Do you go through phases of being fine and the... - IBS Network

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Do you go through phases of being fine and then not?

MinaFox profile image
9 Replies

I just wondered, do most of you have IBS issues all the time, or you go through phases of being able to eat all foods and having no issues?

That's me, and that's what makes it hard to say what triggers me as sometimes I can eat everything and have no issues at all!

Excess junk food and sugar and red meat are probably my worst foods but the main thing is stress! Stress is my biggest trigger, and it's hard when your worried and upset to stop it leaking to your tummy!

Xxx

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MinaFox profile image
MinaFox
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9 Replies
pajohns profile image
pajohns

I could have written this! There's been no rhyme or reason food wise to my symptoms its stress and anxiety related for sure. I'm currently in a 3 month (so far) flare up but previous to that I was fine for like 9 months just the odd blip maybe but nothing like what's happening these last 3 months. I'm convinced a bug set mine off and the stress of having a young family is what's keeping it around. My 'original' ibs was triggered by a bug.

Just realised I've not given any advice here but I feel your pain.

MinaFox profile image
MinaFox in reply topajohns

Your answer is more than enough! I noticed speaking to most people not seems that the IBS is an everyday thing and for me and also yourself it seems that it isn't always!

I'm not100% sure what triggered my first bout of IBS was as timing exactly when it started is a hard one! But I think it was when I went to Miami, my friend was so late we almost missed our flight, I was in tears as everything like the hotel was in her name so I couldn't even go alone! I was so stressed. When we arrived we had a very greasey pizza, next thing you know I had upset stomach for the entire holiday and was barely able to eat or drink! Last summer I at some bad chicken and it set of my IBS for 2 months! This time I think bad food choices plus some stress has made it stick around now for almost a month!

I am trying yoga and although my current stress isn't stressing me out so much at all my stomach has yet to catch up with me!

I wonder if we eat forever healthy and are never stressed we will have no issues!? Although I feel like both of those will be near impossible!

Thanks for your response! Let's hope our flare ups end soon! I miss food and a social life! Although I may just take imodium to get through the coming weekend!

I have yet to have kids but my bf and I want to, I can't imagine having these bad flare up and having kids to take care of! It must be very hard work! Xx

Annie1411 profile image
Annie1411

Hi yes me too. I can go for long spells of time and have no issues. I try to eat fish veg and fruit. I drink lots of peppermint tea too. However stress triggers me too. I find exercise helps, aerobics and walking, also when I have bouts I use a warm wheat bag which eases the pain and bloating. I also try meditation it helps at times. 😊😊

ARLEN profile image
ARLEN in reply toAnnie1411

I find peppermint tea helps when having a flare up Also hot water bottle relieves discomfort

MinaFox profile image
MinaFox in reply toAnnie1411

Heat pads and hot drinks are saving my life right now! The one thing I don't so enough is exercise! I am sure that must help! So I just get on it :) I try to meditate also as my brain never shuts up haha! If only we could never be stressed again! I am going to learns. Yoga practice that is supposed to harmonize your body and get you in sync with the earth - now who knows about that but I read about a lot of people seeing positive things happen after doing the yoga for a few weeks! So I'll let you know if it does help and tell you the name :) I am willing to try!

IBSLori profile image
IBSLori

Like you I will have a flare up that seems to have no rhyme or reason. I eat gluten free, FODMAP and organic. I do not drink carbonated beverages and I used to drink peppermint tea and then read it could be an irritant as well. It is a day to day battle. I am going to an acupuncturist which is calming my stomach down. I do think exercise helps and a food diary also is good to discern what food triggers flare ups. Bottom line, I think it is a reality of the disease to have the fluctuations. One of the reasons I like this page is that it lets me know I am not alone in this!

MinaFox profile image
MinaFox in reply toIBSLori

Yes! It's nice to know we are not alone! It's so hard for people to really truly understand! I guess it is the nature of it! I wish it wasn't but I hope healthy lifestyle changes will help for me a bit in future! I am taking a risk and going to a girls brunch on Saturday and I shall eat all the food! But I'll take an imodium prior and hope to god it doesn't screw me up for the next few weeks! I might avoid alcohol! I am loving acupuncture! It helps a lot! I am already less stressed! My stomach just needs to realise this now too! Xx

IBSLori profile image
IBSLori in reply toMinaFox

May I suggest, that rather than put items in your body that are questionable at best, you bring your own food? I have adapted this as a way to engage in these settings. It is not idea, but I know that the food I bring is safe and I don't have to worry about ingesting gluten, dairy or items that would irritate IBS. Again, it is part of accepting the reality of the illness.

MinaFox profile image
MinaFox in reply toIBSLori

This is true! And it is what I do during a flare up! I can currently only eat rice bread crackers Banana and egg, so while I'm having a flare up I will either eat before things or bring my own food, but I hope to be able to eat more than this in future (as I normally can eventually, fingers crossed) but I don't expect to feel very healthy if I can only eat this forever! But it is all about adapting and working with your IBS! It is an adjustment but it must be done ! Thanks for your reply xx

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