tapes changed many thing in my life. All in all: I recommend the tapes
highly.
And last but not least: My mother tongue is Swiss German and the tapes improved
my English very much! Thank you Mike for your never ending support!
From Coni
I finished Mike's tapes about a month ago and I have been feeling wonderful!
I was seeing some results while doing the tapes, but since I have been finished
I have been doing much better. I didn't connect all of this together until my
wonderful husband commented on how good I have been recently. I have been eating
terribly too since our kitchen has been torn up with remodeling. I know that
Mike's tapes have played a positive role in my feeling better. I know that I am
much less tense about going places and that I don't constantly fear being sick.
Just thought I would share....
From Kim
I would like to thank Mike for the tapes. I would think about getting
them and then put it on the back burner. I finally ordered them and now that I'm
done I am so happy with the results.
I have IBS C&D. I had slight symptoms for many years but not bad enough to seek
help until about 6 years ago. That was when It hit with a vengeance. The pain
was so intense, very much like labor pains, only the end result wasn't cute
Almost every day was like this for awhile. I tried Modulon, Dicitel, Librax and
tons of herbal remedies. The Librax helped some, it wasn't everyday anymore,
maybe once or twice a week. Because it was still fairly frequent the anxiety
about going anywhere continued even when I was feeling okay. I then went on a
gluten free diet and improved some more for quite awhile but still I had at
least some symptoms almost daily. Then at last came hypnotherapy. From the
beginning my anxiety levels dropped except during a period of personal crisis. I
had one setback early on and have not looked back since. I go once a day like a
normal person, without any pain or cramping. Now and then I have a day or two
that I don't go at all but it is without all that bloating and things return to
normal on there own, without using any meds. I think the most subtle change that
snuck up on me was that I wasn't thinking about it first thing in morning, you
know like what was today going to be like good or bad. I just get up and get on
with the day. Sorry if I'm rambling on and I apologize for the spelling, I'm
just rushing through this getting ready to leave for holidays. That's another
thing, I'm not worried about sharing a bathroom with 6 people for the first time
in years! Always the damper on my holidays. I feel I am continuing to improve
and look forward to listening to the tapes now and then when I feel like it. I
highly recommend them for IBS, the way I look at it is, If you have tried
everything else without success, what have you got to lose?
From Tina
I have recently finished Mikes hypnotherapy tapes and they have been an absolute
godsend to me.
14 months ago I was struck down with severe abdominal pain, alternating C & D
and insomnia.
After nearly a year of struggling on trying to live my life as normal as
possible, and without any successful treatments available from the medical
profession I developed depression believing that I would never again know what
it was to have a day without pain.
It was at this point that Eric and others convinced me that the hypnotherapy
tapes could help me manage my symptoms.
In the first week of starting the tapes I had my first pain free days in a year
and the benefits continued to flow since then.
Within a month I no longer woke up in the night with abdominal cramp, and I was
managing to sleep through the night and get a proper night sleep.
Very soon, I noticed a difference in myself psychologically as well - I noticed
I was beginning to look at things positively and take things in my stride.
My gastroenterologist has told me that I have severe IBS and most likely it is
something I may have to live with for the rest of my life, but that doesn't
matter because Mike and Eric have given me a tool and set of skills to help
manage my symptoms to the point I can live my life normally.
I still have symptoms from time to time, but now I have ways of dealing with
them effectively and I'm looking forward to a positive future ahead of
me....when a year ago I felt my life might as well be over.
I don't think I'll ever be able to articulate what Mikes tapes have done for me
- or how they've done it...but as well as helping me manage my IBS they've made
me a calmer and more relaxed person.
From someone who was a skeptic about hypnotherapy....I'm now a total convert.
Thanks to Eric ,Mike, Marilyn, BQ and all the other people that have made
such a big difference to my life without knowing it.
From Clair
I have not quite finished the audio tapes. I cannot tell you how much they
have helped. Mike has been such a God send. Although I suffer with General
Anxiety Disorder, the IBS just exacerbated the problem further.
