|
|
Hi Chris,
I'm also from the Bay Area, although I'm all the way down in San Jose. Do you have Kaiser as your health coverage? They have actually recommended Heather's books to me (although I already knew about them at the time) and have been really helpful with my IBS. My aunt, who is a psychiatrist, has also told me they have a great IBS program, although I haven't see it. I was going to get more details but then had to switch insurances (long story).
Just thought I'd share that with you if you are fortunate enough to have Kaiser.  And yes, we are fortunate in California to have access to a lot of health foods.
Belinda had some great advice for you, as did lots of other people. Please remember that everyone is different, though. So what may have worked for one person might not necessarily work for another.
--------------------
- Jennifer
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
No, unfortunately I do not have Kaiser health coverage. Though I do have a fantastic doctor (the specialist I referred to) whose name is, strangely enough, Dr. Kaiser.
Everyone IS different, which is what makes following diet program like Heather's kind of tricky. On the one hand, I want to be willing to try something new and different, even if it uncomfortable and doesn't fit completely with my experience. Why? Because I'm still struggling incredibly and that means I obviously haven't figured it out on my own. On the other hand, it's important (as everyone is pointing out) to recognize all of our bodies (and our IBS's :>) are different, and what works for Heather or someone else here may not work for me.
That's where it gets confusing.
I guess trial and error is the only way to really find out.
Chris
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Chris:
I understand your difficulties with the IBS diet and the fact it's in direct opposition to you getting healthy on other fronts. I have blood sugar problems myself (diabetes is rampent in my family) and so the IBS diet is not ideal for me either.
I find it all boils down to this. I cannot endure living in pain and having D or C all the time. So I find the IBS diet has to take precedence over my other health issues, or I would be unable to function in society. What else can I do? It's kind of like a balancing act, but the scale is tipped dramatically towards IBS so I can find the strength to juggle the rest!
I love San Francisco! My boyfriend lives in Sunnyvale, CA and I travel to your area six times a year! My next trip is scheduled for May.
I've found a few good food products in your area. For example, the Earth Balance buttery spread is available at Trader Joe's. On my last trip, I bought Yehuda matzoh at Andronico's supermarket in Palo Alta. It's a great cracker/snack food alternative -- made with just water and white flour and no additives! Whenever I travel into San Francisco on the Caltrain for the day, I bring an insulated lunchbag (with freezer packs) with my own sandwich -- made with two slices of French bread (which my boyfriends bakes for me!), some Earth Balance and homemade fresh slices of chicken breast. Alas, so far in five years of visiting San Francisco, I haven't found an IBS-safe restaurant to eat at there.
Belinda
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Quote:
Actually rice milk is neither soluble or insoluble. It's been strained of all solids and is pretty much flavored water by that point.
Hmm.. I didn't know this. Thank you for correcting me, Mags.
--------------------
- Jennifer
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Belinda,
Next time you're in San Francisco/Bay Area...
For groceries: Rainbow Grocery on 10th and Folsom has absolutely everything you could possibly every want if you're interested in health/nutrition. It's considered the best health food store (and it's HUGE) in the country. (it is vegetarian though, can't buy meat there). Whole Foods is also a wonderful organic/alternative market with a lot of hot/prepared foods that could serve as a restaurant when you come to town.
You might also want to check out Asqew (all free-range organic meats, very healthy) on Haight St., Plutos on Irving st./8th (simple, healthy meals - not organic though) and Cafe Gratitude on 20th & Harrison (mostly raw, but amazing place).
Chris
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
that everyone is different. Makes the diet very hard to follow. I thought if a food was listed as a safe soluble eat without risk food, such as mushrooms or bananas, it would be okay. Didn't realize that it isn't okay for some! Frustrating and confusing. 
That does make this diet confusing! Plus, not all people can tolerate the peppermint capsules or SFS which are highly recommended. That confused me as well.
Oh well, on with the trial and error. I am just so disappointed there isn't one or even two "recipes" for feeling better that would work for all the pain and symptoms we have! I have yet to find my answers.
Good luck and keep in touch!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
You have to think of Heather's diet as a set of "guidelines". This means that her diet has helped a lot of IBSers, but may need to be adapted to your own needs. Sometimes people only need to change one or two things - sometimes a ton of things.
Unfortuantely there's no magic solution to IBS. But at least you have tons of support here on the boards from people who know what you're going through.
--------------------
- Jennifer
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
The support is AWESOME! You guys are the greatest. It's the one blessing that has come from the IBS, meeting some of the kindest, most generous people that give unconditional support through the pain and struggles and frustration.
Thanks for reminding me of that!
I just wish I could move a little bit forward in my healing with this diet. I just don't know what I am doing wrong from the others of you who have found such relief with Heather's diet. It's just disheartening at times.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
SCD diet...
#163824 - 03/24/05 03:30 PM
|
|
|
|
|
mindyj
Reged: 05/14/04
Posts: 494
Loc: Northern Virginia
|
|
|
Chris,
It sounds like the diet that your doctor has described is the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate) diet. I know there are people with IBD that have done well with this regime, but I've also heard it's not a good choice for those with IBS. I know the BTC diet can be constipating and can worsen problems with anemia, but that's why it's only advisable for a short time (a few days, certainly no more than a week). There are just SO many things that could potentially for someone be a trigger and it really is just meant to slow things down for your body a few days. Are you taking a soluable fiber supplement? This may help with the constepation while on the BTC diet. I remember thought that I did add a few things to my rice during that phase - I added some balsamic vinegar, fenel seeds and egg whites for a more salty type mix and things like honey, lime juice, slices of dry mango, nutmeg and ginger for a sweeter type rice. I also put ketchup on my baked potatoes. Some variety for the taste buds can help alittle. Hope things get better for you. You really seem to be working hard to find something that will work for you and I'm sure your efforts will be fruitful in the end - keep us updated.
Min
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
ahhh!all this is so confusing!im in the breaking the cycle mode too!it sucks!i hate it!!everything is plain!i had 5 bananas today!hope that wasant to much!!i want to have soy milk in my ceral but i dont know if this is ok!i eat pasta and i seem to be doing ok..isant that werid how everyones different!!:P
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
