IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums - IBSgroup.org: Bloated and miserable.... - IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums - IBSgroup.org

I read your post and can relate. I also bloat up to the point that I look like I have swallowed a basketball, LOL. I have decided, for the time being, that I am making a fashion statement in my sweatpants and loose fitting shorts. LOL...just kidding, I may look rediculous but it is comfortable FOR ME. I also have a silly sence of humour. I am a 42 year old female and my athletic children have all offered to let me wear their sweatpants. They say that I look COOL. LOL, I think that I am re-living my teenage years. On a serious note, I hope you can hang in there, chin up, and take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. I find, FOR MYSELF, that coming back to this site, on a regular bases, really helps me. I don't feel so alone in my suffering. Every day is a new adventure, or misadventure, because I never know what symptoms I am going to have. I do the best that I can do, just for the moment, and keep trying various solutions to my IBS problems. You probably have notice, by reading various entries, that we are all different. Something that works for one, may not work for another. I JUST KEEP TRYING. As for your colonoscopy, I had one and it really wasn't that bad. I was very scared and nervous because of the unknown. If you ask your doctor, they should verbally walk you through the proceedure. GOOD LUCK, I hope you are feeling better soon. Carol.

Hi Stacy and Carol. I used to experience that kind of bloating and would look 6 months pregnant! It was pretty scary and I was miserable. I was diagnosed with IBS and Ulcerative Colitis about 3 years ago and have been able to get them both under control with diet and lifestyle. Today I am a certified health counselor and work with clients with digestive issues. If you want to learn more or ask any questions please contact me at peninabareket@gmail.com or www.peninabareket.com.

Hi! I'm also 38 and have had IBS my whole life. Yes, there are times that it hurts to walk. I'm so glad your colonoscopy was normal.

I have found a regimen that helps quite a bit - and leaves me almost symptom-free. As long as I follow it, I feel great. Here goes:

-- exercise is crucial. I work out 3 times a week (at Curves) and do Yoga. Yoga is magic! I know people with IBD who swear by it, too, and sometimes I can hardly believe the great effect it has.
-- eat oatmeal every morning (not instant.) Soluble fiber is great.
-- Ask your doctor if you can take Miralax every night before bed (as crucial as the Yoga and exercise.)
-- learn your trigger foods. Maybe you need to avoid whole grains? Fruits with seeds? I haven't had a blueberry in 5 years. Swore off strawberries, too. And bagels. I avoid even looking at Popcorn or anything that has corn flour (I read labels VERY carefully!). I have a whole list. If I stick to it, I feel like I can fly. If I don't, the aliens take over my stomach again.... ; D

I hear the Estrogen thing - I noticed that my symptoms either went to the opposite extreme or disappeared during pregnancy.

It may take time, but I do think IBS can be manageable. Once I did, I lost so much weight, and not because I wasn't eating - because I wasn't bloated any more. It is such a great feeling - energetic and light. You will get there.