IBS Sufferers

patsypooter

I have diverticulitis and am having a flair up of it right now and my doctor is out of town until tomorrow... It is god awful.

Starts off as a full uncomfortable major bloated feeling in the extreme lower abdomen about 5 ish inches below the belly button... Can't get comfortable it's a dull ache like the area is restricted and just FULL. Followed by extreme nausea and fever and chills and then vomiting. And then the pain intensifies to where is is almost unbearable and migrates up and to the left and settles about level with your belly button but further over toward the hip. If you eat it seems the split second your food hits the lower intestines it is just pain. And yes pressure helps immensely... It HURTS so bad to get into the position but laying directly On your left side which applies body weight actually helps once you actually manage to get rolled over. I can't stand up my husbands help and I walk like a poor old lady with a cane..it spasms and it's just excruciating.....

This is my 4th flair up. But no doctor ever really gives me any information and all of the information I DO read is conflicting... All I know is this is miserable!

I was diagnosed with IBS, doctor said it couldn't be diverticiulitis because I was too young (which is bull). I don't know if I have diverticulitis but I do know that I got the same symptoms as you when I had eaten a trigger food.

My trigger foods are dairy, gluten, sweet potatoes, high fructose fruit, possibly red meat(I'm in the process of testing it, I think its the additives in the meat). I also can't handle raw lettuces or raw veggies of any kind.

The last bad painful flare I got was when I was constipated and then had some dairy unintentionally. I thought I was dying I was so sick. I really did. It was scary. My vision got weird too and I got itchy all over. Thought I couldnt hold myself up on the toilet. It was awful. I would not wish that on my worst enemy. For me, I can control it with food. Fever and hot and cold feelings. Dizziness. Very scary.

Have you tried really changing your diet yet? An elimination diet is in order, in my opinion. Add me to friends, I share my diary with friends and you can see what I am eating that is working for me. I do the SCD and FODMAPS diet but tailored it to myself as some of their recommended foods cause me issues.

If you ever need to talk, pm me. I hope you're feeling better. Warm baths help. Ibruprofen never really helped me.

I got the same things, always on the left side of my belly button, going from there to near the hip. If I laid down on it a certain way it would feel a bit better. Pressure does help but not much. One doctor I went to thought it was a hernia. Next emerg doc said I was just constipated ( I went to emerg because I was in THAT much pain. I was constipated but that was not the problem). Finally I got a doctor who at least said it was IBS which sent me on the right track to finding a diet that works. You see, I was already eating paleo for the most part so it was hard to imagine that it was diet causing it but it WAS.

holliestoneley

Hi there! I'm 18 and got diagnosed last summer with IBS and have been seeing a dieticionist ever since. I have got significantly better since last summer. My main symptom is diarrhea and this was a big problem for me, as i have a big fear of it (sounds silly i know). So it got to the point where i was living off ham sandwhiches because i thought that that was the only thing that wouldnt make me go to the toilet. And it got really bad to the point where i was unhealthy, ill, pale and underweight. My dieticionist said that my IBS flarred up when i didnt eat anything - and this is true. When i don't eat anything in the day, and only have a meal at the night time, my IBS is terrible in the mornings.
My IBS works better with carbohydrates, so I have wholegrain bread, wraps, sweet potato and rice. I also eat vegetables, but i my IBS flares up with anything dairy. I just tend to stick to what i know i can eat, so i'll have the same meal for most of the week because i know i can eat it. So its good to make a food diary so you know what you can and cant eat.
So recently I have made a massive improvement and have been having a small breakfast, lunch and dinner and my IBS is soooo much better! I'm just giving you all advice out there DONT STARVE YOURSELF, IT MAKES IT WORSE!!
Hope my advice helps some of you!

sillygoosie

So sorry to hear about your mother. That is so terrible to hear. I want to thank you for sharing the story. I think it just furthers my own belief in "Don't Trust Your Doctor, It's YOUR Life Not Theirs".

