Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: what could it possibly be? - don't worry you're not alone in your frustrations

Hey there, I know just how you feel, and when I wonder if I just want to scream or cry, I think of both. The pain, the frustration and the confusion makes me want to scream and cry and I wouldn't wish this disorder on my worst enemy, that's how much it kills me.

This is my suggestion and just my opinion, but just because something is termed a digestive aid doesn't always mean it's supposed to make things work all better. Everybody's body is different and reacts differently to different foods, quantities, the quality, and then add into the factors of stress or any other things going on in your life or your mind either past, present, or future.

Also, while you are keeping your food diary, you might also try as best as you can to eliminate a type of food, supplement, medicine, or something else that could be a trigger to see if removing it makes any difference at all. I know it's not easy. I hate sounding patronizing, but I do promise you that you're not alone in this. I'm still suffering.

Also, just because you're not "obsessing" doesn't mean it's not bothering you. The IBS diet and eating patterns are supposed to be eventually ingrained in our minds, so that is true, it always will be something that'll be in the back of our minds. But in the beginning it's really hard not to wonder, worry, ponder over the possibilities of "hmm...what if...?" whether it's a positive or negative thought. It's always a good idea to make your food choices as wisely as possible, as Heather and others are teaching. Don't be too hard on yourself, I think you're making an honest effort.

Btw, I used to drink chamomile, peppermint, and various other herbal teas before I ever had IBS. Not too long after finding this website, I found that teas made with peppermint, chamomile, green tea, fennel, and even steeping basil tea was really tough on me - I either ended up with a twisted up gut, a backache and bloating/gas. Talk about weird... and yet even though it's not recommended to do it often, I can drink a bottle of water with a peppermint altoid dissolved in it just fine with no problems. I'm going to keep trying though. I'm saving up money so that I can try Heather's acacia fiber and peppermint caps. In the meantime, I'm going to try drinking herbal tea again.

Try eating a little less each meal and eating more often instead, which is healthier for both your metabolism, digestion, blood sugar, and might help your IBS more.

And iirc, it's my understanding that Luna bars are the only dairy-free bars, and that most other bars like Clif bars and such have dairy.

Sorry this got so long, but it was kind of in reply to you as well as everyone else thus far.

Good luck and I hope you feel better.

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XOXO from lil' ol' me.

(IBS-C, mood disorders, etc., etc.)

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