Irritable About My IBS?
Not! I could have worse conditions handed to me by my ancestors. This one
happens to come to me courtesy of my mother's side of the family. She has
IBS and from the sound of it, her father had IBS too. I have the type of IBS
where constipation is NOT a word in my vocabulary - even when 9-months
pregnant. That's right, I have what they call "diarrhea predominant" IBS. I
call it "never far from a toilet" syndrome.
It used to be a real drag, but I learned rather quickly what works and
doesn't work when I'm in situations where I need a little over the
counter help (from my friend, Imodium AD), like when I'm traveling or going through an extra stressful time. One of my other vulnerable times is when I eat out at parties or restaurants and may be eating foods richer than my gastric constitution is used to. Even then, I've figured out what to order and avoid to keep myself on track.
Writing the book, TELL ME WHAT TO EAT IF I HAVE IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, helped a lot too. I wrote it for all three types of IBS (constipation predominant IBS, diarrhea predominant IBS and the type that has both constipation and diarrhea.)
But after figuring out what my personal IBS triggers are and learning the "ins" and "outs" of IBS (pardon the pun), I have been doing great.
The good news is that IBS doesn't increase your risk of colon cancer and it
usually doesn't get worse as time goes on like many other conditions.
Knowledge is power and the more you know about IBS, the better off you'll
be. Check out this Eating With IBS video I did for WebMD and tell me what you think.
~~Elaine
Related Topics: IBS: Herbal Help?, Quiz: Could you have IBS?
Technorati Tags: IBS, irritablebowelsyndrome, constipation, diarrhea
happens to come to me courtesy of my mother's side of the family. She has
IBS and from the sound of it, her father had IBS too. I have the type of IBS
where constipation is NOT a word in my vocabulary - even when 9-months
pregnant. That's right, I have what they call "diarrhea predominant" IBS. I
call it "never far from a toilet" syndrome.
It used to be a real drag, but I learned rather quickly what works and
doesn't work when I'm in situations where I need a little over the
counter help (from my friend, Imodium AD), like when I'm traveling or going through an extra stressful time. One of my other vulnerable times is when I eat out at parties or restaurants and may be eating foods richer than my gastric constitution is used to. Even then, I've figured out what to order and avoid to keep myself on track.
Writing the book, TELL ME WHAT TO EAT IF I HAVE IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, helped a lot too. I wrote it for all three types of IBS (constipation predominant IBS, diarrhea predominant IBS and the type that has both constipation and diarrhea.)
But after figuring out what my personal IBS triggers are and learning the "ins" and "outs" of IBS (pardon the pun), I have been doing great.
The good news is that IBS doesn't increase your risk of colon cancer and it
usually doesn't get worse as time goes on like many other conditions.
Knowledge is power and the more you know about IBS, the better off you'll
be. Check out this Eating With IBS video I did for WebMD and tell me what you think.
~~Elaine
Related Topics: IBS: Herbal Help?, Quiz: Could you have IBS?
Technorati Tags: IBS, irritablebowelsyndrome, constipation, diarrhea
41 Comments:
I read this blog today and felt okay, I'm not at all relived, I am so embarssed by this, I suffer from the same problem- day to day and somedays it's okay and other days it's worse. I can't even enjoy brekfast in the mornings, coffee or any cereals, I immediately come down with the symptoms and I can't even hold it, as embarssing as it may sound, I've had a few acciedents, I felt like an infant, no one knows who this is until they suffer and experience it. I also am so embarssed because the odor is horrible, I run everyone out of the bathrooms and that's usually the talk of the day.. Wow- who went in there,
What do we do...
I read your blog today and have suffered with diarrehea prominent IBS for four years now. I can be fine all day and then get in the car to go somewhere and 5 minutes in the car it hits. It dosen't have a very good patience level either LOL. I can go for days and not have it bother me and then all of a sudden it hits and always at the most inconvient times. I have been taking Imodium Ad but was wondering how much is too much and if there are any long term effects to taking it.
i think it it terrible that zelnorm is being taken off the market. After almost 3 years of suffering and every test known to man, i finally got a diagnosis. and then what, the medication that brings relief will no longer be available. this is absurb. maybe the drug companies should have done more tests to ensure the safety of this and other drugs. FDA I hope you are listrening.