I absolutely have that happen to me... I find it is related to my menstrual cycles. Not to get too gross (sorry for the squeamish) but I seem to have one day a month where I go #2 like three or more times in a day and this NEVER happens besides one day a month, right after I get my period. I then can lose up to 5lbs in a day. It is quite bizarre. My weight loss will be very minimal all month then I'll lose a lot of weight over a short period. My weight tends to fluctuate a lot after my period so I basically only have a short period each month where I lose. It's not identical to what is happening to you but it is close enough that I wonder if it is a IBS symptom. I believe I am constipated even though I am going on a daily basis and then the stuff thats backed up comes out in one day. Hormonal or Immune response, I do not know.

I don't think I'm going to explain this correctly but I'll try anyway. During your period when you cramp, your uterus can rub against your colon causing more frequent BMs. My uterus is inverted so I'm not sure if it's true for everyone but it definitely is for me.

sillygoosie

Don't come after me with the pitchforks or anything for this, please. I live in Colorado where marijuana is legal and I've noticed that when I consume MJ, all of my IBS pain is alleviated. Seriously. All the pain and bloating is gone instantly. I am in no way trying to persuade people to use, but you all know how painful it can be. There are basically no options for the pain. For those of you with open minds, this is a great option for relief.

meritage4

I've has IBS for years. My symptom is sudden and loose and frequent bowel movements. My GO told me to try Metamucil. So for years I have been taking 5 capsules with water every morning.
Reduced the bowel movements in number and consistency but not always as firm as stools.
I microwave any salads or everything is "whoosh".
I need to honor any need to go or I get sweaty and dizzy and can have a laundry problem.

But having just finsihed antibiotics for a lung infection I bought a probiotic from the health food store. Stools are logs now and I'm off the metamucil. One pill most mornings-I'm sure I'll wean off it soon.

Yes lettuce still must be cooked but day to day life is great! I'm sure the IBS is still there-it is just under control.

sillygoosie

I've has IBS for years. My symptom is sudden and loose and frequent bowel movements. My GO told me to try Metamucil. So for years I have been taking 5 capsules with water every morning.
Reduced the bowel movements in number and consistency but not always as firm as stools.
I microwave any salads or everything is "whoosh".
I need to honor any need to go or I get sweaty and dizzy and can have a laundry problem.

But having just finsihed antibiotics for a lung infection I bought a probiotic from the health food store. Stools are logs now and I'm off the metamucil. One pill most mornings-I'm sure I'll wean off it soon.

Yes lettuce still must be cooked but day to day life is great! I'm sure the IBS is still there-it is just under control.

May I ask why you don't eliminate the lettuce? Do other greens affect you the same way? I can't eat iceberg lettuce at all, but darker lettuces and greens don't bother me.

patsypooter

Hi there! I'm 18 and got diagnosed last summer with IBS and have been seeing a dieticionist ever since. I have got significantly better since last summer. My main symptom is diarrhea and this was a big problem for me, as i have a big fear of it (sounds silly i know). So it got to the point where i was living off ham sandwhiches because i thought that that was the only thing that wouldnt make me go to the toilet. And it got really bad to the point where i was unhealthy, ill, pale and underweight. My dieticionist said that my IBS flarred up when i didnt eat anything - and this is true. When i don't eat anything in the day, and only have a meal at the night time, my IBS is terrible in the mornings.
My IBS works better with carbohydrates, so I have wholegrain bread, wraps, sweet potato and rice. I also eat vegetables, but i my IBS flares up with anything dairy. I just tend to stick to what i know i can eat, so i'll have the same meal for most of the week because i know i can eat it. So its good to make a food diary so you know what you can and cant eat.
So recently I have made a massive improvement and have been having a small breakfast, lunch and dinner and my IBS is soooo much better! I'm just giving you all advice out there DONT STARVE YOURSELF, IT MAKES IT WORSE!!
Hope my advice helps some of you!

