IBS diet questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
IBS diet questions
6
Mon, 05-08-2006 - 8:44am

Hi All,

Lynn, I read your post about soluable fiber? I am impressed by the huge amount of information you provided--thank you!

As you know, I had tests done last week. As of Friday, the biopsy wasn't back yet. I spoke with the doctor about the gastritis, he doesn't want to treat it unless I am having pain. So, we'll leave it at that. But, since the tests I've been having problems. My stomach feels nauseated just about every time I eat. It also feels achy, is this typical after procedures? I am also feeling afraid to eat, I could stand to loose 40 pounds, so for now its OK. I just don't feel sure of what to eat. I am afraid of the horrible stomach pains and diareha, and now I am afraid of the nausea, so I'm trying to just nibble to keep both away. I just can't seem to figure out how to put meals together that DH, DD, and I are happy with. Do you have any book suggestions for IBS? My DH is a fragile diabetic, so we'll be combining diets.

Thanks!

chipper

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Mon, 05-08-2006 - 8:27pm

Hey Chipper,


A really good book for you would be:

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2004
Mon, 05-08-2006 - 9:23pm

Hi Chipper,

Lynn is right about Heather's book - it is very good. I borrowed it from the library and then xeroxed the pages from it that I found were helpful to me. She also has a website at: http://www.helpforibs.com/

I totally understand how you feel about being afraid to eat because of the consequences. I went through that initially last spring and summer and still am very careful and think twice about what I put in my mouth. The only good thing that has happened is that I did lose 50 pounds - all of which needed to go - but its been expensive replacing clothes for work! LOL! I also keep a journal of everything I eat and how I feel and my GERD and IBS react so I can keep some frame of reference and so it doesn't become all jumbled in my brain!

Good luck!
Sue

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 05-09-2006 - 8:12am

Hi Gals,

Thank you for the book info. I will ask my library to pull it in for me. What a great idea to keep a food diary, I'll start that today. What do you use for the diary? A small notebook?

Lynn, I also noticed in one of your messages that you said carbonated beverages can bother IBS. Could you give me more info on that? My DH and I love plain seltzer water, we even bought a home sized seltzer maker, perhaps this is a trigger for me.

Thanks!

chipper

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2004
Tue, 05-09-2006 - 10:19pm


Chipper,

I use a small looseleaf notebook that I had buried in a desk drawer but whatever works for you will do. I do one day on a page. On the left I list what I eat in chronological order then on the right I list how I feel in the morning when I wake up, any symptons during the day and overnite, bowel movements, activities for that day and any meds both prescription or OTC that I take especially if I'm on an antibiotic or I take Mylanta etc.

I have to agree that carbonated beverages are a no- no for GERD. I used to drink at least 2 - 3 cans of caffeine-free Diet Coke a day but not anymore in the last year! I had switched to Caffeine-free a long time ago thinking that was better for you but it really isn't. the carbonation is tough on your digestive system. I know I read why somewhere but I can;t remember where and I'm a bit bleary-eyed to go search. Then this past summer I switched to lemonade when I went out and drank Crystal Lite at home - well that is a no-no as well because it is citrus which is bad for GERD. I do think that I feel better doing without. I just drink WATER now which is actually very good for you if you have IBS and are increasing yout fiber which I am.

It is not easy balancing everything - it is a constant battle all the time. And I am really trying. Which is why I got very angry with my old PCP who would not give me a referral to see a Registered dietitian to get help to figure it all out. As a result of that and a few other disagreements I fired her and now see someone else. You have to stand up for yourself because no one else will. sorry too much venting!
Talk to you again!
Sue

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Wed, 05-10-2006 - 8:47pm

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 9:43pm
Hi Cat, Fantastic, fabulous, informative and intelligent post. Most Helpful. I'm taking your advice and getting with the program immediately. TU, TU, TU
...Eastcote