Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi,

I'm suffering pretty severely from the following icky symptoms:
*bloating/gas
*cramps
*diarrhea
*red, blistery rash (mainly on my hands and arms)
*joint/bone pain (flu-like pains)
*fatigue/brain fog which worsens after eating

I've been to my doctor several times and they do not take me seriously at all. They have given me a diagnosis of IBS, based on the fact that they have done a test for H. pylori, which was negative. I have been told to eat less red meat and consume fewer soft drinks- as I am a vegan, and told them this, I find this pretty offensive that they listen so little!

I have tried the Eating for IBS diet, but I think my symptoms did not significantly improve, and seemed to get a bit worse- I think white bread might be a trigger of symptoms for me- when I have a baguette for lunch at work I tend to get ill.

At the moment my diet is pretty much:
*no dairy products
*no meat or eggs
*no caffeine
*very small amounts of alcohol
*low fat
*I eat usually some kind of vegetable dish with either a potato, pasta or rice for supper
*I drink 2+ litres of water a day, and don't drink carbonated drinks at all
*I avoid processed foods and usually make my own
*I exercise every day.
*I don't smoke
*I sleep well
*the main bread I eat is pittas

Also, I am a bit underweight (I'm happy with this, but it could be a symptom)- I'm about 115 pounds at 5'10.

I feel like I'm at my wits' end as I have what seems like a perfect diet and lifestyle, but am still hit with these hideous pains and fatigue. My doctor just said 'for most patients a diagnosis of IBS makes their symptoms disappear, because they're relieved there is nothing wrong with them', which seems very cavalier and useless.

Sorry for the long post- I'm just trying not to leave anything out, in case anyone had some advice.

Jane

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"This is truly the age of bacteria: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be."

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