I have IBS-C with some VERY infrequent bouts of D. After several years of constant discomfort and pain, I finally am starting to realize that this is not a normal way to live. I know that diet is not a primary contributor to IBS-C, but I figure I might as well try to do everything in my power to feel better. I'm also upping fiber, but I, too, need to be careful with fiber because it's hard enough to "go" as it is!

I think some of my favorites might be gone forever (broccoli, beef, etc), but if this is what I need to do to feel better (or at least a little more in control of my body), then this is what I'll do.

I'm 4 days in to elimination, and I feel better already. Less bloated, less panicked about when and where those cramps might come back, unafraid to make better choices.

Thanks for starting this post! It's nice to know we're not alone out here in the wilderness.

Im going to try Low FODMAPS as my baby son whom I am breast feeding has been diagnosed with Colitis and I thought it might help. I already have to be diary and soy free for him, so will now try and cut out high fod map foods and keep track of what I eat and how he reacts. My partner also has Chrons so we will all follow this diet.

Im going to try Low FODMAPS as my baby son whom I am breast feeding has been diagnosed with Colitis and I thought it might help. I already have to be diary and soy free for him, so will now try and cut out high fod map foods and keep track of what I eat and how he reacts. My partner also has Chrons so we will all follow this diet.

How is it going for you so far? I find that making all my low FODMAP meals also very small (lots of meals a day, but small portions) and making sure I pay attention to fiber (more soluble fiber than insoluble) really helps. Let me know if you need meal ideas!

Hellos! I'm Pamela - go by Pam for short, answer to about anything, lol. I have suffered with digestive issues for over almost 20 years that I can remember, probably before that. It was only about that time I actually started going to doctors and trying to get answers for the pain, and symptoms that plagued me over the years. It's really amazing that after so long, so little progress has been made. I work in the medical field and have seen all kinds of strides and great feats through out the years - yet like the brain it seems doctors are coming up quite short and clueless with GI issues. A couple years ago after years of visits they decided that my gallbladder (which I give them was full of gallstones and enlarged) needed to be removed. This they though was the magic answer to my issues, oh how wrong they were, and oh how I miss my little gallbladder! They definitely confirmed the IBS (alternating C/D) that plagues me. Removing my gallbladder just created more dietary restrictions and issues for me. This past fall I went in for a Doctors appointment and since my primary doc wasn't available I saw a another doc that works with them. This just turned out to be a blessing in disguise. While not a GI specialist he had dealt with many patients in similar situations and was able to give me some excellent advice that has really changed my life and saved my marriage even. I was at the end of my rope and miserable, tired of being constantly plagues by the symptoms of IBS everyday and feeling like crap (forgive the pun) - he strongly suggested a class that had recently been started and was being taught by the GI doc and dietician of the hospital for Patients with IBS and other digestive issues. He also suggested blood testing that is able to test food sensitivities, not allergies (I'm awaiting disapproval and the set up/go ahead for the blood test so I have another tool in the bucket) So signed up I went off to this class where they talked about food allergies vs intolerances vs sensitivities. But the majority was teaching us about the FODMAP diet - what it was, how it worked, how to use it. It was a informative first step to get us going on what was a life changing journey. I started the elimination phase in the fall end of September 2013 and was on the elimination for about 8-10 weeks. The first weeks were rough, learning to adjust and figuring everything out from reading labels, to just knowing what was approved foods. Improvement for me was slow but steady. But for the first time In years I had symptom free days. I had energy coming back, I felt like a new person, the young me I use to be. To this day I still stick pretty close to the elimination phase as I find my self so sensitive to foods that I'm hesitant about trialling foods. Thus the blood work is a good option for me as starting point - sadly insurance don't look at this treating as necessary or any standard of care which is really quite sad for those of us in this position. But changing to a low Fodmap lifestyle has been a huge blessing. It not a cure, as I still get flare ups, although compared to before they are fewer and seemingly better. And I'm happy with any improvement.

One of the biggest things that happen was that once I figured out the food by body could handle, losing weight became so much easier. Prior to this I was working out and eat what healthy (just not healthy for my gut and me) and nothing much was happening. Once I managed to get my body to calm down and eat what works with my gut, it seemed to start just falling off (with working out it was crazy dropping for the start) FODMAPs are challenging and still a very new thing specially here in North America. So many people don't understand it or have a clue. Plus it evolving. I love that there is science to back it up and I can on lay hope more and more doctors will learn about it as it has such a high success rate for those who can follow it. The biggest advice I give people start out is you will have bed days - you might cave to a craving, or accidentally eat something you shouldn't have but you will. Don't beet yourself up over it. And of course food journals are a must - include portions size, seasons used, anything you added to its. All of a these things can cause signs/symptoms for you and being able to go through make it easier to figure out possible culprits. I have a lot of people ask me how I can stick to such a strict regiment diet - my response is quite simple, being sick and miserable generally isn't worth breaking the rules. If you guys are looking to some online info looking up Sue Shepard - she is one of the founders/creators of the Fodmap diet and she has books and a new cookbook due out in June. Also search for Monash University, Fodmap - this is the university that did the original work on it and vs has continue on going research. Their site has videos and other good information - they also have their own app availed on Apple and android which runs about $10 but the money goes toward research. This was my go to app when I first started shopping and it has a wealth of info. Well have drag on enough, hope some of this helps and I look forward to meeting some new people in similar shoes!