Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Oh boy! Well, you've come to the right place? Where are you at college - they're quite a few students on here and they might be able to give you some local knowledge.

First thing I'd suggest is get a soluble fibre supplement ASAP. Heather's acacia is ordered online - good for you I'd guess. This'll make a huge difference, tho you give to give it time to work at its best (weeks not days).

Second, and most importantly, have you had all the tests to rule out anything else? This is VERY IMPORTANT. You need to have a stool sample tested (for infection) and you NEED to have a colonoscopy. Without ruling out everything else, you can't just assume its IBS. VERY, VERY DANGEROUS to do so.

Thirdly, it seems a little strange to me that your doc has put you on antidepressants first and only. These can definitely help, but there're lots of drugs for IBS - I thought using antidepressants was a second-stage medication when you've tried other stuff. Query this. For example, I am on (I'm IBS-d/a) an anti-spasmodic for the tummy cramps, immodium for my diarhoea, Zoton for my acid reflux PLUS anti-depressants (for depression as well as IBS). The anti-depressants were the last thing I started.

Kicking coffee is really good

. Honestly, you will feel better. Get some herbal teas instead (again you can order these from Heather online, so no need for shops). Most IBSers are good with Peppermint, but this is to be avoided if you get heartburn. If you do, try Chamomile instead. Fennel (or anything with it in it as it's strong tasting) is best for bloating. And ginger is best for nausea (but again, be careful if you get heartburn).

I reckon its possible to avoid the bad foods even at a cfeteria, but you'll have to be strict with yourself and tell people you can't eat certain foods so you can check what's in what. Baked potatoes are great - if you have them with salad (a good source of INsoluble fibre for your C) just eat most of the potato before you start the salad. Avoid butter on anything - maybe use ketchup instead? I love low-fat mayo, but I guess the cafeteria might not have this. Sarnies are also good. Stick to white bread and try and get yours fresh-made so you can ask for no butter. I usually have tuna and cucumber (which I tolerate fine). If the cafeteria has hot food, try boiled/baked potatoes, carrots or other root veges (soluble fibre) and either chicken or fish. With chicken, I'd guess peeling any skin off would be good.

Try and find a health food store, even if you can only get there once a month. You could then stock up on soya milk, soya desserts, herbal teas, decaf tea etc.

I eat crackers (just from the supermarket) alot. Just check the labels for dairy products etc. Another point - quitting dairy products (or just avoiding them as often as possible) will really help. I take soya milk wherever I go and then I can have cereal, etc without a problem.

There're loads of food suggestions on here. Peaches is at school, so she's got ideas (pretzels?) and loads of the others are at college or something.

Hope this helps. Keep on talking.

Lins

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