Quote: I feel like a lot of the people on this board aren't taking that into consideration as much as diet.
Bravo! You have a great grasp of IBS! And this *is* the place to talk about all aspects of IBS, diet and day to day activities that will improve it (we leave general talk and recipes off this board though). BUT, as you say, most people just focus on diet and not the other factors. There are tons of things, not foods, that can improve IBS symptoms. For instance, standing when eating helps me a ton! but who wants to do that? Diet is necessary but cannot get you all the way because the whole point of IBS is that the guts behaves inappropriately without reason. Since you understand it so well you should go on to be a doctor and specialize in it! Can you imagine?
Also I hear ya about not wanting to live with it but wanting it gone. Of course we all agree and there is little that can be done. Heck I wish I were taller too but can't change that! It can be depressing but at least it isn't fatal. It helps me to read about others with debilatating diseases and how they cope with them. I read about a woman in an iron lung for like 36 years and how she coped and a newly married young guy with ALS. The stories bring tears to my eyes but they help me see things differently. I stated the other day that since I am a strong and tenacious person it is better for me to have IBS than others I know who couldn't handle it. It has made me stronger too- like working days when I feel so ill; it makes me feel I can handle things. Also, everyone has 'stuff'. That is why I have mentioned to you that it helps to not be embarrassed or ashamed of IBS. Everyone has D and C from time to time and lots of people have problems that they hate and find embarrassing. At least I have never had the stomach flu or vomitted in public or have acne or facial hair or a humpback. You gotta keep it all in prospective.
-------------------- IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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you are brilliant! (commenting on your last 2 posts)
It can be depressing but at least it isn't fatal. It helps me to read about others with debilatating diseases and how they cope with them. I read about a woman in an iron lung for like 36 years and how she coped and a newly married young guy with ALS. The stories bring tears to my eyes but they help me see things differently. I stated the other day that since I am a strong and tenacious person it is better for me to have IBS than others I know who couldn't handle it. It has made me stronger too- like working days when I feel so ill; it makes me feel I can handle things.