I know when my IBS was bad, it was hard to get myself to eat. There is a fear there, where you are terrified of the pain coming back. Once I found out what my food triggers were, well I haven't had that fear again! It's great. I mean I am still fearful when trying new foods but the foods I eat ona daily basis are fine and I can eat them worry free.

Food diaries are a MUST with IBS! Truly! MFP has been a lifesaver for me.

patsypooter

Don't come after me with the pitchforks or anything for this, please. I live in Colorado where marijuana is legal and I've noticed that when I consume MJ, all of my IBS pain is alleviated. Seriously. All the pain and bloating is gone instantly. I am in no way trying to persuade people to use, but you all know how painful it can be. There are basically no options for the pain. For those of you with open minds, this is a great option for relief.

I actually take MM for another painful condition that I have. Personally, I did not find that partaking helped my IBS at all but it's always worth a shot for people! I am also hesitant to discuss that kind of thing because some people are very set in their opinions on it. I tend to keep it to myself but yes I know it works and it changed my life. Not for IBS but for my other painful medical condition. It is also legal where I live.

patsypooter

I was also wondering why you don't eliminate salads from your diet, meritage4. I bet I know the answer though... you probably just really fricking love salads.

I do love salads as well and they were always my go to Diet Food but ever since my last salad when I had immediate IBS pains and problems, I haven't had any since. I can tolerate cooked greens so I just stick with that. I've never been able to process raw lettuces anyways, it was always very obvious after eating them that most of it just went right through me. However I didn't pay much attention to my body because I thought "salads are healthy, this must be normal."

patsypooter

So sorry to hear about your mother. That is so terrible to hear. I want to thank you for sharing the story. I think it just furthers my own belief in "Don't Trust Your Doctor, It's YOUR Life Not Theirs".

I absolutely have that happen to me... I find it is related to my menstrual cycles. Not to get too gross (sorry for the squeamish) but I seem to have one day a month where I go #2 like three or more times in a day and this NEVER happens besides one day a month, right after I get my period. I then can lose up to 5lbs in a day. It is quite bizarre. My weight loss will be very minimal all month then I'll lose a lot of weight over a short period. My weight tends to fluctuate a lot after my period so I basically only have a short period each month where I lose. It's not identical to what is happening to you but it is close enough that I wonder if it is a IBS symptom. I believe I am constipated even though I am going on a daily basis and then the stuff thats backed up comes out in one day. Hormonal or Immune response, I do not know.

I don't think I'm going to explain this correctly but I'll try anyway. During your period when you cramp, your uterus can rub against your colon causing more frequent BMs. My uterus is inverted so I'm not sure if it's true for everyone but it definitely is for me.

That's interesting! Makes sense. I'll have to ask my doctor about it, see what he says, just curious about it really. I have no idea if my uterus is inverted or not, have had a few Ultrasounds and they've never mentioned it but who knows. I have no idea how they discover that so maybe.

coricontreras

I have been an IBS sufferer since 2006 when I had my gallbladder removed. But ever since I've started a more plant based diet (juicing in the morning) and eating more raw foods throughout the day, it has improved drastically! It is remarkable!

TKhamvongsa

Diet is what helped my IBS - Gluten/Dairy/Processed foods are what caused my symptoms. I decreased the amounts of each and have depended on whole foods rather than processed foods. The only times I get them now are from cheat meals like fast foods/restaurants or chocolates. But that's once or twice every month.

QuietBloom

I have IBS. I have not had to cut out any foods though. I stay away from too much fructose, and stay well hydrated. I haven't had an attack in months.

patsypooter

Thank you guys so much for sharing your stories! And sharing what has worked for you. I hope it gives anyone suffering from IBS a good guideline to work from.

Just remember that everyone will react to different foods but the ones that are most likely to give problems are dairy, gluten, processed food and high sugar foods. If cutting those foods out do not help then it is time to get even more strict and figure out what foods are causing it because it may be something surprising.

