Fed Up

[Tig345]

I really appreciate this group. For its openness and suggestions. I see hope here. Last week after months of putting back the date to go to the gastroenterologist, I decided to visit the doctor. I would have been better binge eating a burger and fries with a milkshake. The man looked at me said I have IBS not that he asked me anything I just told him my problems and then he suggested an effervescent tablet even THOUGH I told him gas is a MAJOR issue for me.

I have lost a lot of weight being on FODMAP and fear eating like a regular person because the discomfort is so severe.

I am taking this into my own hands....apparently very little testing is done in my region for IBS and colonoscopy is not a given. "If it was cancer, you wouldn't be here".

Next year I am looking for a natural way to manage IBS. I believe I am not getting the vitamins and minerals I should so I will work on that. Not yet brave enough to deal with probiotics

Any thoughts?

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you're struggling.

We are the national charity supporting people with IBS. theibsnetwork.org

We always recommend that the low FODMAP diet is only carried out under the supervision of a registered dietitian. We'd suggest going back to your GP to ask for a referral.

In the meantime, we are here to help and support. Here's how we can help theibsnetwork.org/member-be...

[fodder4me]

Hi, I also lost a lot of weight on fod map diet and only a light framed person anyway. My Dr did a few blood tests and said I was ok. Just IBS! I was able to see another Dr in the clinic next time as mine was away and he suggested a dietician. I was fortunate to get it subsidised. She has been good and recommended a protein drink which is fod map friendly and contains lots of vitamins etc. I am in Australia. Don't think it is available yet in other parts of the world, its called Pronourish - digestive balance drink its made by Nestle - can buy it online though. It tastes delicious. I put on a few kilos but have now stagnated I don't know why. I try to eat as well as possible. the diet and bing aware all the time of what is in food does get you down. I can also get gas. Try to eat slowly, chew well, eat in a calm environment. Keep away from fizzy drinks - I am sure you do though! Enjoy your food. I hate having pains and think it cannot be doing my gut any good either. I try to work out the problem food and stay away from it for awhile even though it may be a food good for me. You will get your gut sorted. I had to do everything myself as to looking it all up online adjusting my meals etc. It is your body Good Luck!

It would be good if the IBS network could encourage Nestle to supply this drink to other parts of the world.

[Tig345 in reply to fodder4me]

Thanks I will see if any of the distributors carry it here

[xjrs]

Have you had a formal diagnosis of IBS from tests? Have you been blood tested for your Calprotectin levels and whether you have coeliac disease? Have you been referred to a dietitian to help you with your diet? If you are in pain, this can be managed. In IBS there is a loss of neurons in pain control centres of the brain due to life events (PTSD, severe stress, neglect or abuse in childhood). The brain interprets the normal activity of the bowel as pain. The first line treatment is nerve pain agents such as low dose (10mg) Amitriptlene. I couldn't those and am on Linaclotide for IBS-C and intestinal nerve pain, which is helping with the pain. I found the fodmap diet helped to reduce the pain, but my symptoms became so severe that the only thing that could reduce it to more tolerable levels was a diet of white rice, protein and particular veggies. I couldn't carry on like this and the Linaclotide has started to help me expand my diet again. All of this requires referrals to experts who can help you (gastros and dietitians). I did try the 'natural approach' paying lots of money to nutritional therapists (who aren't regulated by the way), ended up becoming quite ill from their recommendations and got no further forward. General practitioners aren't armed with the latest treatments, but gastroenterologists should be.

[Tig345 in reply to xjrs]

This doctor gastroenterologist is one of three...and I m not excited about going back to any of them.

I will reach out to a dietitian in the new year.

[mollychaplin]

if you want to go natural you should try enterosgel- it is bloody amazing and literally changed my life!!! it's made from some oragnic mineral and it works actual magic, my ibs-d is so much better now and I am definitely on the road to recovery and I have only just started using it! let me know how you get on if you decide to try it out xx