Fodmap diet isn’t helping.

[LauraS18]

Hi, has anyone been on the fodmap diet but still suffering symptoms after eliminating foods. I can’t go on to reintroducing because of this. Thanks!

[b1b1b1]

My gastroenterologist has said you can stay on it permanently, if it helps you.

[SophieC22]

I’ve had this problem, ended up giving up with being on a strict diet, just eliminated obvious foods that caused awful pain, and still living with bloating after everything, and pain. Finally being referred to a gastroenterologist after discussion and agreement with dietician that diet hadn’t answered much. I have presumed some food group wouldn’t be good to eat, eg. Gluten, onion and garlic. Maybe you could do the same?

[LauraS18 in reply to SophieC22]

Thanks for the reply, hope you get some answers soon!

[leslyp]

I have had to virtually give up certain food groups onion, garlic spices foods such as chilli,curry , cabbage, lettuce in fact most greens I have to be careful etc, during the reintroduction faze I became ill again so I stick to what I know and when I do add extra I have to exercise portion control otherwise the results are awful ,it is always an ongoing situation and learning curve but you do get to know what your body is happy with , stick with it .- it is worth it in the end.

[LauraS18 in reply to leslyp]

Thanks for the reply! I suppose it’s all about finding whats right for you as an individual. Everyones different and thats what makes it hard to treat. I’ll keep on trying!

[Brightman]

I have stuck to the Fodmap diet for a year now. It generally works but I still have issues, especially in the mornings. Not diarrhoea any more but still have urgency and frequency. I don’t like going out in mornings but work through it - knowing where a toilet is etc. I haven’t reintroduced things but feel things still set me off. It is a fine balance!!

[LauraS18 in reply to Brightman]

Thanks for the reply! Yes, it’s all about finding out what works for you. Guess I’ll keep on tweeking my diet.

[Eucalyptus]

It doesn't work for everyone (hasn't worked for me - and has caused a few different problems instead). Keep a food diary and try to get an appointment with a dietician if you can.

[LauraS18 in reply to Eucalyptus]

Thanks for the reply! I have been keeping a diary for months now and I’ve had two consultations with a private dietitian. Fodmap doesnt seem to be working for me, I guess I’ll have to figure something else out.

[Eliana5]

I'm not quite sure what this diet is..but have heard it's very restricting. I try to stay away from a lot of fiber, as it only makes things worse for me..cramping, bloating, "C" etc.. Have you tried a dietician or blood tests to rule out any gluten or other food insensitivity?

[Eliana5]

Someone mentioned staying on this "permanently" but not understanding why staying on something that isn't working, permanently? A bit confused. Have you tried Low Residue diet..I find that "fiber" makes me feel worse..

[LauraS18 in reply to Eliana5]

I have had all the tests to rule out coeliac & IBD etc. I have a private dietitian also at the moment. I think I’ll have to consult her on what to do next. I’ll keep the low fibre diet in mind, thank you!

[Eliana5 in reply to LauraS18]

You are welcome. Also an "upper and lower GI ultrasound series", where you drink a vanilla shake kind of mixture is a great test as well..just had this done. The contrast does not taste bad at all..they only give you a little, and it shows how food is moving from your esophagus to your colon to rule out any blockages, tumors or hernias. It takes a few hours, but definitely worth it, it is not painful or uncomfortable at all..no IV or sedation is used. Just the small cup of barium vanilla shake. They give you the results right away. And when I had it done, they (Doctor, radiologist) showed me the film of how the barium moved..from your esophagus down the Ilodium, to bowel, then small intestine, large intestine to colon/rectum, anus. Very interesting and great test to have. They take several films. Keep us posted..

[LauraS18 in reply to Eliana5]

I did have a barium follow through once, but it didnt go as planned- the mixture pooled in one area because I was backed up. They did say that the solution reached that area really quick so I’m guessing that food moves through me fast! Might be good to have another one done! Will do, thanks

[Eliana5]

Okay..☺ Keep us posted..

[Skypony]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Have your tests included lactose tolerance, where you drink a lactose solution and have a series of timed blood tests? Lactose is part of a Fodmap elimination group, but if you're someone who's had problems since childhood, it's worth testing directly to see if your body can make lactase.

Best wishes

[LauraS18 in reply to Skypony]

No I haven’t had that test, I thought you couldnt test for intolerance. Thanks for your reply

[Skypony in reply to LauraS18]

Because lactose intolerance is caused by the body's failure to make lactase (which breaks it down), this one has a definitive test. Can be done on NHS.

[LauraS18 in reply to Skypony]

Aahh ok, thanks so much for the info!

[Skypony in reply to LauraS18]

You're welcome, all the best.