My Dr. said that Imodium is COMPLETELY safe and there is no harm in taking it. He said I could take up to 8 a day and be fine. I ususally only need 1 though.
I just found out I have IBS.. I feel like a prisoner in my home. I have both, one week I can't go then the next I better not leave the house.. This is making me very depressed. Thank god I am not working right now, not sure how I could handle a job right now. My husband asks me why I never feel good(sometimes I just wish he could go though this then maybe he would understand). I am now to the point were I don't want to drive alone in case I have an attack. it is so nice to see I am not the only one suffering from this I can read about others..
I finally found a miracle drug that works for me and now they take zelnorm off the market. I have 3 months of pills and I will continue to use them and i hope by then they put it back on the market. I understand they might make it a hardship drug, I hope this is true. For me the risk outway the pain.
I understand what these folks on this blog are saying about the diarrehea prominent IBS. I have had it for about 6 or 7 years, starting in my mid 50's. Last yr, I had to get my gall bladder removed and it got even worse! I too have had accidents as this is so explosive and have to always locate the bathroom whereever I go. I wanted to retire soon and substitute teach, but there was no way since I had to go "right now" and cant leave kids alone to go. I couldnt still be working if I were not a guidance counselor and could leave at any moment and get to the restroom.
After reading a lot about this recently, I decided to give soluble fiber a try. For two weeks, I am taking two Equate (Walmart brand) Fiber Therapy caplets three times a day, about 30 minutes before eating with 8 oz water to make my colon less spastic, and it is working. Have been having the first solid (or almost solid) bowel movements I have had in years in the last couple of weeks. I have been a slave to this for too long to be only 62, and since I am very active (bicycle, kayak/canoe camp, etc)This has really put a cramp in my style. It had starting dictating my life. Try this... it will help you. I feel as I have been freed from slavery. I promise. Good luck.
I was diagnosed with IBS earlier this year. It usually only hits in the morning. I have to run to the toilet 2 times before I leave for work. As I drive I breath calmly so I can make it to work with out an accident. It is so embarassing. Now I am at a point in my life where I want to have a child, but I am too worried about having to run to the bathroom with an infant in my arms. I am at a loss and I don't know what to do. I have tried meds and they worked for a while, but I can't take anything during pregnancy. I noticed that my IBS increased after having my gallbladder removed. Boy...I wish I knew this would be a side effect, I would have left it in my body. It is nice to know that I am not alone!
I just saw a program on the DiscoveryHealth channel about this, so you may want to check out their web site. I can't recall what the dr did to fix it, but it worked
I have IBS since I am a child but it got worst these last 7 years. It makes my life miserable because I always have the urge to go to the bathroom while I am outside (Once I had an embarrassing incident so I know it happens!). I always try to avoid outdoor activities with friends and family and usually meet them at restaurants for lunch (because it is less busy and I will not have to wait for the bathroom in case of emergency). It is really frustrating because I have to find excuses to not do things with them; especially while I am offered to go to public events like shows,festivals,fairs,shopping, busy restaurants... My husband understands but I can see that he would like me to do more with him. I feel lonely because I can't improvise a thing with my friends and/or him! For example, if we go out with some friends, I am always worry that everybody wants to have a drink afterward. I heard about a medication called Colestid, I may try it...Do you know if it works?
Wow, thank you for sharing about IBS. I have the kind you do. It comes with my Fibromyalgia and it is more diahrrhea than constiputation. My doctor gave me this wonderful little drug to take with my Protonix and Gas-X pills that interacts with them. Unless I have an incredibly stressful day, I have found the miracle of almost being regular.
Just wondering if any of you have been tested for Celiac disease. IBS and Celiac disease have very similar symptoms. I have celiac, and I was diagnosed after years of suffering from diarrhea.
Just a thought!
I suffered for four years with all the symptoms you have described. I know where every public restroom is. I went to the bathroom between 8-10 times a day. I thought I would have to call an ambulance the pain was so severe. I've seen many specialist who prescribed several different medications. I changed my diet and cut out coffee. The doctors said that stress was a cause but the symptons were stressing me out. I felt depressed because it was running my life.