I just today ordered his new tape Toward Inner Peace.
Thanks to you and Mike for your continued help and support for all of us.
Donna
Hi. I want to share my experience with the hypnotherapy. However, I feel the
need to express myself a little bit but I promise I'll try my best to make it
short.
Looking back I can see myself having tummy problems as far as I remember. I
always had the same symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting, plus I would dehydrate very
quickly (and faint) and often I would end up in the hospital. But it was when I
was on 9th grade (I am 27 now) that it became an everyday situation. D every
morning right after leaving for school (I walked to take a bus) and at Science
class. Mom started noticing and took me to a gastroenterologist; did tests and I
was fine. I was lucky my doctor was young and hip and I found myself trusting
him and very comfortable. He told me about IBS and was very good with making me
understand and just talking about it. He gave a prescription for librax to use
it when I felt like it. So I did.
I cannot remember how or why but my IBS got better and I stopped the librax
completely. So my high school days were normal. The only day I can remember I
felt really sick was the day before taking the test for university admission; I
ended up in the hospital with classic IBS.
When it was time for collage I started feeling the pressure but I was excited
and happy as well. The first year was ok, looking back now I'd said my IBS did
not bother me that much as I never missed a party. Then I left the dorm and
started traveling. I got several tickets for leaving the care where I shouldn't
and finding a parking space became a very stressful situation. I missed a lot of
classes and I understood the whole mind-body connection because as soon as I
would drive back home frustrated and fearful of having an attack my bowels just
stopped giving me trouble. I even did experiments trying to go back again but
had to return once again. The last two years my boyfriend started traveling with
me and we arranged class hours to avoid the rush hour and I got better. Then I
graduated and it exploded.
I think it had a lot to do with the fact that I was entering adulthood and that
I chose a very stressful profession: teaching. My first professional job was
about 20 minutes from home and every morning I would get there walking really
fast to get to the bathroom. On my second job I had a great boss and I was happy
to be there but the first day of meeting the kids I did not make it on time. I
felt so irresponsible and miserable. At that point my self steam was diminishing
down to the floor. I changed schools in the middle of the year and it meant I
had to go through a huge traffic jam. Lucky me my boy friends house was in the
middle and I stopped there every morning; even the cats demanded their breakfast
from me as they got so used to see me there. I was getting desperate; I knew
what I had but could not control it. Different thoughts entered my mind and I
started thinking maybe something else was wrong (like cancer or something).
Without noticing, my social life had changed: no more concerts, no road trips,
no riding in cars with other people, not even visiting my family as in the past.
I went from being a shy person to just not wanting anybody on the street to
recognize me or acknowledge my existence. Anonymity was very useful as I would
have to often make stop or interrupt what I was doing to find a bathroom.
As one morning I was driving to work I ended trapped (my biggest fear) in
traffic for some 20 minutes. That day I was going to administer an important
controlled test and I could not be late. As soon as I stopped the car my bowels
started acting crazy and some minutes later I was inside my car crying like a
baby (I don't cry that much) because I had an accident. In fact, like a baby I
felt. To me I was the only one living like this and I felt so guilty all the
time... not to mention embarrassed and humiliated. That was when I decided I
needed help. Went to a gastro again, did test, etc. I was lucky again to find an
excellent doc who told me that if everything was ok on the tests he was going to
put me on a miracle drug which was very effective on female patients; the
following visit he gave me the news the lotronex had been pulled out of the
market. Needless to say I gave up all hope and thought my life was going to be
like this forever. So I stayed with the librax and the Imodium but the anxiety
was still affecting me.
A year passed and I found this BB. What a difference to see how many others were
going through the same! I read about Mike's tapes and CBT but I did not think
this could help me because I am very stubborn and even though I have never
doubted the power of the mind over the body for some reason I thought I was not
an ideal candidate. I had no money either so that was a concern. Ok, so I went
to a psychiatrist and he gave me a prescription for Paxil, exactly what I did
not want, so after seeing that the doc was not an option I decided to do the
tapes. At that time I had nothing left to try.
