symptoms worse 1 year after fodmap

[clover1122]

I’m new here and I really don’t know what to do next...

1 year ago I started the low-fodmap diet as recommended by the NHS gastro team. I had no support or guidance as to how to do it properly, so I just used the monash app and did my own research.

After 2 weeks I had zero bloating, wind or pain, and after 4 months I had no D either. It was so amazing to be symptom free after so long, so I just stuck with the elimination diet. I ate a varied healthy diet and for 8 BLISSFUL months I was symptom free. I would have been happy to stay low-fodmap forever. It felt like my miracle cure!

Now though, over the last few weeks my symptoms have returned and the D (especially in the morning) frequency and urgency is worse than ever. I am taking immodium everyday but it’s not helping anymore. I am nauseous too.

I have not reintroduced anything.

It’s really getting me down and effectingly my life.

Now I don’t know what to eat anymore, should I still stick to low-fodmap or not?

I am taking probiotics and eating pre-biotics (low-fodmap).

I am seeing my GP on Tues - but I doubt he will be able to help.

I have no idea what to do next and I am afraid to eat anything.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Any suggestions would be so appreciated.

Thank you

[Edith0]

Hi, I have been using fodmap and still testing and introducing foods 5 years on. It was and still is a life saver. There are occasions though when I don’t read all the ingredients on food packets or chance something and my IBS flares. I was referred by my GP to a dietitian who introduced me to fodmap and supported me through the elimination phase helping me to work out the triggers. I would really advise this for anyone wanting to follow fodmap as they have had all the necessary training to give the right advise and support. Going it alone can be confusing and the app does not provide all the information you need. Therefore I would suggest asking your GP for a referral to a dietician.

Wishing you all the best.

[clover1122 in reply to Edith0]

thank you - how long do your flare ups usually last?

[Edith0 in reply to clover1122]

Flare ups are now few and far between (fingers crossed) and last about 12 hours of the most unbearable pain but once the offending item out is of my system and with the help of buscopan it’s gone, it leaves me with a few days of exhaustion and some muscle pain from all the vomiting but thankfully it’s over. Having read lots of other posts here I consider myself fortunate despite the ongoing loose stools which I have just learnt to manage and live with.

[sweetsusie]

Tell your doctor to prescribe any of these 3 drugs for you: Welchol, Colestipol, and/or Questran. They are bile acid sequestrants and will stop diarrhea in its tracks. I have my life back now after having chronic diarrhea for years!

[clover1122 in reply to sweetsusie]

thank you so much! am going to the doctor tomorrow so will ask for these.

[sweetsusie in reply to clover1122]

He will probably tell you that these are used in conjunction with a statin to lower cholesterol levels, but they are also used for chronic diarrhea, so don't let him sway you. I do not have high cholesterol and I take 3 tablets twice a day for a total of 6. Just had my cholesterol checked for my annual, and it didn't drop it hardly at all. Anyway...let me know what he says...good luck!