Late Night/Early morning IBS Thoughts

[Houseofpain]

I saw someone to discuss IBS a couple of days ago. They said it is likely that I have it - recommended a particular probiotic ( which I seem to have mislaid) and mentioned another test they will do to check for something else - again I've forgotten the name of it - something like c- seat. It involves taking a pill and then a check 7 days later to determine whether I have - I'm sure some of you will know what I'm talking about. I had a colonoscopy a few years back and they didn't think I would need another one based on my notes and checking my bloated stomach. We did discuss the fodmap and I said a nutritionist and advised not to do it without proper help from a nutritionist as it can cause further anxiety (which it has in the past) It was good to know more. If anyone an add to this, please let me know your thoughts. I'm sitting there drinking kombucha at 6.26 am having not slept yet with a bad day of IBS mayhem...it's a fucker !! Not helping that I'm becoming really run down with a crappy cold...

[Maureen1958]

Hi, I think you are talking about bile acid malabsorption. You can have what is called a SeCHAT test at some hospitals where you swallow a radioactive capsule and go back a week later for a scan to check whether or no you have it. If you do have it doctors can prescribe bile acid sequestrants.

[Houseofpain in reply to Maureen1958]

Yes that's the one ! Thank you .

[Kilgh]

I'm doing the low FODMAP diet right now. Not sure it is causing me any anxiety though. Annoying me a bit, yes. No milk chocolate! Boo!

I was also told to do it with a nutritionist but they are not that common where I am. So I just bought a book from the Monash Uni doctors that explains it all and gives a very useful list of foods you can eat and the ones to absolutely avoid. And, if you are into it, a bunch of recipes. It isn't rocket science. You just have to treat your food like drugs and not go over your recommended dose of FODMAPS in a 3-4 hour period.

I have only been doing it for 2 out of the recommended 8 weeks so can't really comment yet on how it's working. I have had less symptoms, but that could be the drug therapy I am on too. The first thing I am adding back in 6 weeks is muesli. I will be so happy if that isn't an issue for me. My recent cholesterol test showed my HDL was at the lowest level it has ever been. Because I get all my good cholesterol from my muesli intake. So I need to check what else I can eat that is high in HDL.

I don't personally believe in pro-biotics. No evidence they do anything. Almost all products don't even have the amount of bacteria needed to have any effect. And the ones that do only survive for a few hours before your natural flora resumes. So unless you really like kombucha, save your money. It's just appears to be the latest fad in a long line of fads.

There may well be a benefit to a fecal transplant to completely change your flora for a while however.

[Houseofpain in reply to Kilgh]

Interesting. Please can you let me know the name of the book you have thanks. Re pro- biotics the consultant told me to take a course of a particular brand that may help - I am going to look into that today. The kombucha is ok- it's a cola flavoured one that is unusual but interesting. I do know someone who makes it himself- I guess its difficult to know what helps except to say you're only meant to take a little bit of it and I'm quite happy to drink the whole cola bottle ! It's probably all down to the percentage of pro-biotic..

Re your muesli intake - would that not be on a high fibre list to avoid due to IBS ?

I'm with you re milk chocolate- it's always going to taste better..it's a damn shame it's not the healthier choice.

It would be good to hear about what people are eating that they are finding is kind to their IBS and not making them run to the toilet..

[Kilgh in reply to Houseofpain]

The book is The Low FODMAP Diet by Sue Shepherd (PhD) and Peter Gibson (MD).

I had just had a wonderful 14 years IBS free and then last year it reared it's ugly head again. Muesli was fine throughout that 14 years. So, annoying it might not be now.

Can't stand fermented anything myself. Happily the low FODMAP doesn't rule out sugary drinks. Well, a one 250ml drink a day restriction.

I have only had one bad day since I started, so maybe it is working.

[Houseofpain in reply to Kilgh]

Thanks for the book details. Yeh, I'm not big on all kombucha drinks, but every now and then I find one I like - it's not something I have all the time..but this cola one is pretty tasty.

Hopefully once on track, you'll leave the IBS in the past - if you can go 14 years without it, that's pretty damn good. I only had IBS periodically for short amounts of time up to about a year ago when it has since been the worst I have known.. Up and till then, I didn't even think it could be ongoing- though its was a transient thing.

[Kilgh in reply to Houseofpain]

I knew it could be more chronic from being on these sort of sites. Was hoping I would never experience it that way though. Just want to get back to the healthy zone.