It took me more than a 100 days to complete the program but it has been worth
it... every single day. During the first 20-30 days I noticed a difference in my
attitude: I was happier. Then my body started changing, the anxiety getting
better and my trips to the pharmacy for Imodium and librax were less frequent.
Best of all, during that period I had diarrhea about 3-4 times only.
Now, after a couple of months of finishing I feel I did a 360 degrees turn. I
went on vacation and jumped on not one, but two boats without having somebody to
push or slap me to do it. I've gone on long rides without thoughts of where the
next bathroom is and have gotten on cars with other people driving. Dining out
is fun again and I cannot wait to see what else I "dare" to do.
To say my IBS is a thing of the past would be untrue as I believe this is
something that is part of me. But I feel so much better and to say my IBS is not
an excuse anymore is just amazing. My biggest improvement has been in attitude,
I do not feel I have to hide behind anonymity as much as I used to and my mind
has finally understood that my biggest triggers are my own fears. As a result,
my diarrhea is gone and the butterflies in my stomach are not ever present
anymore. What a relief!
One last thing: I have the responsibility to write a HUGE THANK YOU to Mike,
Marilyn and Eric (others too) for all the support and patience. This whole
experience has been a second chance to have a better quality of life and that is
what is all about. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
From Zayaka
Just wanted to tell you that I finished the tapes today
I reckon that when i first was diagnosed with IBS, and when it was worst, I was
having
bad days probably 5 or 6 days out of 7. After that, i tried taking fiber
supplements, then
also tried calcium. both of these improved things, but not to the extent that i
could go back
to eating anything that i wanted.
Now (and for the past 6 weeks or so) I've had perhaps one bad day about every 3
weeks,
and even that day isn't as bad as i used to be! I've stopped with the calcium &
fiber, am
pretty much eating and drinking what i want, and rarely have any real probs. The
biggest
difference is that i no longer wake up thinking about dashing to the loo, and
can now get
out of the house to work without having to rush back in 3 times, and stop
en-route!
So....thanks for taking the time last year, in persuading me to get Mike's
tapes. It's
changed everything
and...do you have an email address for mike? I'd like to mail him and say thanks
too.
Thanks Kate.
From Kate
I just finished Mikes tapes a couple of weeks ago and I feel they've
definitely made a positive difference. From reading other peoples posts I know
my symptoms were never as bad as some others but now I'm almost symptom free! As
long as I watch my diet and don't get too stressed I'm fine
I've accepted that IBS is always going to be a part of my life but I now feel it
doesn't have to have control over my life. Mikes tapes have helped me get my
freedom back
I'd recommend them to anyone! Thanks Mike
From Anna
My 14 yr old son was diagnosed with IBS in January. He missed 18 days of school
between January and March. After trying almost everything else, we finally
started Mike's tapes sometime in April. He just finished about 2 weeks ago. His
IBS symptoms have improved dramatically. We've begun to taper him off the meds
(He was taking Bentyl and donnatol). In addition to feeling better physically,
he's not as anxious about eating out or even going out. He recently spent 4
hours out on a boat with no bathroom. Three months ago that would have been
impossible from a psychological standpoint. He's started running and will be
competing x-country when he enters high school in Sept.
The tapes not only helped the IBS, but also helped with his occasional insomnia.
As I've said before, this was the best $$ I've EVER spent.
I recently purchased Towards Inner Peace and he will be starting those tapes
shortly. Once again, I would like to thank Eric for all of his support, guidance
and concern.
From Jackie
I was diagnosed with IBS-D in July last year, having been suffering with
symptoms for about 6 months. It was almost all stress-related, and got to the
stage that as soon as I knew i had to go out anywhere (even the 2 minute drive
to the supermarket), the D started up, and I got in such a state that i couldn't
leave the bathroom, let alone the house. I was taking Imodium most days just to
try and get myself to work in the morning. After reading postings on this board
I tried taking fiber supplements and calcium, both of which helped matters, but
i still felt like i was treating symptoms, not the cause...
