Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Question on the IBS DIet

Hey Everybody,

Just a warning this is a long one. And the questions come at the end.

I have had IBS-A ever since I gave birth to my first child, I was 21 years old. I remember being home the first day with my newborn and practically tossing her on the couch and running for the bathroom. I thought I was going to soil myself. It was the most explosive D I had ever had in my life. I thought at the time that maybe my intestines or something didn't shift back into the right spot after giving birth. After that I would go from explosive D to extreme C doubled over on the floor crying. I went to the doctors multiple times for my symptoms. They told me all sorts of stuff like it is in my head, it is stress, a virus,etc. I had to insist upon being seen time after time. Finally they sent me to a GI for tests and I have had just about every test done and been to several GIs. And it seemed as if they just gave up and said you have IBS and they basically told me there was nothing they could do for me. The GIs only offered basic advice. They said no chocolate, no caffeine, no alcohol and no fried foods. I told them dairy really seemed to give me a problem as well as the other things they mentioned. They said they didn't know why because dairy does not effect IBS. I also found out through these test that I have acid reflux and a hyiatal hernia. And the GI who found these things said the acid reflux and hernia might have caused the IBS or may irriate the IBS or the IBS may have caused them. He said he really wasn't sure. Since then I have been on Nexium for the acid reflux which the doctor said would also help my IBS. NOT! It barely helps the reflux although it is better then without Nexium. And I panic everytime my husband and I venture out to a friend's house or a restauraunt or anywhere else I don't know where the bathroom is or am not comfortable using the bathroom there. (which is just about everywhere but my house) I have to go to work and I stress out everytime I feel an attack coming on and think that I might have to go D in the restroom at my work, and I know stress doesn't help.

So anyway, that is my background now to my questions? First, I purchased Heather's cookbook and have been following the diet for a week. I had to do just safe foods such as pretzels for a few days to stabilize enough to eat anything else b/c I was going through a really bad period of attacks. Then I started the diet and taking two fiber pills a day (citrucel). Immediately from day one I felt much better and actually had a normal BM the second day and no D for the whole week. Then today I had a really horrible day and have run to the bathroom at least 20 times. I have been following the diet strictly so why all of sudden an attack? Doesn't the food you eat trigger an attack? And if I am not eating those foods then why an attack? And does anyone know of a good primary care physician or GI in Maryland? Because my doctors have told me there are no medicines to treat the symptoms of IBS, but I have been reading some of the postings and it seems there are meds that help. I have been popping 3 Immodium AD a day just to have some normalcy. It doesn't completely stop the D everyday but it does limit my trips to the bathroom greatly. But I don't know if that is healthy either. I feel like a pharmacy I take so many pills. I am taking a daily vitamin, a calcium supplement, Nexium, 3 Immodium ADs, 2 Citrucel, and usually 2 Ibuprofen (because I keep getting these migraines). And I am wondering if all this is healthy or just helping to irritate my stomach.
Sorry for all the rambling but if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.
Christie

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Christie
~Hoping and Praying for Sleep!~

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