Environment and IBS flareups
#215823 - 09/26/05 05:22 AM
|
|
|
|
momof2
Reged: 07/27/04
Posts: 68
Loc: Belgium, but soon to be Maryland
|
|
|
Has anyone noticed that your symptoms are worse or better depending on where you are? I was living in Belgium for a little over two years, which by the way is where I was diagnosed. I've been back in the US for about a month or so, and my symptoms have been much better. I was here only a week when I had a majorly perfect BM (first one in a couple years). Generally I have stayed really stable ever since. Yes, I have had the PMS D, but I have had that since I was 13, so I don't count that. I have also had flareups when I ate really badly. Otherwise, I've been living like a NORMAL person. I'm finding I can even tolerate some dairy. This leads me to wonder if 1. I even HAVE IBS 2. If my symptoms were caused by something in my environment (i.e air pollution or the water) which is not present here. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone had similar experiences.
--------------------
*Karyn* IBS D
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi momof2,
Yes, my symptoms DEFINITELY depend a lot on the environment. I had to move from California to get away from the heat because my IBS would flare up whenever the temperature got warm. It has to do with seratonin levels in the brain; hot weather throws it off. You can do a search and find all kinds of stuff in here on Seratonin.
A lot of us have different symptoms, albeit not much different. I can't go near dairy, which is typical, yet Barbie has no problem with it. On the other hand, I do just fine with fruit and veggies, while Barbie can't touch the stuff without getting cramps.
I also found out that I can tolerate coffee (decaf), but in small doses. I can tolerate whole wheat bread just fine, as well as a lot of raw veggies except broccoli and cabbage, and I can even eat grapes without peeling them.
On the other hand, just the thought of having to get on an airplane or attending a large dinner party will throw my tummy into a tailspin.
And symptoms change. I can now eat red meat, yet simple vitamins that I've been taking for almost 30 years now are starting to cause my tummy to cramp up. Go figure.
Despite all this, and maybe because of it, I know I most definitely have IBS, there's no question in my mind or that of my doctor.
Bev
P.S.: BTW, welcome back to the States. Maryland is gorgeous; I used to live back there 40 years ago, and have relatives who still live there, one of whom attends U. of Md. Beautiful state!
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I don't know if it was stress or environment, but my IBS was much calmer when I was on vacation back home a couple weeks ago. I even had a slice of very decadent pie (mocha silk...ooh, it was good) with no retribution!
This past Friday I took a drive in the country. The strangest thing happened. As soon as I was past the last traffic light in town, I felt physically & mentally more relaxed. It was great. Makes me wonder if the urban environment (even though I'm not in the "big city") really does make me that anxious. So yeah, I am starting to think it's environmental to a certain degree, too.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
Posts
