Heather, others, help!
#31242 - 12/10/03 09:19 PM
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Tootsie
Reged: 12/03/03
Posts: 34
Loc: Vancouver, Canada
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I don't know where to begin. I think I have IBS, and I am getting worse, despite all my efforts. About 6 months ago I started getting diarrhea once/week. Prior to this I suffered from a dull-aching tummy infrequently and gas and bloating every day. This went on for about 9 years. My doctor at the time diagnosed me with IBS after an upper GI series and blood work for Celiac's. My recent Doctor carried out further testing (fecal occult blood ect).
I have tried Dicetel, and Modulon, and am now trying Buscopan. None have worked so far. For quite some time I have been taking a soluble fiber supplement (first Metamucil, then Citrucel). Lately I decided to adopt the dietary approach and I am getting worse! I haven't even gone a week this time. I just don't understand why the sudden change? I have tried to explore all the possibilities of things I may have changed but everything has come up nil. I am feeling so frustrated and depressed. I cannot live my life!
Today I got Heather's book, the first year. I have been reading up on the IBS diet for a while and always thought that the triggers didn't apply to me. 99% of the time dairy is fine for me, and I can eat red meat. I have always watched fat consumption because I've always been a health nut so anything I eat is rather lean. Can some people with IBS eat dairy? I can't eat soy, so I don't know what to do if I have to give up dairy. I don't know what to do or try. I have been eating a lot of soluble fiber and it doesn't seem to have made a difference. My specialist appointment is so far away (Feb. 25th). Any advice or insight is much appreciated. Thanks.
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Tootsie, you need to have a colonoscopy to rule out IBDs, etc. This is an essential part of the elimination process by which IBS is diagnosed. Can you see if you can see the specialist earlier or get a colonsocopy beforehand?
Until you've got a definite diagnosis, then you don't even know that the diet could help.
Have you cut out general triggers like coffee, carbonated drinks, etc? What about herbal teas - have you tried these? Fennel is great for bloating and I've found Chamomile really helpful. Heather swears by peppermint.
Hope this helps. Let us know how you are doing.
Linz
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Linz is Right!
#31272 - 12/11/03 08:12 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Tootsie, ya gotta get the colonoscopy. It's not at all unpleasant -- they knock you out. The worst part of it is the day before, having to consume all that laxative. But ya gotta get the colonoscopy for a confirmed diagnosis. I too thought it would be terrible giving up dairy; in fact, giving up a lot of stuff was difficult (I'm still having problems giving up the coffee) -- but Heather's right, ya just gotta do it. Nothing -- NOTHING -- tastes as good as an IBS attack hurts. And remember, if the colonoscopy proves that you have IBS, then you'll know how to deal with it -- and you'll have a LOT of support from us! Good luck.
Bev. 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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While you're at, it get anupper endoscopy as well to check for Celiac to rule that out. It's VERY HELPFUL to know what you're dealing with when you are trying to treat something!
I wish you all the best...we're hear for ya!
*hugs*
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Quote:
99% of the time dairy is fine for me, and I can eat red meat.
If you don't feel well, and you still eat dairy and red meat, then how can you say you are fine with dairy and red meat? How do you know the dairy and red meat aren't causing you problems? 
And, if you haven't had a colonoscopy, it's a good idea to have one to rule out other things that can mimic IBS, especially if you're not getting any better. They're not the most pleasant thing in the world, but really they're not that bad. 
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Here's a few more ideas.
Yes, get the colonoscopy. Yes, rule out celiac (its very common to get a false negative - that is you actually have it but it doesn't show up on the tests check out celiac.com)
Here's a few ideas about Heather's diet guidelines.
No, IBS people cannot tolerate dairy. Not just because of the lactose, but casein and whey are triggers. You say you are OK with it, but I am willing to bet it is the cause for your uncomfortable bloating. When I have dairy, my waist expands 3 sizes. Furthermore, there are non-soy substitues - including rice or almond milks and other products.
The red meat - another case of a universal trigger. You may think that it's OK to eat, but 1 of 2 things will happen. You'll get dirrarhea from the fat content, or it will stimulate your colon so much that it will shut down and you will get constipated. Red meat is one of the worst triggers you can get for us. Best avoid it altogether.
Metamucil and Citrucel are well known for causing gas, bloating and explosive BM's. The psyllium fiber in it doesn't help. Try Heather's Acacia fiber - it's the best kind around. Do a board search for other fiber supplements if you're not sure.
Re read the guidelines. The tricky thing to understand is that just because it doesn't give you dirrarhea that it was safe. If you get bloating or constipation, that's the sign of a colon in distress.
Let us know how you're doing.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Thanks for the replies guys. I know that dairy and red meat are not responsible because I went a long time with consuming neither of them and still felt bloating and gassy. I guess I can try again. As for the colonoscopy. I have an appointment to see a GI in late February. Unfortunatley, it looks like I'll have to wait until then. 
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I don't really have anything to add! 
- H
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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