Any other IBS patients, Help!

I’ve only been aware of my IBS for a couple of years, and it is definitely related to anxiety along with my diet. Just when I think I have it figured out, whammo. The best way for me to get it under control is to barely eat for a day. (I don’t have any blood sugar or diabetic issues). When I do eat, it’s very bland like crackers and water. Once it’s all run through me, that’s what works for me.

I’m still very much learning what some food triggers might be, and how long they take to be problematic, so some of my flare ups are somewhat self induced. Not ideal, but it’s the only way to figure it out.

I definitely recommend a low FODMAP diet. It was a game changer for me. A lot of fruits and vegetables are my triggers and I’m very careful with even onion or garlic powder. Watermelon and mango, avocado, celery, lettuce, soda, anlcohol, and a host of others are my triggers.

I also take 2 symethecone tablets in the morning and at night. And I’ve added Immodium to my daily nighttime meds. I do have to watch for constipation, so I’ll skip that pill if needed. I was at the point where I wasn’t eating unless I was home all day.

It’s been a long journey. Stress and lack of sleep are also big triggers for me.

May I gently suggest seeing a therapist, as well as your nutritional coach? My stomach is a mess when I'm stressed. You are dealing with a lot of stress and trauma, dear friend.

If you are already doing this, yay you! I can't remember if you have mentioned it, other than family therapy.

Definitely look into low FODMAP. There is an app that you can download that’s around $5-10. It’s put out by the Monash University food diet. It’s the easiest way to see if a food is safe and the amounts. They are the experts as google sometimes contradicts itself on foods. Good luck and hugs. Your stress levels must be crazy with all that’s going on. Hugs.

Have you thought about seeing a dietician and/or a gastroenterologist?

I've battled it since I was 5. I follow the fodmap diet. I don't tolerate most fruit unless cooked. I can eat hard cheeses and lactose free dairy. I struggle with sugars other than cane sugar. No beets, corn or peas, as when they digest they break down very similar to fructose/lactose.

It can be a real struggle. Keep a very detailed food diary was the best thing I did, with tracking the ibs\d.

I had my colonoscopy in Nov. That triggered it for me, for a month. 2 weeks ago I had a salad with kale in it, sick for 10 days.

Stress....oh boy, off the charts.

I hope you times of peace and wellness asap.

Ps: frustrating when people don't get it. My he's family think its all in my head. Nope, it a lack of enzymes, thank you very much.

The stress of trying to take care of so many things has to be taking a toll on your entire body. I’ve been through several difficult periods in my life, and trying to shoulder it alone hit my digestive tract hard. Eventually I found a good therapist and learned to prioritize my health right on the same par with my family’s needs by doing things every day that helped my digestive system relax… meditation, yoga, visiting with friends, a hot bath, art, music. If there is a NAR-anon group near you, consider going. My niece, whose mother was an alcoholic, receives important support at her Alanon groups and regularly talks to me about things she’s learned. I hope you can find some relief in this difficult time.

I didn't get that vibe at all.  It sounds like she has had to deal with a lot of extremely stressful things.  If you did think she is showing anger with the way she worded it I think you could have said your opinion in a nicer way.

When I had my first colonoscopy, the gas pain was incredibly bad for me.  It also triggered and IBS flare that lasted forever.  They didn't find anything at all but because my sister had a polyp (which was nothing) they told me I needed to have another one in 5 years.  We have no history of cancer in my family and I laughed at that idea.  When I went back because my symptoms were horrible, they reminded me I need to have it done.  I told them absolutely not.  I would do it at 10 years and not a day before. 

Are you seeing a functional medicine nutritionist? They can do so much for you. However, you want to ensure that you have IBS and not something else. Though IBS fits well w/everything else going on. You're under so much stress and your gut is holding the stress.

If therapy and the med change aren't making a difference then do see a GI and ask about further testing. IBS can go hand in hand w/other gut diseases, too.

I have followed your situation w/your ds and all that happened in your life in such a short period and you deserve relief from the stress. Perhaps therapy will be all about take good, loving care of yourself and giving yourself breaks from the stressors that encompass you.