Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Having issues with stabilizing

Hello-

I have been on the diet for 4 months now. I worked up to 27 grams of SFS and eat in accordance with the EFI diet. I use the herbal teas and tummy tamers sold on this site. Additionally, I use Natural Calm when necessary to relieve constipation. I work out everyday, and incorporate Yoga and self help books for stress management. My sleep, for whatever reason, has been a challenge since I started the diet. I often awaken early in the AM from spasms and/or hunger. I don't think I have gotten 8 hours since starting the diet and most nights I get 5-7 hours. I am often not tired at night and have to use melatonin and/or marijuana to fall to sleep.

I have had a solid week of severe symptoms (incomplete evacuation, spasms, gas, and sleeplessness) and am exhausted. I am fighting to stay positive but it is extremely difficult and I believe I am beginning to lose faith. In any given week over the past four months I'd say I have 3 or 4 good days while the others are a real challenge. My role as a dad and employee have been severely diminished because of my current state over the past few months.

Ultimately my question is to Heather. When I stabilized about 6 years ago on the EFI diet it took me well over a year (I think). I remember being this frustrated, although I am older now (37) and this concerns me. This board was much more lively my last time around and people would regularly comment that stabilization took a year. Can you please let me know if this is the case or am I doing something wrong? I am including a sample daily menu tomorrow to give you an idea of how I am approaching the management through diet.

Finally, I am seeing a GI doctor tomorrow because of my current condition. Any help anyone could provide would be tremendously appreciated!

6:30 am- SFS first thing in morning (4.5 grams) and a small banana
7:30 am- Eggbeater w/ white toast (small bit of avocado) and oven roasted potatoes (no oil), small spoonful of cooked IF
9:00 am- SFS and piece of Heather's zucchini bread
11:00 am- SFS with chx breast, white rice, and small spoonful of cooked broccoli
1:00 pm- small banana
3:00 pm- SFS with handful of pretzels and cliff kids bar
5:00 pm- small bowl of white rice porridge
7:00 pm- SFS and Small bit of broiled salmon, cooked carrots, white rice, small spoonful of zucchini
9:00- SFS with super pretzel

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