ThisCharmingFellow

Some interesting information and experiences in this thread. Thanks everyone for sharing.

My efforts on fat loss have so far ignored my IBS and I have just paid attention to calories, now the time has come to address the IBS as well. Not being able to get out and exist, let alone live, is beyond frustrating.

kcragg

To read later

TwirleySlims

I have had IBS D around 24 years, I am on Codiene & Loporomide to control it, Salads, Veg & Fruit are all triggers (Potatoes, Onions excluded) and I can barely eat any of it. I am fine with all meats, dairy is fine. Since the meds it has improved a lot but stress really knocks me back. I have been studying 'cures' for years, seems everyone is different & has different triggers.

patsypooter

I have had IBS D around 24 years, I am on Codiene & Loporomide to control it, Salads, Veg & Fruit are all triggers (Potatoes, Onions excluded) and I can barely eat any of it. I am fine with all meats, dairy is fine. Since the meds it has improved a lot but stress really knocks me back. I have been studying 'cures' for years, seems everyone is different & has different triggers.

I'm so sorry, it sounds like you have it bad. My doctor was going to put me on meds, I think he wanted me on anti depressants for it because they think IBS is stress related. It is not stress related for me, or if it is it plays such a small part I don't feel it counts. If I'm stressed, I do not get IBS, but if I eat a trigger food, it will be back in full force.

It's amazing what everyones triggers are... they are so different from person to person. It's so important to take the time and figure out what our trigger foods are because they will not be the same for everyone.

patsypooter

Some interesting information and experiences in this thread. Thanks everyone for sharing.

My efforts on fat loss have so far ignored my IBS and I have just paid attention to calories, now the time has come to address the IBS as well. Not being able to get out and exist, let alone live, is beyond frustrating.

Big hug for you. I know it is a terrible thing to deal with and I hope you start figuring out your trigger foods. I would recommend spending some time just reading about different IBS diets and learning more about them. Then when you're doing the diets remember to take it slowly. If certain foods make you feel better one day, eat just those foods for a few days then add something else in to test it. It's a pain in the butt process but it is SO WORTH IT. Whenever I get my IBS symptoms back briefly I just feel miserable but also so happy that that is not my day to day reality anymore.

nmncare

I've struggled with IBS my whole life but was diagnosed 11 years ago.
I have literally tried everything. Probiotics. Different diets. Juice cleanses. Even went to a dietitian my dr recommended to figure out my triggers. Mine are dairy and fried foods along with a few randoms. Worst part though? Sometimes I get it even when I don't eat my trigger foods. I have had countless uncomfortable days, been in and out of the hospital, passed out numerous times from pain on the bathroom floor.. So I feel your pain.
I don't have time to read this whole thread right now but I will defo be back later to read!

patsypooter

I've struggled with IBS my whole life but was diagnosed 11 years ago.
I have literally tried everything. Probiotics. Different diets. Juice cleanses. Even went to a dietitian my dr recommended to figure out my triggers. Mine are dairy and fried foods along with a few randoms. Worst part though? Sometimes I get it even when I don't eat my trigger foods. I have had countless uncomfortable days, been in and out of the hospital, passed out numerous times from pain on the bathroom floor.. So I feel your pain.
I don't have time to read this whole thread right now but I will defo be back later to read!

I am so sincerely sorry to hear this. That was pretty much my worst fear, that I would not find my food triggers and that I would still get IBS flares. I feel very lucky that I have been able to control my IBS with diet because I know there are some people like you that are still suffering. I wish there was some miracle drug that would help. Have you tried anti depressants? My doctor wanted to get me on them, they seem to think stress is a main cause for IBS. For me it doesn't seem to be related to stress but I bet for others it is. I think the causes of IBS are very different from person to person.

