Struggling: Morning. Haven't said anything in a... - IBS Network

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Struggling

Houseofpain profile image
17 Replies

Morning. Haven't said anything in a while so here goes... I was diagnosed with BAM a couple of years ago on top of IBS. Last year on top of everything, I found out I have diabetes type 2 - the conflict of diets for all are difficult to manage ( I do things my own way with nutrition which is upend down) and I have other health conditions. Having a tough time with it all. Thankfully my yearly diabetes check came back really good in terms of everything which I am grateful for, but aside from that ( which I still believe must be a mistake !) I can't see the positive in anything and am fearful of so much including Coronavirus ( had both jabs) Any kind words/ advice would be much appreciated. On top of everything my sleep pattern is very very bad. Currently writing this on another sleepless night. I'm barely going out and feel self conscious around it all. I hope you are all doing better than I. Whenever I read your posts, I relate to a lot.

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Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain
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17 Replies
BabsyWabsy profile image
BabsyWabsy

I hear you Houseofpain. You do have a lot of stuff going on that you have to balance. Are you getting any help or support? Some people with Type 2 do really well on a low carb high fat diet, but I guess that is out for you because of BAM. If your HBA1C is good, then you are already limiting carbs I imagine. Do you cook from scratch? I was wondering if going back to basics might help. Plain vegetables, fish or chicken for example. Have you been prescribed a sequestrant? My brother who has BAM find this very helpful.

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain in reply to BabsyWabsy

Thank you for your message, I am no getting enough support. I waited a year to be put on a 'virtual' diabetes course which was pretty generic and didn't go into any detail re conflict of diets. They told me they would look into a dietician for me which hasn't happened. ( I am going to pursue that now) Had problems previously with a dietician and the gastroenterologist aiming to help me which all went wrong. Regarding the sequestreants- I tried taking the ones suggested and couldn't handle and the gastro eventually told me just to take a whole of immodium everyday ( I take it intermittently) which I haven't...and that was kind of the end of that. Not happy about it ( longer story , but this is the summary!) Cooking wise I am I am mixed in terms of what I do- and motivation to cook is not always there . I am doing things my own way and yes trying to keep an eye on carb content, portions etc, but it's all dependant on the day and I have a healthy appetite. My stomach issues obviously affect everything ....On a good week, I do eat a fair amount of chicken and fish and also recently convenience plant food type things. I'm definitely not inspired cooking wise enough and I know that I have to try harder but that is really difficult and my mood is very low. Obviously some of what 've done seems to be working - I am slo taking diabetes meal replacements here and there which are hit and miss ( and the reviews are varying regarding whether they are a good thing) Has your brother cut carbs completely? I've tried to cut down on bread periodically which is a hard one, but sometimes do better on that then predicted. There is a particular chicken, veg and rice poke dish I buy and it feels healthier than most take away type things. Although a large amount of simple carbs I know isn't great (I see it as good for the gut disorder, not for diabetes) Was thinking of swopping rice for quinoa in that dish but don't think it will be as nice and the fibre in quinoa may have the opposite affect. I need to find a dietician or nutritionist dealing with gut disorders / daibeties and all the other 5 billion things Ideal with ! Thanks for the encouragement, though.

Edgar77 profile image
Edgar77 in reply to Houseofpain

I have coeliac disease IBSC and BAM. Yes I know most BAM sufferers have D not C so they can't give me anything for it. The diets recommended for me often conflict too. Please see a dietician recommended by NHS. I saw a private nutritionist who cost a fortune and made me worse! they are trained to advise on healthy diet but Not medical conditions. Only A dietician is trained to treat the sick.

BabsyWabsy profile image
BabsyWabsy in reply to Edgar77

That is a useful tip. Nutritionists are not the same as dieticians and don't even need to be qualified.

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain in reply to Edgar77

Thank you. Yes I was recently advised to see a dietician overa nutritionist regarding the understanding of meds. I did previously see a dietician at my docs. It was quite generic and not much focus on my conditions. Hope you get better help too.