Well I am happy to say that I am almost cured. After being hospitalized because the symptoms were so bad, I started eating Activia yogurt once a day. After ten days, I had my first normal bowel movement and things started improving. I have my moments but it is nothing in comparision to the hell I went through. I wrote to Dannon to thank them. I still can't believe that one little yogurt a day it what helped me and not one doctor suggested it.
I suffered for four years with all the symptoms that have been described. I can tell you where every public restroom is. I have seen several doctors been prescribed many medications. I changed my diet and cut out coffee. I had stress because of my condition but my condition made me more stressed. I was going the bathroom eight to ten times a day. At times I thought I would have to call and ambulance because the pain was so bad. For those of you that have it I know you understand.
Well I am happy to say that I am pretty much cured. Three months ago, I started eating activia yogurt once a day and after about two weeks my "stomach issues" went away. I am not cured but the difference is amazing. I even wrote to Dannon because I couldn't believe it. Four years of hell and not one doctor suggested it.
Someone please tell me if I sound as if I have IBS...my stomach starts cramping( feels like menstrual cramps) at the same time every evening..until I go to sleep...then when I wake up I'm fine all day and then it starts again that evening. Do I have IBS?
My doctor told me I have IBS because every test came back negative. It starts up if too much time passes after a meal (a few hours), my stomach fills up with gas, I get back pains, my stomach bloats. I took Bentyl which helped with the attacks but made me dizzy. Then someone suggested one Fibercon with each meal, this helped for a while. If I eat more it does help with the attacks but I have to eat all the time. I am so sick of this. Now I am pregnant and the attacks are worse and I can't take my medicine. Anyone have a similar situation.
I am a 22 year old female and I had my galbladder removed when i was just 6 years old. I didn't even know that IBS is a side effect of having your galbladder removed. Having my galbladder removed along with my spleen was mandatory due to the fact that I have Heriditary Spherocytosis. If anyone knows a good method to relieving the IBS because I have tried everything could someone please post a comment and let me know!! It is awful to have this at such a young age and I can't even enjoy taking my daughter out anywhere because I always have to go to the bathroom and I just want to go one day without having to use the bathroom!!
I, too, have had many accidents and it is very embarrassing. At work, the mall, while grocery shopping, and it is triggered by stress, at least most of the time. If any one finds a cure or workable treatment, please, let me know. I inherited mine, my mother's family all had it. My gall bladder was removed during the 1980's and it got worse. I went through a nasty divorce in 1976 which did not help at all. Then I remarried, bad mistake. This one is a verbal enemy. This triggers all kinds of bad cramps and stomach problems.
I had my gall bladder removed when my newborn was 3 weeks old the pain hit me all at once. After getting it removed I have been constipated and if I don't go to the bathroom right then I throw up instantly. Sometimes I go to the bathroom, can't get it out fast enough and throw up at the same time. Please let me know is anyone else having this problem. Help me please. If so, what can be done about it. I'm scare to leave the house.
My 6 year old child has has loose stools for as long as I can remember, and has many accidents. Sometimes several a day. Can children have IBS??
I too have suffered from IBS for several years. A lifesaver for me has been Nortriptilyn. My doctor put me a low dose of this daily. It is an anti depressant. But I take a low enough dose that there are no mood altering effects. But this drug's side effect is that is causes constipation. So it has really helped calm my body down!
I am a 27 year old woman who has been suffering with what the doctors say is IBS. For something that isn't life-threatening, it sure depresses the hell out of me. I've had the symptoms for it for several years but they weren't that bad. I had my gallbladder removed back in Sep. of last year and it hasn't gotten better, and because the doctors can't really pin-point what it is, my family think that I have a mental problem-that it's all in my head, but I know better because I am the one experiencing this. I'm constipated for almost a week sometimes and then the chronic diarrhea happens. It's gotten to the point that Imodium nor the prescription drug Questran is working for my diarrhea. I have severe stomach cramps that aren't relieved by a bowel movement, like the doctors say. The cramps get so bad sometimes that I black out or become very dizzy and become exhausted. I have mucous in the bowel quite often and the doctors offer no help. The meds that they try on me cause more problems than it all is worth, so basicly they've left me to suffer or to figure something out on my own, which has become frustrating and very depressing. I've thought about suicide because I can't imagine living my life like this. I am a single parent of 3 and that thought is selfish of me, but sometimes I think to myself that I can't be much of a mother to my kids when I'm feeling like I'm dying most of the time and too focused on relief of my situation, and to make matters worse, I have no one to talk to about it-no support of no kind. My family thinks I'm crazy and wants to put me in a psychiatric hospital AGAIN! Can someone offer me some words of encouragement, please. One thing I do know is that I do have the Lord on my side because had it not been for Him, I probably would be in another "hospital" or somewhere ending my own life. Sad, but true!