Thanks for sharing your experience with IBS. I hope things get better for you.

mrhonesty

I've struggled with IBS my whole life but was diagnosed 11 years ago.
I have literally tried everything. Probiotics. Different diets. Juice cleanses. Even went to a dietitian my dr recommended to figure out my triggers. Mine are dairy and fried foods along with a few randoms. Worst part though? Sometimes I get it even when I don't eat my trigger foods. I have had countless uncomfortable days, been in and out of the hospital, passed out numerous times from pain on the bathroom floor.. So I feel your pain.
I don't have time to read this whole thread right now but I will defo be back later to read!

I'm sorry to hear that as well. I was diagnosed a few months ago but have lived with it my whole life. I have developed a need to go anxiety that I am working on as well. Right now I am reading the FODMAP diet and taking some herbal pills which seem to help. If anyone is interested, feel free to message and I can send you the link for this doctor. He seems to be helping so far.

patsypooter

Anyone have any advice on how to deal with constipation??

I am still "going" regularly but I'm still absolutely constipated. I'm really not sure what else I can do, I don't want to start taking laxatives.

nmncare

I've struggled with IBS my whole life but was diagnosed 11 years ago.
I have literally tried everything. Probiotics. Different diets. Juice cleanses. Even went to a dietitian my dr recommended to figure out my triggers. Mine are dairy and fried foods along with a few randoms. Worst part though? Sometimes I get it even when I don't eat my trigger foods. I have had countless uncomfortable days, been in and out of the hospital, passed out numerous times from pain on the bathroom floor.. So I feel your pain.
I don't have time to read this whole thread right now but I will defo be back later to read!

I am so sincerely sorry to hear this. That was pretty much my worst fear, that I would not find my food triggers and that I would still get IBS flares. I feel very lucky that I have been able to control my IBS with diet because I know there are some people like you that are still suffering. I wish there was some miracle drug that would help. Have you tried anti depressants? My doctor wanted to get me on them, they seem to think stress is a main cause for IBS. For me it doesn't seem to be related to stress but I bet for others it is. I think the causes of IBS are very different from person to person.

Thanks for sharing your experience with IBS. I hope things get better for you.

I did try anti-depressants. But they made me.. depressed. Go figure.. ha. I am a stresser. And stress definitely makes it worse!! I really wish they knew more about IBS as well and had SOME kind of drug that would help. Best of luck. It really is horrible. If you ever need to chat, you let me know

SuziQGettinFit

Aww that really sucks! I guess just the normal advice - lots of fruit and water. Celery is good for that too. Add some flax seed or chia seed to your shakes. I also use a Sunrider product called Fiber Tone and I haven't had either diarrhea or constipation since starting it. Metamucil works, but I couldn't drink it without gagging and just about throwing up so I stopped that quickly. Hope you find some relief soon! :flowerforyou:

patsypooter

Currently trying a diet for SIBO (Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth) to see if it works. I'm at my wits end about my IBS. I'm desperate to try anything that might work. Diary free, gluten free and sugar free and that will include fruits. I am on day two of sugar free (was already dairy and gluten free) and I feel SO MUCH BETTER! The constant pressure and discomfort I was feeling is almost entirely gone. I've been able to sleep comfortably the past two nights. I don't want to get my hopes up too much but if I can figure out a diet to manage this I will be ecstatic. It's hard because when I go to peoples houses or to restaurants I basically have to make my meal ahead of time. Worth it if I can figure this out. So tired of feeling sick all the time. And a full blown IBS attack I would not wish on my worst enemy... the pain is blinding. I'll do absolutely anything to prevent another attack from happening.

sillygoosie

Currently trying a diet for SIBO (Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth) to see if it works. I'm at my wits end about my IBS. I'm desperate to try anything that might work. Diary free, gluten free and sugar free and that will include fruits. I am on day two of sugar free (was already dairy and gluten free) and I feel SO MUCH BETTER! The constant pressure and discomfort I was feeling is almost entirely gone. I've been able to sleep comfortably the past two nights. I don't want to get my hopes up too much but if I can figure out a diet to manage this I will be ecstatic. It's hard because when I go to peoples houses or to restaurants I basically have to make my meal ahead of time. Worth it if I can figure this out. So tired of feeling sick all the time. And a full blown IBS attack I would not wish on my worst enemy... the pain is blinding. I'll do absolutely anything to prevent another attack from happening.

Have you tried regular doses of psylium fiber? I just take 2 caplets every day and it keeps me "normal". I also take fennel to help digestion, which seems to be a good link in the chain to keeps things operating. For me, my morning workouts help a lot. My body seems to really like the intense movement in the morning.

If all else fails, try a week on Miralax. It sucks but it works. Sorry you're having such trouble lately.

LauraBest2013

I have just recently been diagnosed with IBS, and whilst medication is currently controlling the bloating/cramping cycle, I still struggle with feeling sick almost every day.
I have tried gluten and wheat free and don't think that is a trigger as there have been times when I've eaten bread and other foods containing gluten and not reacted.
I eat very plain food (porridge, chicken and rice, eggs, red meat and veggies) and it seems to be one day something will make me ill and another day it won't.
Hoping to find an answer soon because I am about to graduate university and I worry about entering the working world with such a temperamental digestive system!

x

walkinthedogs

I've had digestion problems for years as well, from top to bottom. Was told by GP it was IBS and I needed more fiber, however, the more fiber I ate, the worse my symptoms got. Plus I really think GP's will just throw that answer at anything they can't figure out when it comes to digestion. Started having some really bad "episodes" and decided to get my "free" colonoscopy since I was over 40 but since I presented with symptoms, it became a not free colonoscopy, but I digress, found out I have microscopic colitis and gastritis and GERD (I actually had an endoscopy at the same time). Luckily I tested negative for celiac and Crohn's.

My point of this post is for those of you still suffering, I would strongly suggest going to a good gut doctor, it may not be IBS. The medication for my particular colitis was way too expensive for me so I just try to manage it with food. Although when I'm having bouts of it, everything seems to go right through and rather quickly :blushing: no matter what I eat. But the higher my protein and fat and lower the carbs, the better for me. Especially carbs from wheat, not sure if it's the gluten, the fiber or sugar that irritates my system, but I'm better off without it and I take Metamucil every night, which seems to help. For instance, cereal of any kind will make me sicker than a dog, period. I've tested it many times, however, oatmeal is fine. I don't know if this helps anybody, but for years I just thought I had IBS and "had to live with it" now I know it's microscopic colitis and I still have to live with it, but there are options and medication and there are other diagnosis than just the standard IBS.

walkinthedogs

Currently trying a diet for SIBO (Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth) to see if it works. I'm at my wits end about my IBS. I'm desperate to try anything that might work. Diary free, gluten free and sugar free and that will include fruits. I am on day two of sugar free (was already dairy and gluten free) and I feel SO MUCH BETTER! The constant pressure and discomfort I was feeling is almost entirely gone. I've been able to sleep comfortably the past two nights. I don't want to get my hopes up too much but if I can figure out a diet to manage this I will be ecstatic. It's hard because when I go to peoples houses or to restaurants I basically have to make my meal ahead of time. Worth it if I can figure this out. So tired of feeling sick all the time. And a full blown IBS attack I would not wish on my worst enemy... the pain is blinding. I'll do absolutely anything to prevent another attack from happening.

I hear you on that one. Can't tell you how many times I've been at a restaurant, get done eating and get that look of fear and pain on my face and tell my daughter, we need to leave now and go home immediately. It sucks cause it can ruin plans, either that or I got to suck it up and use the restroom at the restaurant, and quite frankly no one should have to witness any of that. Ever. Hope you find what works. I've always thought I should have the tightest *kitten* on the planet with the strength it takes to make it to the restroom. TMI.