Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: New to this forum and in need of some help

First, welcome. Second, I sincerely hope your supplies arrive from Heather very very soon. Read the book "Eating for IBS" cover to cover and it would also help to read "IBS the First Year". I can tell you that I waited way too long to go the doctor, then it took about 3 months to get a diagnosis and when I got it neither my internist nor my GI could tell me anything except to try not to be so nervous and they recommended fiber and antispasmotics. Helpful but certainly not enough relief for a normal life. I too take business trips and am in long meetings that I cannot just get up at will and leave for a bathroom break. I spent most of the time embarassed and worried. I can tell you that after two weeks of following Heather's diet with the acacia powder twice a day things began to improve greatly. It took about 3 more months for me to begin to figure out my individual triggers. Pretty much I can't eat out but when I have to go to a Mexican or Spanish restaurant the only hope is to get something grilled and to tell them you are allergic to lactose and CAN'T have butter. Also ask for plain white rice. Lots of places have it. If you can't get these then just don't eat. Make whatever excuse you need to make and sip on water. Afterward go back to your hotel and order rice, baked potato (plain) with grilled fish or chicken (no butter). BTW you didn't mention whether you'd ruled out all other possibilities with tests like abdominal ultrasound, blood tests, colonoscopy, etc. Those are essential since other very serious problems can mascarade as IBS. Good luck to you and remember you are NOT alone.

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IBS-D, Gas & Bloating

Barbara50

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