Is there any info for my 10 year old daughter? She is currently on Bentyl (spelling) 2x's a day. Helps a little but not completely. I really wish I could find a diet for her. Thaks for your help.
I was diagnosed with IBS when I was about 5 yo (I'm now 22). It is possible for children to have it. I'm sorry your daughter has it. I took Bentyl for years, but it never really helped. The things that helped me most as a child with IBS was knowing 1)the pain would eventually stop and 2)if it got bad enough my parents would take me to the hospital. I remember being so scared that I would always feel so terribly and no one would be able to help me. When your daughter gets sick, take the time to sit with her and tell her it won't last forever. Let her know you'll take her to the hospital if it gets unbearable. My parents always offered, but I never went. I just needed to know if things got bad enough, there was a plan. Good luck with your daughter.
I'm not sure I have it, but between my 2nd and 3rd children, I had my gall bladder removed and since then have had really bad diarhea and nasty gas. It's embarrassing. When I feel gas coming, I try to go outside or whatever so I don't stink the place up. It's so embarrassing. today I had to run to the bathroom about 5 times. I have had accidents, too. Does this sound like IBS? My dr said it could be, but that was 5+ years ago and she didn't want to put me on anything since I might get preggo again. Now that I'm done, if I can get some meds, I want them! At any rate, I feel your pain!
I'm SO RELIEVED that there MIGHT be a solution for these symptoms. I did NOT know that children could get IBS, aside from other gastrointestinal diseases, which would be scary and shameful as a child. As a 49 yr. old who had IBS before getting my gall bladder out, the surgeon said it would not take that away, so I was warned. I wish that I would've tried altering my DIET FIRST, since I'm having to anyway now. For this woman who has been to the psych. hosp..with 3 kids...OY!! I do feel for you,dear; I come from a family with mental health issues, and was on medications for 15 yrs. to help an anxiety-related chronic severe hives, which would just occur randomly- no proven allergy. I was put on Imipramine for 15 yrs, it was the only "antihistimine/antidepressant" that really helped prevent outbreaks. Drs. would never let me try anything else, because this doped me out, slowed me down on jobs, but this form of hives is so rare, they'd say "if you've found something thats working, dont change it!" I just recently cut way back on the meds. 2 months ago, to test if I still have the hives, and as I tapered it off slowly, the hives is finally gone!! It has been such a huge relief..not only is my mind and memory incredibly clearer, but they were giving me intensive hot flashes and sweats, clear from age 32!! Well, to be off that heavy dose of antidepressant, it was probably helping to stop me up some (for years, Ive gone back/forth with constipation/diarrhea, which some foods or drinks could trigger). I've had to go without coffee for a few years now- still try to have one cup of decaf in morning w/milk. Even taken with an antacid, I can still get set off to the john. PLEASE--as I JUST FOUND, there are many of us out there, some FINDING RELIEF!! NOT ALL are DRUGS, NOT ALL are EXPENSIVE, and we ALL have to experiment. I went out to a nice steak dinner w/my hubby, my daughter and her boyfriend a few weeks ago; we stayed in the bar after to listen to some music, it was very festive. I suppose just because I had some "real sour cream" on my baked potato, when I got into the bathroom, there were some younger women in there having a "good time". To be frank, I hadnt even b.m.'d yet, just had gas, and they were commenting how "you may not want to go in there, cough..cough!!) Did they think I was painting the stall, or what?? I wish people could be more considerate, but my husband asked me to dance just one dance when I got back, and I didnt dare!! I couldnt get out of there fast enough. YOU ARE YOUNG-- YOUR CHILDREN NEED YOU!! You may be sensitive to the cold, may not want to go to games outside w/them, swimming, or whatnot, but the sooner you give in to your family's attitude of "its all in your head", the sooner you give up searching for help and not finding it, the sooner your family will see what missing you is like!! YES, there are people out there who are sicker, in the body AND in the HEAD. My husband and daughter have been tough on me, and never wanted to believe its that bad, because 1)they dont HAVE to live with the shame of it, and 2)they just WANT to SEE me having a good quality LIFE, and DONT feel theres anything THEY can do to FIX IT. I for one, am going to try this fiber treatment (fiber capsules before each meal 3xday). I NEED to find a job of SOMEKIND, for MY OWN mental health and fulfillment, and we've got to keep trying...KEEP THE FAITH!! The Lord IS THERE WITH YOU through it all, and He can be a buffer for your children and husband..if you SHOW THEM who He is and can be for us, even in the tough times. He is our ROCK.
