Question?

[Jackie1612]

Since it has been recommended, I have been looking at the FODMAP foods - the low ones and then the high ones to avoid. I fell to thinking about my IBS and again it struck me how I am when I am on holiday (yes, I know - its a very distant memory!!) and, very occasionally, at other times.

After a few days on holiday I am fine; I have no IBS and if anything I might be rather C than my usual D. I can eat and drink much more freely and almost normally. Obviously I must be much more relaxed - I have company, I am sort of being looked after and there are plenty of new things to see and do.

Does this happen to you?

I am finding this very difficult to accept really, even though it's been happening for all these years. It seems crazy in a way to me. If, as it seems, stress is causing my IBS why do some foods trigger it and not others? I know there is no real answer to this problem but would be grateful for your input.

[Proclaimer]

monashfodmap.com this website explains FODMAP and information. There is also an app which is useful. Hope this helps.

[Jackie1612 in reply to Proclaimer]

thanks very much Proclaimer

[Andann]

Yes, I remember being like that in Greece, particularly and similar on other holidays. In Greece one was eating real food, fresh fruit and veg, olive oil, more fish and cheese than meat, lots of water, wine and beer of course, and usually getting some sort of exercise each day plus the warm weather helps with relaxation.

[Jackie1612 in reply to Andann]

Thanks for your reply Andann. It's good to know I'm not the only one. Greece.........those were the days

[Maureen1958]

It's not that way with me, although I have heard of lot of people with IBS say it. I have IBS everyday and going on holiday is too stressful for me now. I gave up going on holidays over 10 years ago now! I have had IBS for 35 years!

[Edgar77 in reply to Maureen1958]

I also find holidays too stressful and 10 times worse. I will gettravel sick don't know were the loos are and hard to find gluten and dairy free foods. It all seems more trouble than its worth. But my husband is itching to get away. I can't walk far too.

[Maureen1958 in reply to Edgar77]

I'm lucky, my husband is quite happy not to go away, we never went abroad, well we did once but that was for our honeymoon 31 years ago. We usually headed to Dorset, when my son was small we rented a flat in Sandbanks for a week each year. Great memories. My husband would take my son down to the beach while I had some peace and quiet back at the flat to try to sort my tummy out for later in the day!

By the way have you had your SeHCAT test yet?

[Jackie1612 in reply to Maureen1958]

Hi Maureen, very sorry to read this. It's very difficult to cope with IBS anyway but going on holiday can be a nightmare.Although I am lucky and my IBS can settle while I am on holiday, I have had a few gastritis flare ups instead. I was foolish one time and went away with gastritis brewing and it got worse, so I couldn't eat anything at all.

35 years is a long time, I sympathise.