Update
#215294 - 09/22/05 07:04 PM
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Tinkerbelle
Reged: 04/17/05
Posts: 231
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Hey guys...
I just wanted to tell you that I am totally off this diet, and I am just taking some awesome enzymes and fiber, and pretty much eating anything I want! My weight is back up to about 100-103 (my normal weight is 106, and during my bad time I was 90 lbs!), which I am very excited about... I don't feel great all the time, but I just try to ignore it. I sometimes get D/Loose BMS/more than 3 BMs a day, but I just go on with my day afterwards. I am much happier not worrying about all of it and obsessing over everything I eat, and I don't think I have IBS as bad as some of you so I can ignore it and not feel great but feel pretty good!
Just wanted to update everyone again because I used to be on here all the time!
How are you all?
- H
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Re: Update
#215302 - 09/22/05 07:28 PM
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Wind
Reged: 04/02/05
Posts: 3178
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excellent news, Tink! ditto for me, i.e. i'm eating intuitively and roughly following an scd diet. brain & body feel infinitely ameliorated. no violent D-days of late. yes, some looseness & well...the usual bunny dumping, but otherwise...everyday, in everyway, i'm better & better & better.
i read your post re: ayruveda. i'm definitely vatic in nature. i'm eating more warming foods. i guess, ultimately, i'm listening to my body and it's just humming happily.
kate.
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I am so glad you feel better! And jealous you can eat whatever you want!
What's your secrets???
What fiber and enzymes are you taking? Did you get into therapy to help the anxiety and obsession with IBS? I am going to start soon...I hope it will help me find a life outside of this IBS. 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Tinkerbelle?
#215305 - 09/22/05 07:35 PM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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Are you following some sort of ayruveda treatment? If so, who is helping you with it or how did you learn about it? I'm very interested in alternative medicines...especially when traditional medicine has not been able to help me very much.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Hi Kate...
Thanks for writing! I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better as well!! I think you and I have a lot in common, similiar interests, etc. Did you mean to say that you are Vata in nature? That's what I am, I had a severe Vata imbalance, I think I may have mentioned and it before.
What type of foods are you eating? Have you gained any weight?
Hope to hear from you soon!
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Hi there!! I know I sound like a diff person, I feel like my old self again. I think the secret is that I started taking Lexapro at the right dose, and I fell in love with an Aryuvedic practitioner! I just starting having a life and not worrying so much about my health, and dealing with the pain and the fear... and then it became not so bad anymore. I was never having violent spasms and D or C like some people on here... so I didn't have that much to recover from... it was mostly the fear I was going through that was the worst part.
So my BF is an Aryuvedic pracitioner, and I've learned a lot from him.
The enzymes I take are Digest Gold, and the fiber is Fiber Smart by Renew Life, who have an amazing line of products for IBS sufferers.. you can look them up online and find their products, they are amazing!!
I hope you are well,
Write back!
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Re: Update
#215314 - 09/22/05 09:08 PM
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Wind
Reged: 04/02/05
Posts: 3178
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No, I'm not gaining weight--if anything I'm slowly dropping. I have osteo-arthritis and while I'm very thin, I do not want extra mass to haul around, weigh me down. I'd rather be a rack then carry around a burden!
Yes, I have a severe vata imabalance. I've added serious protein to my diet. Tons of warming herbs/spices. I'm eating egg whites and lean fish as well as tons of veggies/greens. I feel physically and mentally stronger with the serious protein upgrade. I'm eating intuitively, listening to my body. I have eliminated fruit and starchy vegetables/grains. Carbs tend to make me extra anxious, which is the very last thing I need. Note: I am neither advising nor recommending anything, merely reflecting on how I feel due to diet changes. I suppose you could call it a modified BARF diet.
Like you, Tinkerbelle, I'm doing my own thing, or in 'rebel mode' as I like to think of it. Also, like you, I take intensive enzymes and that makes a significant difference.
I'm curious re: what you are eating and doing differently.
Kate.
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Hi Kate...
Well I'm pretty much eating many things these days: chocolate, cheese, carbs, cakes, cookies, eggs... Actually that's mostly all that I'm eating, with some steamed veggies, rice, sometimes a little chicken, sometimes a little fruit, wheat pitas, avos, goat's milk yougurt, potatos... anyway all these things have really helped me gain weight. In the past it's been the cheese and choc and cookies that have caused me to gain weight, and I think this is the case this time as well. I love my body right now, I'm very happy with it... but still a little scared when I go to the bathroom and scared of losing weight. But I seem to be doing great right now so I'm not too worried. I also really understand how I got to where I did before, so I hope I can stop myself next time I see the warning signs. I tend to obsess over things when I am less happy and less busy, which is exactly what happened to me from April-June....
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Tinkerbelle!!!
I'm sooo glad you are feeling better *hugs* That's super  
How do you know which enzymes to take? I have interstitial cystitis, which has a diet all its own, plus IBS, fibromyalgia...so I've got tons on my plate!
