Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi there,

First and foremost - as lots of people will tell you - make sure you truly have IBS. You didn't go into details about your doctor visit when you first started having trouble, but you NEED to have the battery of tests that eliminate all other more serious (& treatable) conditions that mirror your symptoms. It didn't sound like it was a solid diagnosis initially. You could have something else going on that could lead to the medicine not working and your symptoms returning.

That said, if/when it truly is IBS...

I don't think your story conflicts with others' at all. you'll find many of us who initially had trouble with IBS, found some respite (remission of sorts) through various means and then the IBS suddently returned months, even years later. IBS can do that. It's tricky.

The foods that you described as irritating to you now are absolutely the "trigger foods" that Heather mentions on this site and her book, and foods that others of us have found to be troublesome. Dairy can be a big trigger.

Incidentally, if dairy is a big irritant, did you get tested for lactose intolerance? Is this what your initial medication addressed? I've never heard of that drug you mentioned...

Your best bet - try the diet that Heather suggests. Eliminate red meat, dairy, egg yolks, caffeine, artificial sugars, etc. from your diet and regain some stability. Eat in the manner that Heather suggests too - all meals based around SOLUBLE fiber to cushion the INSOLUBLE fibers we all should eat. Check out all the info that is given when you click on the "IBS Diet & Recipes" link on the lefthand toolbar. Even if you don't have IBS, the diet could help relax your system and give you some improvement. It's actually a very healthy diet for anyone... Get Heather's book(s) too and try her treatment plan. It really does work.

Don't forget to get those tests done if you haven't already. It's a pain, but it will make you feel so much better to know what you have - or don't have.

Good luck, and truly, I hope you find answers and some relief soon!

~ E.

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East Palo Alto, CA (San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley)

IBS-C, pain, nausea

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