[Yarm]

Hi everyone,I was diagnosed with IBS a couple of years ago... seemed to come on suddenly..... also had acid reflux. I was put on Nexium. I was on that for a year and a half. My doctor told me to stop taking it if I could as it depletes calcium and iron stores... so I did with the help of a Naturopath. I now take probiotics, herbal pills (marshmallow root and slippery elm). My symptoms are much improved... I used to be in constant pain. I also began seeing a dietician who helped me identify trigger foods. I can manage my ibs but it is frustrating. I always have to bring a meal along everywhere I go... can't eat out much. I have to really limit fats, among many other foods!I hope this will not always be the case.Glad to meet you all!

 

[lelac36]

Hi,I am a new member, too. I've only had symptoms recently and got diagnosed with post-infectious IBS. I am interested in the help you got from the dietician. I called my GI specialist yesterday to ask about seeing a nutritionist/dietician (i don't know if there is a difference.) I am scared to vary my bland diet and I do so terribly miss fats, satisfying foods, fruits, and vegetables. I did not know if any dietician would be versed in IBS issues. I am glad to hear you have had some help figuring out triggers. What sort of meals do you bring along? What can you eat out? And the herbs sound interesting too. I have lost weight that i did not need to lose. Most people would not complain but I am starting to look sickly which only adds to my discouragement. I am trying to eat a lot of chobani yogurt for protein and probiotics. i am not sure if i should try the full fat version for more calories and fats.

Hi everyone,I was diagnosed with IBS a couple of years ago... seemed to come on suddenly..... also had acid reflux. I was put on Nexium. I was on that for a year and a half. My doctor told me to stop taking it if I could as it depletes calcium and iron stores... so I did with the help of a Naturopath. I now take probiotics, herbal pills (marshmallow root and slippery elm). My symptoms are much improved... I used to be in constant pain. I also began seeing a dietician who helped me identify trigger foods. I can manage my ibs but it is frustrating. I always have to bring a meal along everywhere I go... can't eat out much. I have to really limit fats, among many other foods!I hope this will not always be the case.Glad to meet you all!

 

[Yarm]

Hi,My dietician was extremely helpful in the 6 months after my diagnosis. I was so afraid to eat anything but bland food. Most dieticians are well versed in how to help those with IBS and other ailments. She had me keep a food diary where I wrote down everything I ate and drank, kept track on the side of any pain, BM consistency, acid reflux, gassiness etc.I am a thin person and I couldn't do an elimination diet as my gastroenterologist had suggested... I needed to eat!The results have been amazing... simple things like the two apples and apple juice were bothering me...nuts and seeds, rice, pasta, onions. She also helped me determine what types of foods I should add to my diet (watercress, canola oil instead of olive oil). Although I have to restrict many foods my diet is nonetheless varied. I figured I could eat flaxseed (the only kind of seed i can tolerate). She also had me replace apples with pears and lemons... eat less red meat, less fat...I usually take a sandwich when I'm out (tuna and avocado) and I make myself soups which I put in a thermos. Whole wheat spelt couscous is quick to make also. I often will bring boiled eggs, dried figs, a pear, a flaxseed bagel with margarine, baby cucumbers.... I make my own raisin bran muffins and oatmeal cinamon muffins which freeze well.I do pay for my dietician but not much (30 dollars the half hour). I don't know where you live but in Ontario the gov't just began a program where you can get free advice from a dietician (over the phone I think). I wish you well on your journey to managing your IBS. Take heart... improvement does happen albeit slowly!Yarm