Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Returning to the boards and the diet

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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