Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Help, I'm a new member with questions & problems!

Hi,
The first thing I would do is go back to your doctor about that pain. IBS can and does cause pain but so can a lot of other things. So really it's a process of elimination and I really think you should go through that process of diagnosis.

In the meantime it certainly wouldn't hurt to follow Heather's diet as it is good/healthy for anyone to follow not just IBS sufferers. Have a read through eatingforibs.com and you will get lots of info.

Like you I suffered chronic constipation and unfortunately the advice usually given for this is to eat lots of fruit and veg and wholegrains. For IBS sufferers this spelld disaster and can cause a lot of pain.

Stick to soluble fibers and make them the basis of each meal. (pasta, white bread, rice, oatmeal, potato, sweet potato) Incorporate fruit and veg in small amounts and make sure they are well cooked.

Soluable fiber supplements are great. Metamucil tends to cause bloating so if you are bloated (and boy can I relate to all your comments on bloating - especially the back pain) stay away from it.

I like benefiber. It is 100% Guar Gum with no other active ingredients at all so it is very gentle. It is colourless and tasteless which is also a bonus.

I hope this helps, it can take 2 weeks to really get constipation under control. I have successfully done this by following Heather's diet although I am still struggling with the bloating.
I urge you to read more about all this on eatingforibs.com as there is extensive info there and do pursue your doctor's appointment.

Good Luck
Kerrie

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