Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Im in the middle of the horrible prep you have to go through for a colonocopy at the minute...so Im trying to keep my mind of it and thought I'd welcome you to the site....its a fantastic site...everybody is so supportive of one another and is always here for friendly advice and well wishes...we all go through the evils of ibs everyday so we can relate to one another....its one of those things that unfortunately isnt always easy to talk about to just anyone.

Firstly...coming on this site is the first step to getting better and reading heathers books and all that. Trust me you can feel better...I was at a loss when I first found this site and I never thought Id be able to cope the way I can...but you will....firstly...have you tried the breaking the cycle diet?? If not and you're having major symptoms at the minute then do that first. Means restricting yourself to soluble fibre foods for a few days...eg white rice, white bread, plain pasta etc Then start to add in things a see how they affect you....you may already know some foods that are making it worse??

I would also recommend if you can afford it...the ibs 100 hypnotherapy program....heather sells it on this site....loadsa people have used it...including me plus Ive had actual sessions with Michael Mahoney the man who created it...and it is fantastic. It really helps with the emotional side of things and dealing with stresses and strains of having ibs...I used to be a walking nervous wreck until the hypnotherapy....I would definately see if you can find a way of buying the cds....theyre well researched and very effective.

Most people on this fitness board follow calorie counting...because of the sort of food we have to eat to be safe it tends to be easier that way to just keep a diary of the amount of calories you should be eating....most people work this out on things like FITDAY.COM maybe have a think about doing something like that??

As for the exercise...Im sure theres loadsa people on here who will help you will that one...especially shell marr who has lost tons of weight since following the ibs diet/exercise...her story is a sticky post at the top of this page. I would suggest maybe getting an exercise video...or some way of exercising at home if you dont feel comfortable anywhere else....start very slowly I think that is the key. I can relate to you completely with the fatigue thing cos back when I was in school I had glandular fever and I had it really bad and spent nearly 6 months in bed...it was aweful and I know how hard it was to get back to being normal again....trust me that is something that will only come with time. My body just didnt want to move for ages and I really thought Id never live an active life....its a one step at a time process....try a little and gradually build up...but it has to be very gradual...or you will find you get to tired and it becomes counter productive. Stay on the boards...keep posting your progress and we'll be behind you all the way.

Ask me anything you want or email me(address in my profile) if you need anything

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Natalie

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