Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I have seen the attitude over and over in the last few years- "I am not better yet and so this diet must not work". You have IBS- there is no cure- deal with it! People sometimes have enough of doing something seemingly so hard as following a healthy diet and taking in fiber and still having IBS so they leave and think it will all be better once they stop following the diet. Guess what? They certainly ain't gonna get better doing nothing! What happens to them? I have asked my GI doc about this before, they eat differently and for a few weeks may feel better (or they may be worse right off- it depends) because sometimes the gut likes a temporary change, but after a little while and they still have horrible symptoms, they blame someone else for not curing them.
With IBS it is all about improving symptoms and living as close to stable as possible. I notice that especially young people cannot handle the idea that they don't always look their best or can't eat or drink what their peers can. It is IBS to blame for that, not Heather or your doctor or whoever. Sure it is unfair but yes indeed it could be much worse. IBS gives us a chance to work on our inner selves and appreciate life more than people who never have health problems.
If you can't handle the self-deprivation, go ahead and do whatever your heart desires but when you are in pain or on the toilet from it, don't blame EFI for not getting better. It's just like someone with type 1 diabetes who decides to eat carbs and drink alcohol however much they want to- they end up in the hospital or worse. At least we can't die from IBS. Sure it is unfair but that's life. You have IBS and that won't change. You have to change your thinking to improve your symptoms. If it is all "oh woe is me I can't drink or eat cheese because Heather says I can't" for your own sake change that to "I'll feel better if I don't drink alcohol or eat cheese and I like feeling better." If you constantly feel sorry for yourself for the little inconveniences of IBS (compared to real diseases), you won't improve and believe me it makes it much harder to have that bad attitude! It is much, much better to feel proud of having the self-control needed to help improve your symptoms. Learn that that actually feels good. Don't give in to envy for people who eat and do whatever they want. Remember you are healthier and that you have adversities and overcome them. It is very empowering!

For anyone who feels they would be better off not following the EFI plan remember this: you may still have horrible symptoms but they could be much worse off the diet! That is true in my case. I used to poop out what I just ate still in tact. I used to get horrible swings of C and D very often. My bloating is terrible and only improves in summer but if I slip on the diet or forget my fiber for a few days or something else stupid, I pay for it!!! That proves to me that the EFI diet is in my best interest. Also the testimonials from health professionals and others about the EFI plan makes me trust it.

--------------------
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!

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator