Returning to the boards and the diet
#366779 - 01/31/12 08:46 PM
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Hi everyone.
I first went on the EFI diet 6 or 7 years ago when my symptoms were quite severe-complete IBS-C at the time, with lots of pain. I stayed on the diet for almost 2 years, but gradually incorporated "unsafe" foods to the point that I remained stable without really following the diet anymore. I continued a regimented eating plan that was specifically to lower my cholesterol, and was stable for a few years. I even enjoyed skim, lactose free dairy with no symptoms. What a happy time
Well, my IBS has come back with a vengeance. I feel that I am managing the stress in my life well emotionally, but my body is under increased stress recently due to an increase in activity. (I have multiple chronic illnesses that lead me to be inactive for quite a while.) So, my symptoms are back, but different. I am still generally constipated, especially since I can no longer tolerate "Fiber One" cereal, which I used to eat after my bowl of Cheerios. Anyway, in addition to constipation, I have flares of diarrhea and sometimes severe bloating (like my stomach has been inflated or I'm 6 months pregnant). Also, the cramping is horrendous at times.
I went to a new GI doc and heard nothing new. Upper GI looks normal, negative celiac, hydrogen breath test was fine...haven't had a colonoscopy yet. I do have some swallowing problems that could be contributing.
Anyway, the doctor didn't recommend any treatment for me. So, I'm back to the diet. Just started again with a strict soluble fiber regimen. I've also just ordered peppermint capsules and tummy fiber. Can't wait for those!
Right now, sticking with the basic SF foods, and cutting out the forbidden foods has definitely decreased the cramping and diarrhea. I know the constipation and bloating will take more time.
It's hard to think that I have to stay on this diet again...but I certainly can't cope with these symptoms any other way.
So, I have re-read my helpforibs books and am getting back on track again. I'm sure I'll have some questions along the way until I get used to things again. I remember the diet board was so helpful when I first started.
The hardest part is that I get such severe stomach pain and cramps that it's hard to function. The area just to the left of my navel gets hard as a rock and hurts so bad. I can't wait for the Peppermint capsules to come to treat this.
So, I'm ready to learn the whole thing again. Just wanted to introduce myself.
Thanks for listening.
Carolyn
age 28, IBS-C/A
also have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and brainstem damage causing autonomic dysfunction, all complicating GI problems
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Welcome back....sorry to hear about the relapse. I know how frustrating that can be although I've never been lucky enough to go for years...I'm usually happy for a couple weeks or months:) I too get pains and I also have such terrible nausea I could vomit at times. The saving grace I guess is knowing that when you've been here before you know can get back to where you were (at least that is what we all strive for:)
-------------------- IBS-D. Eating gluten and dairy free.
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Hi Carolyn!! Welcome! Sorry you had to find us again, but happy to see you're trying to get back on track! Sounds like you're off to a good start with the pep caps and fibre. Don't forget about the teas too - peppermint starts my day, every day. I know it's hard to follow the diet, at least when you're feeling well and stable. I found slipping, even slightly, leads to absolute havoc for me. One of the newer things I'm doing is acupuncture. I was feeling good, but acupuncture makes it that much better. It's wonderful to feel well again, I hope you find this place soon! I see from your signature you have EDS. I have Chiari. I know all about the symptoms caused by brainstem compression. Thankfully I had decompression surgery June 2010 and I'm doing so much better! Take care, eat well, and see you around the board!
-------------------- Cassandra
Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.
IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!
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