Anyway, back in November, after much persuading from Clair, Eric and Marilyn I
got mikes tapes...and haven't looked back. I got off to a bit of a slow start
with them when the only place i could listen was the lounge with headphones on
(but where everyone else in the family was), but things improved dramatically
when i got a personal CD player, so i could just listen in bed after we'd
switched the lights out, without feeling like i was disturbing anyone, or they
were disturbing me.
Until I did the CDs, i didn't really realize how badly I'd been sleeping. Within
a couple of weeks, my sleep patterns had improved and I was feeling much better
in myself, calmer, and finding it easier to cope with the stresses of my work.
By two thirds of the way through, I realized i was having problems perhaps one
day out of every 10-14 days (instead of 3 days out of 5), and after finishing
the program back in march, I have rarely had any problems.
Now i go back and listen to my favorites sides when i feel like i'm getting a
bit stressed, or if i notice I'm not sleeping so well. They have a huge calming
effect on me.
I no longer use calcium or fiber supplements, and can't remember the last time i
took Imodium.
So....I know I've said it before...but big thanks to Eric, Clair and Marilyn for
all their support and for persuading me to try the CDs. It was by far the best
£60 I've ever spent.
Kate
I have completed your IBS Audio 100 about 3 weeks ago and it has changed
my life. I will be forever grateful for your help in making me feel normal
again. Since in doing your program, I have been able to make several long
car trips, fairly comfortably. In the past year and half I haven't
traveled more than 20 minutes from my house, so this is huge for me.
As a mother of 4, I had been feeling completely debilitated. Thanks to you
and your IBS audio program, I am 100% better. I still feel some symptoms , but I
now feel able to control it. Usually just taking 3 deep breaths, getting
to a quiet place to relax is all I need. I also follow the Eating for IBS diet
written by Heather Von Vorous. Through her book, The First Year of IBS ,is where
I had learned of your program. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Carole
From Carole
A follow up...Two years after Mike's tapes
From 2/11/01. Today is Feb. 24, 2003, and I can tell you that Mike's tapes have
worked! IBS has gone from a life-altering problem. I couldn't work, go to
school, travel, or shop. IBS D was a problem, and when I wasn't experiencing an
attack I was worrying about the next one. My quality of life has improved
dramatically. I can honestly tell you that it is pretty much just a memory. I
don't have the physical symptoms any longer, nor the anxiety that accompanied
it. I have a life, a job, and I actually have fun now.
I still think about IBS once in a while. Old habits die hard. When I have to go
somewhere I may think "Oh, what about my IBS?" But that's about it. It's just a
thought that comes and goes, without affecting my life, without symptoms.
Over time the memory is fading, and I assume it will continue to.
I've noticed I do have symptoms when I have a cold or allergies (something with
post-nasal drip?). But I put on side 3 or 4, and it eases quickly. I have D
occasionally just like anyone else, usually I can pinpoint a reason such as I've
eaten too much or the wrong thing. It does not turn into "IBS" again. It is just
a single episode.
For anyone considering the tapes, DO IT. Follow the instructions and give
yourself time and permission to get better.
From AZ
Just wanted you to know I finished Mike's CD's over a month ago, and it's the
best thing I've ever done for myself. My hubby would even go so far as to say
the same thing, as the results also affect him.
I had been IBS-D for 18 years when I started the tapes. I had tried all else -
Bentyl, Levsin S/L. calcium, etc. If anything, I've gone to being slightly
constipated (but that's great!) I couldn't go anywhere unless I knew where the
ladies room was, was really apprehensive of traveling anywhere by car and flying
was out except in an emergency. I'd had many "urgent" episodes where I'd not
made it to the restroom in time.
