Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I previously contacted you with questions on IBS. I have drastically changed my diet. I have been off of dairy products for approximately one year now; went off of red meat, eggs, and caffeine about 2 months ago. I have been using your peppermint oil capsules, peppermint teas, etc., Acacia and was feeling somewhat better. However, recently the stomach aches, diarrhea, constipation, etc. began again. I have had to see my doctor and then was sent to a gasterontologist. I had an upper endoscopy with tissue biopsies to rule out celiac disease and H Pylori, etc. They found a small hialta hernia where my stomach is pushing into the esophagus. The biopsies revealed no celiac and no H Pylori. However, they did reveal that I have gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and mild/chronic esophagitis (inflammation that damages tissues of esophagus). So the doctor now has me on Dexilant for reflux to take care of the gastritis and the esophagitis and reflux diet. If the medicine doesn't work, I will have to have surgery regarding the hernia. I really don't want to have that surgery as I did some reading up on it and it is not always successful. In addition, I was diagnosed with diverticulosis back in 2002 and pretty much control that by diet (avoiding seeds, nuts, corn, popcorn, etc.).

Doctor definitely stated that I have IBS. So, I have to be on a diverticulosis, IBS and GERD diet. I am sensitive to psyllum (cramps me over). Just began taking Benefiber and still doing the Acacia from you.

Today the doctor sent me to have a CT Scan w contrast to check the diverticulosis as I have been experiencing abdominal pain since last Saturday. The results should be in this afternoon.

I am also sensitive to soy. So, basically, I don't know what to eat anymore. I do have your cookbook and the IBS 1st year book and have read them. When I'm in the store, I have to constantly read labels. There are so many things I can't eat because they either have dairy in them or something I can't have.

I want to begin exercising as I know it will help. However, I injured my right knee at work back in March and now limited. As soon as I feel better, I'm going to try swimming.

If I have not tested positive for celiac through the tissue biopsy and I also had a previous blood test, could I still be having a problem with wheat/gluten? I pretty much cook everything from scratch (my own bread, pizza using almond or rice cheese, etc.).

I just read your wheat newsletter Part 1 and Part 3. Can't locate Part 2. They were excellent. So, can IBS sufferers have wheat flour? Or is it just whole wheat they can't have? I also just found and printed out your IBS-Safe Foods list which should be really helpful when grocery shopping.

Any suggestions for what I just shared would be greatly appreciated. I am just tired of the pain, and stomach aches. Thank you.

Diane Paravisini

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