Confused

[milly68]

I'm confused by all the information I am reading on what to eat and what not to eat. Right now it does not seem to matter what I eat it as it is all upsetting me. I have had so many tests but they seem unable to see that there is anything wrong. On one occasion I was even hospitalised for several days because I was in such a bad way. It now reaches the point whereby I have so much time off work because of either needing my own bathroom or being so drained and fatigued afterwards. I'm trying to find out if anyone else feels this way and also trying to find out info about the fodmap diet as I seem to keep coming across different foods which are/are not to be eaten.

[Hidden]

The low FODMAP diet works brilliantly for me, and gives me 95% control over my symptoms. I found a few other triggers outside of these groups (most notably rice and oats), but these were easily identifiable once I’d solved the main problem.

You should ask your GP/gastro for a referral to a dietitian who has done the FODMAPs course.

In the meantime, you can do the diet yourself and the best information is at: med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/... which is the site for Monash Uni in Australia where the diet was developed.

There’s a lot of info on there, plus if you have an iPhone there’s a really useful app you can download. Patsy Catsos's book 'IBS - Free At Last' (available from Amazon) also gives excellent guidance, food lists, recipes and a plan to follow.

Stay on the site as you'll gets lots of help and support.

Roz

[Boogie]

Hi Milly68,

Are you on any medication? I was given Sertraline - I seamed OK at 50mg but when increased to 100mg within a week any idea of triggers or sense was lost - v.v.bad D. It coincided with my colonoscopy so I was not sure what the trigger was. After 2 months my dose has been reduced and things have started to calm down. It may be coincidence but I'm thinking the Sertraline could explain constant v bad D.

I too have bad fatigue/feel foggy I think because my sleep is terrible.

I'm not far enough along to be anywhere near cured - I'm not even diagnosed yet but I found some triggers using FODMAP. Simple home made food e.g. stews with rice are best for me. Avoiding wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, onions, leeks, green beans, honey, berries helps me but we can all be a bit different from what I have read - I guess it could be the different bacteria mix in our guts. Good Luck finding what works for you.

[milly68]

Thank you all so much for your comments. I am now starting a diary, I've ordered a book, I already have a gastroenterologist so will ask her if she could refer me to a nutritionist. So fingers crossed!

I am on meds, Boogie, but fear that messing around with those could be a lot of aggrevation but it is a question I will be asking at my next meeting.. Certainly other symptoms are foggy head, and struggling to concentrate and focus on anything.

[milly68]

Hi Lucy,

I'm so sorry to hear of your suffering; it is all so awful. I have come close to having an accident which is why all this makes those who suffer with IBS so anxious.

I am determined, though, to find a way around contolling 'it' rather than 'it' controlling me and my life.

Thankfully, I have found this site and have received some good advice which is a good starting point.

This morning I phoned my doctor who has prescribed me some mebeverine, recommended that I look at a website patient.co.uk, signed me off sick from work for the rest of the week, if I'm no better then I need to call her again and if I try with my diet and still struggling then she is going to refer me to a dietician. Result!

With all this help and support I feel so much brighter, despite the pain and grumblings...

[angbri]

Please please get tested for SIBO! It goes in diagnosed in so many ibs patients!