I was wondering after reading all these symptoms if my ten year old granddaughter could be suffering form IBS. She has had two episodes where she is in the bathroom with severe cramping and ends up on the floor actually passing out. When she comes out of it she is fine. She's had blood test, CAT scans, and they haven't found anything so for that causes it. What test does she need to actually tell if it is indeed IBS?
For many years I sufferred most of the syptoms you mention and doctors said that I had IBS. A year ago I started using lactase [Lactaid brand or generic from Costco], after every meal that had milk or milk related products. I am happy to say that all my syptoms are gone unless I forget to take the my pill. Lactose intolerance can mimic IBS, I felt a lot better just 3 days after starting using the lactase.
FOR TWO WEEKS I HAVE HAD SEVERE ABDOMINAL CRAMPING TO THE POINT THAT ONE TIME I THOUGHT I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. SO THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO A CLINIC WERE THE DR. GAVE ME PROTONIX, AN ULCER MEDICATION AND IMODIUM. I STILL HAVE THE CRAMPING! SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS BUT NOW I DONT HAVE ANY BOWEL MOVEMENT. NO ONE IN MY FAMILY HAS A MEDICAL CONDITION EXCEPT HEREDITARY CHOLESTROL. CAN ANYONE SUGGEST ANYTHING. DO I HAVE IBS????
ibs is no picnic. had my gallbladder out three years ago and almost immediately had the horrible explosive cramping diarrhea every other day -worse than before the gallbladder came out. then they tell me it's bile salt diarrhea -my liver is trying to fill my gallbladder with bile and too much of it is constantly dumped into my intestines. apparently my liver didn't get the message that my gallbladder is gone. supposedly, this resolves itself, but after three years, i think not.
i take questran daily but have to be careful as it will cause constipation that is almost as bad. despite the questran, i still will have sudden painful episodes. so, in addition to the questran i always carry the trusty immodium (again, constipating, but helpful if i can take it fast enough.) i also have lomotil in addition to the questran which i sometimes take in the mornings when i know i have a flight or long car trip, just for "insurance", although there is no guarantee.
if i had known i had this to look forward to for the rest of my life, i'd have kept the gallbladder -i was miserable, but not this miserable! i keep trying diffrent diets to see if that would help, but it's hard to figure out what works when the trial and error aren't so much fun.
Wow, I had my gallbladder out 2 months ago, and I've been suffering from what I refer to as "bile dumping". My Dr assured me it would stop within the next 6-12 months and that if it happened more than 4 times a day that he would prescribe bile salts for me. I've lost 12 lbs since my surgery but my Dr feels that the weight loss won't hurt me and that I could lose another 10 lbs or so. I will see him again next month. The pain and discomfort under my left side of the ribcage though is sometimes almost unbearable and it makes it hard for me to work..
I have very much pain in my left side under the ribcage. its about 1:16 AM and im 14 years old. Could this be IBS? I have had issues with going to the bathroom a lot but usually only to pee. What is this?!
For pain under the left ribcage look up Costochrondritis.
I learned a bit here today ... I had my gallbladder removed when my son was about 5 months old in 2001, I'm 29 now, and I've recently (since an er visit in nov of 07) had this intense pain under my ribcage every now and then, but if i moved the right way it would briefly dissappear, say 5-10 mins, then reappear. I have seen commercials for IBS but never connected the sudden "diarrhea life" I developed from having my gallbladder taken to this diagnosis. I'm hoping that something simple like either Dannon yogurt or Immodium AD will help rather than another ER visit tonight (as I am currently experiencing this mystery pain under my left ribcage, again it seems to disappear if I either hold the spot or contort myself a bit). The last er visit they said it was an inflammation of the colon but a few weeks later the pain resurfaced and it's been on again and off again since, tonight being the more severe it's been since that night in nov.
Anyways thank you for the comments on this page it's helped me a bit!
You have no idea how great (sorry about that) it is to know other people are suffering from the same thing I am. It has been very distressing emotionalyespecially when you have no control at all and accidents happen. My the forst thing my specilaist did wa to take me off ALL dairy products I mean NADA no milk (except soy) I buy Kosher margarine no cream sauces nothing. He also put me on Questran it's an oral powder lemon flavor that I mix with water or juice, Oddly enough it's used to lower cholesterol (also a huge problem for me) and I weighed 106 lbs and ate pretty healthy. Since I have been on Questran the problem has just about vanished except when I cheat once in a while. My cholesterol and tryglicerides dropped as well and I lost 9 lbs. I am down to a svelt 97 lbs which is good for me sinc I am a little under 5 ft. Has anyone else had the ame results.
I had my gall bladder removed June of 06. I also had the bathroom issue and ruined many clothes. Since the surgery I have been unable to eat any meat. The only thing I can eat is seafood, no broccoli, garlic, fresh fruit. One thing that does help me is the use of aloe vera gel (buy it from the health food store - I like the gel from Vitamin World store best). I put that in water and drink while I am eating my food -this helps to digest my food. I also have explosive times and must be close to the bathroom - I have had every test and no one knows what is wrong with me. It is very difficult because I love chicken and turkey, but cannot digest it-I have been told I do not have enough bile to aid in the digestion. I found if I have a salad with my meal, I must eat the meal first and the salad last or I end up in the bathroom. I do have coffee but usually have a mini bagel with peanut butter for breakfast - which does not cause any bathroom isues.
I will try activia to see if this helps - I am afraid to eat any meat products because it is not worth the pain I get (just like I had before my gall bladder was removed). Anyone have any suggestions on this?
Myrtle Beach victim
ive been suffering from IBS since childhood and now that im in my late 30's the dr said it was my gallbladder acting up biliary dyskenesia. they were going to take it out but i was sick at that time so i cancelled and now my new dr wont take it out. he thinks its not my gallbladder but could be celiac disease or chrons disease. ive had numerous trips to the ER for pain they can never figure it out and always say it could be stress. they make you feel like its all in my head which makes me really mad because im always sick and in the bathroom with diareah and you cant have a good life cause youre always cancelling plans due to being in the bathroom. you cant lead a normal life . i wish dr.s were better at their jobs.im being sent now to see a internal stomach dr to have upper and lower gi scopes.. not too excited about this unless they actually can come up with a diagnosis.. anyhow, its not in your head its real for those of you dealing with the same rude demeaning comments.. keep your chin up.. hope you all feel better soon. im glad i wasnt able to get my gallbladder taken out sounds like i got lucky with that...
i dont knowif this is ibs are what but i know it something
everytime i eat and 30to45mins later i am in the bathroom votiming and in pain and it coming out of both ends can someone help me they think i amcrazy but i no how i feeli was on zelnorm to but i dont know what going on poo
Most of the comments say something about left sided pain. Does anyone have right, lower sided pain? Had the gallbladder out. Had total hysterectomy years ago. 2 months ago got severe lower right side pain and diarhhea. Been scoped and xrayed and scanned-all normal. Have me on Bentyl-helps a little. they are suggesting an exploratory and saying maybe adhesions. Anyone else with right pain?
had my gal bladder to out aug16 of this year i dont know what to expect, cant eat anything makes me sick to my stomach.will IBS do that to you. makes me wont to throw up everytime i thinks of food. does the removel of your galbadder have anything to do with IBS.
I just started having these problems back in June after I eat supper at night than I would get stomach pain and naseau and I would gag but never vomit than I would have to go to the bathroom and sometimes two or three times within a ten minute time period It always comes around my period time about a week before this has been going on for three months now so I had my gall bladder tested last Aug for the same thing and now they ran a scope to test my stomach and everything cam back normal It aslo came about the same time last year June July and Aug. I play a lot of ball and am very active during the summer could this have something to do with it or is it hormaonal or what I am confused
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