I'm hoping everything stays as such & if not, I'll go through the tapes again. I
did enjoy listening to them though!
Stick with them & I think you'll do fine. Just try to relax & let the music flow
through you.
From Misty
I finished my last session yesterday! I feel like a new woman!
I can't believe the difference. Do I feel cured? Absolutely not! Do I feel
better able to function? Absolutely! My friends and family have noticed a change
in me also. I look more forward to events, want to do more things, etc. I can't
remember the last time I've had D. Some days I feel a little uneasy, but nothing
that holds me back. I haven't had a OMG-am-I-gonna-make-it thought in a long
time. I'm more relaxed, less anxious. Holy crap...I feel like I have a life!
The other day I actually went on a road trip to Delaware. I was a little anxious
before leaving--nothing that wanted me to call off the trip though as in the
past. But the anxiety faded away on the ride there, and I actually enjoyed
myself. I think this is the biggest/furthest event/commitment I've accomplished
successfully so far. I look forward to much more!
From Mags
"It was fun reading Mag's reply to this question. I finished the 100 days on
July 8 while on vacation. I agree with Mag's that while I know I am not "cured",
I am SOOO much better. Gas was my main problem and it rarely is anymore. I ate
frozen yogurt several times on Martha's Vineyard without having to take lactaid
- a real milestone! I had some constipation on the trip but that is not a
typical symptom for me. I think it was related to travel, which has been a part
of my history even prior to IBS. I know I still have to be careful to some
extent of what I eat, but I can eat many more "normal" things and be fine. It is
so refreshing! I really can't get over how effective hypnotherapy is in general
and I have to credit Mike with his program in particular. It's amazing to me! I
may occasionally listen to certain sessions in the future - we'll see what my
need is. I do encourage anyone who wants relief from IBS to invest in Mike's
program. I am as much a skeptic as anyone and as reluctant to spend $ on
something that may not be helpful as anyone, but this was well worth the time
and money invested. Feel free to share my comments. Ruchie - I totally encourage
you to stick with the program - you've been through so much and I'd love to hear
that you got the same relief as Mags, I, and others have! Same to all others who
are in the midst of it, have stopped, restarted, etc. It really is a phenomenon!
Best wishes,
Andie "
From Andie
I found Mike's tapes and this BB by doing a web search for IBS and hypnosis.
Actually, it was Eric's site I found first Even after I found these sites, it
was quite a while before I got up the nerve (lots of prayer) to order the tapes.
Reading about them on this website helped a lot in making my decision. I had
been dealing with IBS (C/D) for a few years and thought I had been managing it
pretty well, but probably not as well as I thought I was. I had a bad experience
with some meds, which set up a vicious cycle of anxiety attacks and D. Listening
to Mike's tapes helped me to stop this cycle. It got me to start going out of
the house again. It got me through two road trips during that time when just
leaving the house was a big deal (I was about halfway through the tapes at the
time). I still use the image of the "room with the wheel" (three deep breaths
first!) whenever I need a little extra reassurance. To me these tapes have been
a Godsend. I thank all those involved in putting them together and getting out
the word about them.
From Madechen
Hi Eric and everybody,
I finished the tapes about three weeks ago and am noting that for the first time
since I got IBS in 1999, I do not have the early morning having to go before I
even get up or eat breakfast, which was the worst symptom for me. After a long
illness, I was even experiencing D during the day and at night, but that has
mostly subsided. I still have some days (like when I eat fast food, for
instance, and also, since I finished a five-day antibiotic), when the next day I
will have a "busy" morning, but it is much improved. I am still bloated
sometimes, but even that seems less. I would say that the tapes have definitely
helped me. Beyond that, I know that my anxiety level has lessened. I did have
some extreme anxious moments a few weeks back when I was waiting for some test
results, and I anticipate that may happen again, but the tapes have done a lot
to help me calm myself and learn to stop my mind from racing. It's pretty
amazing .
I am planning to re-listen to some of my favorite sides, by the way, for some
time to come. Just the sound of Mike's voice does a job in instantly winding me
down!
