[Guest]

I thought I had a lactose problem but have not had any lactose products since Monday and last night had pain "D" and had to stay home and of course did not get to eat supper. The only thing I had with lactose was a handfull of M&M's. Pretty much been eating fruit, bread items (bagels muffins), roast beef, and water. Today I will try just bread items and water. I am at work just wondering when and if the D will hit. My insides are cramping but who knows what will happen next. I hate doctors and called mine Monday to ask for a lactose test but if you read my last post he said NO. I do not see him often (twice a year) and now I feel like I should not call back. I only call about four times a year so I really do not think I am being a pest. I am just tired of being afraid to go on vacation or for that fact anywhere other than work (which I have a wonderfull attendance record) and I work 9 hour days /church and home. DElise how do you travel like you do you are my hero.....You have given my hope that even if I do not get a handle on this pehapes I should try to travel/vacation again. My biggest problem is at work I should be attending luncheons both in house and at resturants about three times a month. So far I have always found 'ligitimate" excusses for not going but my boss and people are tired of hearing NO from me. I can NOT tell them about my "problem" the D they just think I am strange as it is. Any ideas. Thanks for listening and any advise is welcome.

 

[Bill]

Hi, Natalie. About the lactose intolerance. Since your Doc won't do the test(s), have you thought about trying Lactaid (get at grocery). If that seems to help with your suspected lactose intolerance, then you probably are. The pills are probably cheaper than the test(s) anyway. By the way, chocolate (M&Ms, etc) is intestinal suicide for me. As they say, "love it, but it doesn't love me"

 

[Guest]

Hey, Natalie....I almost missed your post. I am currently in Italy and I have trouble loading things from the net through my phone connection.Anyway, I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined that I would be spending what will turn out to be 4 months (with 2 interim trips back to the US) here in Italy. I actually volunteered to come here (I am a software implementation consultant) even with my IBS. I truly felt that I would not let IBS control my life and control what I did. The first half of my stay, I had 1 or 2 bouts of IBS that was all. I have now been here for 2 weeks (I went home for Christmas), and no "D", I'm actually "C" for a change (highly, highly unusual for me).I think being here, there are so many trigger foods (cheese, cream sauces) that I eat very, very little so my gut doesn't have much to complain about. I survive on pasta here with a light(!) tomato sauce. (this is normally a huge trigger for me in the US - but they must make their sauce differently).There is hope Natalie!!! My job is very stressful, alot of travel and I seem to be managing....I've learned which pills work best for me (Dicyclomine/Tranxene) and which foods I can eat and when. I also suffer from anxiety attacks (I HATE TO FLY!!), but I do it anyway. God didn't intend for our bodies to control our lives (I don't think).As for your doctor, sounds like you need a new doctor!! You should have a doctor that you feel confortable with, that you can contact with any issues and who will LISTEN and RESPOND to your complaints. This is not necessarily an easy task, it took me about 6 years to find a doctor (a woman) who was willing to listen to my complaints, help pin down a diagnosis and is willing to let me continue with the meds that I know work. She is very encouraging and very sympathetic. I suggest you start looking....ask through a trusted friend, or sometimes there are locator type services for doctors/dentists.Anytime you want to chat let me know. You can email me direct at dedowney###kpmg.comCiao!!