Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Heather, others, help!

Here's a few more ideas.
Yes, get the colonoscopy. Yes, rule out celiac (its very common to get a false negative - that is you actually have it but it doesn't show up on the tests check out celiac.com)

Here's a few ideas about Heather's diet guidelines.
No, IBS people cannot tolerate dairy. Not just because of the lactose, but casein and whey are triggers. You say you are OK with it, but I am willing to bet it is the cause for your uncomfortable bloating. When I have dairy, my waist expands 3 sizes. Furthermore, there are non-soy substitues - including rice or almond milks and other products.

The red meat - another case of a universal trigger. You may think that it's OK to eat, but 1 of 2 things will happen. You'll get dirrarhea from the fat content, or it will stimulate your colon so much that it will shut down and you will get constipated. Red meat is one of the worst triggers you can get for us. Best avoid it altogether.

Metamucil and Citrucel are well known for causing gas, bloating and explosive BM's. The psyllium fiber in it doesn't help. Try Heather's Acacia fiber - it's the best kind around. Do a board search for other fiber supplements if you're not sure.

Re read the guidelines. The tricky thing to understand is that just because it doesn't give you dirrarhea that it was safe. If you get bloating or constipation, that's the sign of a colon in distress.

Let us know how you're doing.

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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.

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