From Persistence
I'm on day 96 and doing so much better than I expected! I can not begin to
understand how this works because I fall asleep every time I start a tape but
whatever it does is working!
I have gone numerous places where I had to go early and stay late (and did not
take meds) and have not had any problems where as before the tapes, I would
panic which therefore caused the merry-go-round of symptoms/problems as we all
know too well.
I not only have gotten better IBS wise but I also have reflux (or esophagus
spasms-still don't know for sure) and the attacks have slowed down dramatically.
I admit that I will have a bad day now and then but I will continue to get
better and bad days will continue to get fewer!
I love it! I have so much more freedom now.
Thanks Mike!
From Jleigh
Tremendous benefit from the tapes - 90% reduction in 25 years of mild to
moderate IBS-D symptoms. Would highly recommend.
From Jackson
I finished Mike's tapes in June. I've had IBS for about 14 years, mostly
mild, but severe for the past year and a half. At first I noticed a little bit
of an improvement, but it wasn't until a couple of months later that I improved
more substantially. I didn't make any dietary changes at this time, or try
anything else, such as counseling, so I'm pretty sure it was the tapes at work.
I'm not totally better, but much improved, and my anxiety is not nearly as
severe, either. I was agoraphobic, but now I can go out and do a lot of things
fine without worrying too much. I have even eaten some foods I used to consider
"forbidden", and have been OK.
I would definitely recommend these tapes!
Thanks very much.
E.
From Emma F
I was diagnosed with IBS about 15 years ago. The unmanageable problems first
started after I spent a day at work pigging out on a bunch of different foods.
That night I
got the big D and from then on my bowels were messed up. I had a tendency toward
loose stools since high school, but it had never affected my life before.
After I was diagnosed I took Lomotil almost every day because I was so fearful
of
getting D when I was out. IBS had a big impact on my social life, although now I
appreciate the fact that it made me much more independent. Before I was really
shy
and hesitant to do things on my own, but after IBS I did a lot more on my own in
case I
had to leave a situation. I decided the Lomotil wasn't good to take so often so
I cut
back and then only took it as needed. Then I switched to Imodium and I was to
the
point where I didn't need it that often. My IBS was definitely D predominant but
I had
some cases of C every once in a while.
Then this year I found the IBS bb and the hypnotherapy CDs. I instantly felt a
weird
sense of calm after I started listening to the CDs. About halfway through I
noticed an
improvement in the D even though I realized form reading the bb that people have
it
much worse than I did. By the time I finished the series I had improved a great
deal,
but I had a setback at the end. I went to the bb for advice and found out this
is common
because those mind armies are trying a desperate attempt to get back to the
forefront. This lasted a couple weeks and since then I have only had
improvement.
I finished the series in mid-August of this year and now I rarely have D. Maybe
2 or 3
incidents shortly after I finished and no problems for at least a month. I also
noticed an
improvement in the bloating (a BIG problem for me). As I see it, I will continue
to
improve and I'm really looking forward to the Beyond 100 series because I'm
convinced that hypnotherapy is the only natural way to find such relief. By
natural I
mean no drugs. This is a big deal to me, because I hate taking medicine if I
don't have
to. I don't want to rely on it. I needlessly suffered all those years because I
didn't know
there was help out there that was non-drug related.
I am grateful to this bb, everyone who provides support and to Mike for the IBS
hypnotherapy program. Without everyone here, I would have continued needlessly
suffering.
From BR
Hi, Eric-
I have been about 90% improved by Mikes tapes
(yes, I am dancing since I am quite pleased with the results)
I am still (slowly) finishing up the tapes, on day 90something.....I had several
other acute medical problems and got off-track with the tapes...but am now back
on track.
Thanks to Mike, Eric and Marilyn
The tapes are worth their weight in gold as far as I am concerned....
From CelticLady
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comments from users of The IBS Audio Program 100 ™ used with
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