BabsyWabsy profile image
BabsyWabsy in reply to Houseofpain

If we had a more holistic medical system, medics could consider the bigger picture instead of focussing on their particular specialism and each one giving you multiple conflicting advice. Just applying some common sense would help. What constitutes a 'healthy' diet is open to much debate, but NHS staff are obliged to work to their script, even though it is out of date. Some of this, I am convinced, perpetuates ill health in some people. Take the so called 'Eatwell Plate' which is principally carbs, and many of them highly processed. This is of no use at all to T2 patients. My bro tends towards lower fat rather than low carb and eats a lot of salads. As you say, motivation is key to whether you feel like cooking or not. I try to cook from scratch so I know what is in my food, but occasionally, I can't be bothered or I am just too tired. I was recently writing a report on the new highly processed plant alternatives to meat, and for research purposes decided I should try some. Big mistake. I tried some meatless farm sausages and was crippled with indigestion within about half an hour, and they had made their exit within two hours. I could feel them making their way through the system. My gut does not like ultra processed food it seems. On balance, that is not a bad thing. Anyway, I am not a fan, but that is just my opinion. If it works for you, that's a good thing. I think it is very poor that your have been left to try and manage multiple and conflicting health issues by yourself.

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain in reply to BabsyWabsy

Thank you. I totally agree with what you are saying regarding the medical system. I have been massively let down by many along the way. Am very frustrated with mixed messages from various sources and equally know that a lot of what I do isn't good good enough and that being in chronic pain most days coupled with other stuff means that it is hard to motivate myself to cook. Obviously I feel better when I put in the effort. Re plant based food, and veggie replacements, I used to eat a lot more and was talked out of certain things to do with foods being genetically modified, processed or high in salt. These days, I end up finding a favourite and go to that. Also I've heard a lot about soya being bad for you hormonoly and otherwise but I am back to having that in the plant based option. Your meatless sausage experienced doesn't sound like fun. I've had a few favourltes. Currently on fishless fish fingers which contain soya. Thank you for your kind words. Being left to deal with everything alone is a nightmare.

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain in reply to Houseofpain

Ps I hear you re that 'Eatwell' plate. The amount of leaflet I've seen..!

loveyourbunny profile image
loveyourbunny in reply to Houseofpain

Sorry missed the not in loving calm products in factory food.x

loveyourbunny profile image
loveyourbunny in reply to Houseofpain

Hi. Processed foods of any kind cause trouble and almost poisonous to sensitive digestive systems. Fresh food, home grown /organic is best. Food prepared with 'love' in a calm mind has good energies and more palatable. Cooking and eating while stressed will not be digested anyway. All factory made products are produced in 'loving' calm environments and contain 'bad' energies. Hope this helpsKay

Boxroad profile image
Boxroad

Hi I have type 2 with IBS and angina it’s very hard to sort my diet, low sugar for diabetes low fat for angina then everything else that my body desires it don’t like due to IBS, then this week found out I have kidney stones, But it is doable and I am still here. Just keep ya head down and charge at it

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain

Thank you for your kind words and glad that you are keeping on and fighting it all. Sounds like you have a lot to deal with and it's good that you are staying positive and being methodical.

hi Houseof pain, I'm coeliac with BAM (and autoimmune thyroiditis) and it does sometimes feel like you don't know what is causing what doesn't it? Can I ask what meds you are on for the BAM? It's taken me a couple of years since diagnosis to feel like I'm getting somewhere with them (i'm on colesevelam, 6 a day, all taken together as late as possible after eating in the evening - my worst BAM is in the morning and this seems to - normally - control the worst of it). I do revert to immodium too if I'm out and about sometimes and feeling jumpy about it all.

The diet thing is really tough - supposed to be low fat for the BAM but as high fibre is fairly catastrophic for me it can feel like a real juggling act along with the coeliac - like you the answer seems to be lots of carbs (which is fine for me, but may be less so for you). But I do think I'm getting somewhere now which is a change - are you using the meds (if you are on any) consistently?

I do feel for you

Tillyxx

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain

Hi Tilly thanks forthe message. I am on no meds for BAM as I tried two (colesevelam being one) different lots and couldn't take them. I have imodium which I take as and when and doesn't always work. Yes conflicting diets are a nightmare, but also sometimes my body can handle the same meal and other times not. It's ruining my life amongst other conditions. You must be juggling loads with all of your conditions but it seems you are very self aware of when things happen and when to take action.

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain

I am also on thyroxine . *

it really isn't fun I know - and immodium very hit and miss too I find. I relied on it for a while and found that it masked what was going on, so never really felt very secure. Did you get side effects from the colosevelam? Also worth bearing in mind that if your thyroid meds aren't optimised that could also be playing a part - have you had your thyroid levels checked recently? Really hope you find some solutions.

Houseofpain profile image
Houseofpain in reply to

I did reply but it seems to have dissappeared. Couldnt even take the colosevelam without wretching. Thank you re your thyroid question, you have reminded me to check if doc has lowered pill dosage due to tests.

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