Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Abdominal pain and sensitivity to temperature changes

This is my first post. I am looking for some advice/support. Let me give you a bit of my history. This might be a bit long, so please, bare with me.

I have always suffered from some form of abdominal pain/gas/bloating. The worst being acutely sensitive to changes in temperature (walking out into the cold from a warm house, the refrigerated sections of the grocery store, etc.). Back in 1995, at the age of 20, I fell extremely ill, suffering from constipation with no "unassisted" BM that lasted for over 2 months. I was lucky in that I was living in Arizona and, after confounding my regular doctor, was referred to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. After months of various testing (many of which no one, let alone a 20 year old, should have to be put through), I was diagnosed with IBS (highly stress-induced). As I'm sure many people have found, outside of the suggestion to take one serving of Citrucel per day and a slew of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medications, there was very little information/support given as to how to proceed from there as far as diet and lifestyle changes. Shortly thereafter, due to certain social influences, I began smoking and my stress levels as well as my IBS symptoms seemed to dissipate. ***I AM IN NO WAY SUGGESTING THAT ANYONE PICK UP SMOKING AS A WAY TO SELF-MEDICATE!*** I did nothing to address my IBS. I did still suffer from the temperature change pain and occassional gas/bloating.

Flash forward to December '08, I quit smoking.

Within the first week, I began having major digestive problems. I recognized the symptoms as the same that began my whole problem back in '95. I decided to take my IBS serious this time and, after much research, came across the help for IBS website. I purchased Heather's books as well as the fiber, fennel tea, and peppermint caps. I have been following the diet near religiously since the beginning of January '09.

Nearly all my digestive problems have been resolved. The bloating has all but subsided, although I seem to be a bit more gassy these days

(something I don't mind as long as they stay little "tufts" of air). My sensitivity to temperature change has seemingly and progressively worstened, though, since I have made my lifestyle and diet changes. It is not digestive at all as having food or not in my system does not effect the cramping. I have been using my heating pad a lot lately. Also, I have been using melissa officianalis (sp), otherwise known as lemon balm, essential oil as an abdominal rub when the attack is rather acute (something I highly recommend). It really helps! I was just wondering if anyone might have some other advice as to how to address the problem and also any insight as to why following an IBS friendly lifestyle might aggrevate the temperature sensitivity.

I would like to restate here that I in no way, shape, or form suggest nor recommend anyone taking up smoking for any reason whatsoever! In retrospect, I realize that I took up smoking as a way to self medicate, addressing...or more accurately...IGNORING...many issues in my life. Smoking causes many more problems, both physical and psychological, and does absolutely nothing to resolve any issue one may be faced with.

That being said, I would like to take this opportunity to whole-heartedly thank Heather for all of the time, effort, love and passion she has put towards providing all the amazing resources and support which benefits all of us, both those with IBS and those that support us. I am deeply appreciative of all of your work! Thank You

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