My BM's are ok, thank G-d. Pretty normal I need to lose about 10-15 lbs atm. I find that white bread is the only thing my body can truly handle atm. Even white rice is beginning to bug it. No fruit and veggies--are hard to handle. But I eat anyway despite the pian (maybe I should stop for a while?)
So I just looked up Vata and they have on-line diagnostic tests I took at:
http://www.holistic-online.com/ayurveda/ayv_home.htm
Turns out I'm Vata/Kapha. I'm wondering if I grew up as more prominent in the Vata then I am now...is it possible to change? I'm fascinated!!!
Anyhow...if you have any suggestions or advice re. the mix of Vata/Kapha that'd be terrific...and if not...that's ok too!   The best news is that you're doing better!!! Happy dance for Tink!!!
Love,
Ruch
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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I'm really glad to hear that this stuff worked for you. I've been taking Digest Gold for 2 years and I tried the Fibersmart, too, but it didn't work for me. Had too much insoluble fiber in it for my IBS-D. It only made it worse for me. Good to hear that you're doing well! I was stable for a year on Citrucel, but I think I started drinking too much Sprite and eating too much Chocolate and junk and now I've fallen off the wagon again, so be careful or you will be in my shoes all over again! I just flared up again on August 2nd of this year and I'm still not stable. BE CAREFUL! I thought I was cured and was eating everything under the sun.......but, obviously I wasn't.
Michelle 
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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I too have gone off the diet...taking supplements to include acidophilus and fish oil. Not only am I having two or more BM's a day...I feel better than I have in a very long time.
I have an official diagnosis of IBS after a plethora of tests. I realized that I felt better when I ate smart...knowing my triggers...and didn't let the IBS own me.
Not recommended for everyone...it just worked for me.
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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Hi Ruch,
I'm a Vata Kapha as well! I'm not sure about suggestions of what you should do... where do you live? I saw an amazing Aryuvedic practitior who basically told me "It's all fear" and that I did all of this to myself... she is really amazing and gave me some herbs which really started to make me feel better,but I stopped taking them. Anyway, my suggestion would be to talk to an Aryuvedic specialist, however they can be a bit expensive. Just see if you could find one in your area if you are really interested in it!
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I follow a pretty ayurvedic diet as well, with Heather's principles coming first though. Surprise surprise - I have a vatic imbalance too (sometimes pitta but mostly vata). My late aunt was a long-time ayurvedic practitioner and she really helped me a lot with my health in general before she passed away a few years ago. While I don't necessarily follow ayurvedic diet principles to a "tee", I know that I feel much better when I eat heavier, warming foods, sweet and salty tastes (etc).
If anyone's interested in ayurveda, this is a pretty interesting article, though it focuses much more on IBS-C than on IBS-D... "An Ayurvedic Look at Irritable Bowel Syndrome"
Oh, and I'm so glad to hear you're doing so much better Tinkerbelle! That's wonderful! I think "not obsessing over it" and not stressing about it etc. is a really key part to it. I was just thinking the other day how I definitely AM more stable than I was a year ago, but I still do get attacks now and then - I just don't freak out about them or let them get me stressed etc.
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Re: Update
#215407 - 09/23/05 10:58 AM
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Draupadi
Reged: 07/16/05
Posts: 218
Loc: Santa Cruz, California
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Hey Tinkerbelle,
Where do you live in Santa Cruz? I am in my second year at UCSC, living on campus. A definite plus to living in this area is the access to so many natural health care resources, and health-conscious stores and restaurants! I have been seeing an accupuncturist, and taking herbs and supplements, and my symptoms have improved tremendously.
Glad to hear you're doing so much better!
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Julia
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do you follow the Vata diet guidelines
I found this on the sit Ruchie posted about Vata Diet and Kapha foods
do you avoid the foods on the avoid list and only eat the ones that are deemed acceptable? Is this what has helped you?
I am a Vatta as well, according to the description...but I eat a lot of the "foods to avoid" on a daily basis: zucchini, potato, peas, mushrooms, spinach, barley, buckwheat, corn, dry oats
millet...
Maybe this is why I am still sick???? 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Does anyone else follow this or think it's something to be concerned about? Or do you guys just think I (we) should follow "one guru"...that being Heather?
Or follow both? I would love others opinions on this one! If there's any validity to it or what your experience/thoughts have been with it.
Thanks
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I think we are each very different with different bodies and different needs and we have to find our own journey/way to wellness! My body is constantly changing its needs...so much so I can hardly keep up!
For example, many people grow up with asthma and it gets better as they mature. OR the example of the person who has an intolerance to a food. They take it out of their diet for many many months and when they reintroduce it, that food is no longer a problem.
That is my experience...I am forever evolving and so are my nutritional needs.
I am also on medication and that factors in as well.
