Anyone got any helpful advice? I'm running low on ideas here.

Hi Reena - I'm struggling with my stomach so I can sympathize with how you feel. I'm looking into getting tested for food sensitivities and delayed food allergies. I've read some testimonials on the IBS Support Group bulletin board that indicate that this testing has been very helpful. There are several companies that do the testing. Two web sites to look at are www.yorkallergyusa.com and www.leapallergy.com. The other thing I'm looking into is getting tested for parasites. Apparently, it can take up to four or five stool tests to detect a parasite. If you haven't been tested for celiac disease (gluten allergy), you might want to have a blood test for that.

Hi Reena,
I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with IBS and I have diarhea predominant so I hope this info helps

The first thing I did was stop eating food out from anywhere, I found that if I ate fast food or restaurant food it would kick my symptoms in and I would be miserable...sometimes for days! I can now eat at a few restaurants without trouble but all the big name chains are out except Wendys.

The other thing I did was stop eating fatty food at home, I don't fry too many things anymore. I bought an indoor grill and you can cook just about everything on it without too much fat. I love it!!
I also increased my vegi intake, I eat a banana in the morning and I eat yogurt quite often, one with live bacteria in it.

Those are the main things that I have done to stop my IBS and I have it pretty much under control now. I was housebound because of the symptoms for awhile and it is nice to be able to trust my body again!

There is just one other thing that I would like to mention...Have you had your gallbladder checked?? I have been having IBS symtoms along with bloating, gas, pain in my upper right abdomen (a dull aching pain off and on) heartburn and generally feeling under the weather... well sure enough I went in for a Hida scan an my gallbladder is bad..I have to see a surgeon next wednesday. Gallbladder is one thing that can cause IBS symptoms ans I really think it is worth looking into

Take care,
Jodi

Hi Carolina,

I have had testing done a long time ago but staying off the foods didnt help. I don't get why but thats how it went for me. I do know the foods that are major triggers so I do try to avoid them. Thank you for your ideas. I will read the websites anyways, never know. Thanks for taking the time to help. I appreciate it.

Sunflower,

Thanks for replying too. It means alot to have others understand. Mine is opposite of yours but I have had my gallbladder checked and it actually sits there and does nothing. So, I know that fats are going to be a trigger for me since the gall bladder helps digest the fats. It doesnt hurt or anything like that. I would never know it doesnt work except that the doc decided to send me to the nuke testing site to have it looked at. Boy, was that fun. Actually, it wasnt too bad. Just had to hold real still for quite a while.

I am reading a book by heather van vorous and i just started applying her eating concepts to myself and I guess it will just take time to adjust. Change is hard and I love what I shouldnt be eating. Baby steps over time will get me there, I hope.

THank you both very much.

Reena

One thing that irritates my bowels is coffee and I love coffee. If you drink it try to stop and see if it helps.

Hi. I am new here. Just want to say I feel for you...the main way my body reacted to my panic was running to the bathroom. One thing that helped me was to read a book called 'Fit for Life' by Harvey Diamond. Many of the digestive problems that I had pre-dated the start of my panic attacks, although as we all know panic makes it all so much worse, and the eating plan in this book helped me recover my physical health to a point that I could hardly imagine. If you would like more info, please feel free to email me.

kareng,

I quit coffee years ago. But yes, it would certainly trigger me.

MimiLynn,

Thanks for the book info. I will look into it.

I finished that book I mentioned above and it has helped. I joined the Y so I will have opportunity for some fun and exercise. I know that will help.

Thanks for replying. I know I'm not alone but it sure feels like it sometimes.

Hugs, Reena

I just wanted to say that I read all the replys in this topic and thank you sooo much! IBS is my number one problem as well. I have written down all the websites and the books that you all have suggested and I am so glad that others understand. If you guys have any new info please share more! Thanks again

ibs program page

I bought this program but havent started it yet. Im chicken I guess. Anyways, its very affordable and since I've been doing this(ibs) for years i thought it couldnt hurt to try it. Check it out and maybe you'll find that this could be of some help too.

Reena

i seem to have ibs whenever i talk to someone on the phone. not just anyone it only seems it happens when i need to get information usually from a operator of somekind, i almost feel intimidated by them if i dont ask the question properly or forget to say something. my stomach feels like a knot then i feel i have to run to the bathroom. can anyone relate to this?

If you have the program I would suggest using the six steps for a panic attack whenever you have to face a situation that you think will trigger your stomach. I use the breathing techniques for many situations and it usually helps. Reminding yourself that you are smart, confident and can talk to whomever you want will help too. Practice helps. and more practice.

Best wishes, Reena

Thanks Reena---I checked out the site. Lots of info. When you try the program I'd be interested to know the results.

Hope your doing better with it!
Serene

I will do that, Serene. Ive been doing pretty good lately. I would suggest reading Eating for Ibs, The First Year (I think that is what it is called) by Heather Van Vorous. It makes sense and I have been changing the way I eat and I hope it lasts. I would really like to get my rear in gear and start that other program but just havent made the time yet. I just have a hard time finding the uninterrupted time each and every day to do this. I have a 3 year old and a few older children to contend with. But I do have to make myself a priority and will do it eventually.

Reena

I have problems with IBS too. It's strange because sometimes some foods bother me while sometimes those same foods don't. I eat fast food a lot, almost every day. Most days I am fine but on occasion I get very bad stomach aches and diareah. When I get bad anxiety I am afraid to eat because I am scared that it will cause stomach problems so I avoid eating anything but soup or something I know won't bother my stomach. I also have this weird thing where I am afriad to eat things late at night. Like if I eat something after 10:00 I'm afraid I'll get really sick. Does anyone else have this same problem?

ibsaudioprogram.com

I have started a hypnotherapy program I bought months ago. I have been feelign better since beginning it and hope it changes things for good. I am still implementing dietary changes from Heather VanVorous' book. Just another option to try. I have been able to email the person who made the program with questions and I find that to be helpful. If you go to the website you can read up on the credentials.

Reena