Hello and Welcome! Sorry to hear you're suffering from IBS-D. I think you'll find a lot of useful information from this site and a lot of great support. How were you diagnosed with IBS? Did you have all the diagnostic tests to rule out other diseases or causes?
Have you read the information on the site? There are some very useful links at the top of the IBS Diet board. Basically, you will need to start taking a soluble fiber supplement, like Acacia or Benefiber, which doesn't cause D and learn about which foods soothe and regulate intestinal contractions and which ones trigger instestinal spasms.
You will also have to completely eliminate red meat and dairy -- not just because of the fat in meat, or the lactose in milk, but because of the proteins in these foods which are harder for those of us with IBS to digest. It's not easy to give them up, but it's a big step in being able to manage your IBS. The first step though, is for you to Break the Cycle, What to Eat When You Can't Eat Anything, for a couple of days to stabilize your gut contractions (which is what's causing the D) and then gradually, safely, start expanding your diet.
There are plenty of other food sources that contain calcium and you could also take a calcium supplement. Also, it's okay to take Immodium everyday and long term (do a search on this and you'll find a lot of here with IBS-D use it as a preventive), many doctors and gastroenterologists have actually recommended it. I take 1 capsule of Immodium as needed, although when you're first starting out you might need to take 1 or more every day.
There's so much information on this site, I would recommend starting here: IBS & Diet to learn more about IBS and how to eat for IBS. Please remember that these guidelines don't offer a cure for IBS, but they will help you get some relief and learn to manage your symptoms. You should also buy or check out at your library The First Year: IBS - this makes a great reference guide for those of with IBS and it can be easier to follow than reading the info on a web site.
Best wishes!
Edited by SPASMTASTICAL! (10/29/05 10:10 PM)
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|