That being said...Heather's basic guidelines are FANTASTIC for IBS. But notice how she encourges the hypno tapes, alternative therapies, and getting to know our bodies better in her book and on the boards! She is an advocate of getting to know our bods better so we can feel better!
I think we should def. learn about things that are out there...it can't hurt! And no one thing will work for everyone all of the time. But I think Heather is DEFINATELY on to something with soluble fiber and avoiding trigger foods.
Do what makes sense to you and follow your soul...it will show you the way to go
*hugs*
Ruch
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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...by confusing us, well, me. I will fear a food if it is listed on an "avoid" list, even if eaten after an SF, according to Heather.
I was just wondering if there is any validity the Ayurveda approach. My soul doesn't speak to me to help me find my answer.
And while Heather does promote alternative health treatments (which I sincerely believe in too), she never advocated an alternative treatment that involved foods, I don't think.
Thanks for your input Ruchie. I'm just a lost soul trying to find some relief from my pain. But all end up is getting more confused as I look at other things.
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Cyndy, Beth and others - while yes I have definitely had success with Ayurveda, Heather is my guru, so to speak  I follow the guidelines of her diet first - avoiding the triggers, eating SF, being careful with IF etc. I do not follow the "rules" of eating for Vata re: foods to eat and foods to avoid. I take it all more generally. For example, generally people with a vatic imbalance are advised to eat foods that are warm, cooked and "heavier" - over foods that are cold, dry, crunchy etc. So a bowl of rice instead of rice crackers (etc.) Another thing that is really important is the various tastes. Basically, ayurveda helps me find foods that are psychologically/spiritually/mindfully healthy for me, my disposition etc., while Heather's diet guides me with regard to what will be safe for my IBS - and inevitably the two overlap here and there. (I hope that makes sense.)
Additionally, one of the things I take away from ayurveda most is the philosophy towards food, cooking, eating, nutrition, listening to our bodies etc., which I feel is a very positive and healthy one. For example, eating your food in a state of peacefulness and thankfulness, rather than stuffing something down in a stressful situation (and yup, Heather recommends that one too). It's also closely related to yoga and meditation so it has a lot to offer with regard to stress relief.
Guys, I really think you need to cut the stress down a few notches about worrying whether or not you're eating the right things. You can't get stressed out over every new diet that pops up because you're not following it, etc... I really don't mean to be insulting here or anything by any means so I really hope it doesn't come accross as such! Just my thoughts. I know that for me, quitting stressing out about my IBS so much has been a huge factor in my stability.
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Just mentally clapping re: your position on food choices.
I agree, completely.
At the moment, I'm listening to my body's consciousness/conscience.
I also know that if I become too mentally tyrannical and dogmatic, then I fall from my own grace. So, I don't set myself up...I just listen. It's that all I want for dinner is something with ketchup or mustard syndrome. For some it's oatmeal or cheerios. Ultimately...I like to do what will make me feel good, strong...and tastes darn good too.
Kate.
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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Quote:
Guys, I really think you need to cut the stress down a few notches about worrying whether or not you're eating the right things. You can't get stressed out over every new diet that pops up because you're not following it, etc... I really don't mean to be insulting here or anything by any means so I really hope it doesn't come accross as such! Just my thoughts. I know that for me, quitting stressing out about my IBS so much has been a huge factor in my stability.
I agree with what you've said so much! I'm still putting Heather's diet first and ignoring anything not related to IBS or intended specifically for IBS. Eventually, I might look into alternatives that are spiritually healing, but for now I'm just trying to get my basic needs met: eating, sleeping, sex.
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Yay! I'm so happy for you! (Did you mention in another post that you're in love? ) I'm glad you're doing so well! I'm doing very well myself and, I believe, I've gained some weight too--whoo hoo! (I'll find out for sure when I see my PCP in November.) For me, Heather's diet has been the greatest help.
I hope life keeps going well for you! Take care!
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I think that with any diet, you should try things out and see what works for you... That's where I fell into a trap with Heather's diet... I was scared to eat anything on her do not eat lists, and I became really obsessed with it and so scared of food that I became sick from eating, just because I was scared of eating! I'm at the point now where if I get a tummy ache I just ignore it, and I eat whatever and I try not to obsess too much, which has helped more than anything. So just experiement with all the lists and see what happens... foods will not kill you, they may just make you sick, then u know not to eat them...
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that this article you had a link to describes me EXACTLY. Seriously. Weird. I'm going to really take some time and think about this.
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It sounds like you've also made a mind-gut connection.
I think, ultimately, the individual wants to feel better than just good.
You've generated some awesome ideas.
My ultimate response: do what is RIGHT for you RIGHT now...and now that what is RIGHT, biologically at one moment for the individual might not be right at a moment.
Although, patterns/programs/diet guidelines are very helpful, especially when they make you feel good & Heather's diet makes a lot of people feel IMPROVED.
Kate.
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