Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi Madeline,
Welcome to this website, I hope that you find some helpful information here.
If you have not been diagnosed with IBS yet, you should make sure you get a proper diagnosis. You'll have to get a series of tests for them to be able to rule out anything else and confirm that you have IBS.

Okay, so it sounds to me like you are not stable right now so I can understand why even a bite of something would cause your tummy to panic. All of us cheat from time to time, but we definitely need to be at least stable before we can even think about it.

If I were you, I would try starting out on the "What to Eat When You Can't Eat Anything" diet until your tummy is nice and calm, then try adding in some more foods that are safe. If you are bloated, try drinking strong fennel and peppermint tea. Probiotics can also help.

I would definitely try to start eating in the day. Try having small amounts of rice or boiled potatoes or pretzels or something. Drink plenty of water, and herbal teas. Eating smaller amounts of foods frequently will be easier on your stomach.
Also, taking a Souble Fiber Supplement (like Heather's Acacia, or Metamucil, etc) should help with your symptoms. You have to very gradually increase your amount of fiber intake, and your tummy might react a bit at first but it will help in the long-term.

You should eliminate all trigger foods, but that does not mean you can't give in to your sweet cravings every now and again. There are lots of safe deserts that make the diet easier to cope with sometimes like Angel Food Cake, Arrowroot Cookies, Rice Crispy Squares, some candies if you can tolerate them are usually okay in small amounts, sweet breads (see the recipe exchange), canned fruits... There are lots of things we can have that still have sugar in them.

Regarding anti-depressants, that is totally your choice. It's not true that having IBS means you _have_ to go on IBS, the doctor probably meant that MANY people do go on anti-depressants because they have done very well on them. Usually, what will happen is a doctor will put you on an anti-depressant at a _very_ low doseage. Like the doseage for depression on a medication that I got put on was 175mgs, and I got put on 20mgs.. so there is a huge difference. At that level, it responds to a sensor in your stomach and can help with your symptoms. A lot of people with IBS do have problems with anxiety and depression linked to the illness, so your doctor might address that with you as well. It is, however, a personal choice and if you don't want to be on that type of medication it is completely understandable. There are other prescription medications that people have found very effective, and some that haven't so you should ask your doctor about anti-spasmodics or other prescription meds used for IBS.

Good luck, don't hesitate if you have any other questions.
Cheers,
--Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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