diet advice needed! - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Shayla18 · 11-12-2005, 07:16 PM

Hi everyone
I'm new to this board, but definitely not new to IBS. I've had it for 4 years, ever since my freshman year of high school. I am a senior now, and I have almost lost hope. I'm in constant abdominal pain, 24/7. I've been on so many medications it's ridiculous, had all the tests, my doctors have given up and written me off. But I am headed to college in the fall, and I can't bear the thought of living in a dorm this way. So I was wondering-- has anyone been able to cure themselves of the pain by taking measures to drastically or just somewhat change their diet? It's the last thing I have left to do. I saw a dietician once this past week and she was not sure what to have me eat and just told me to include more fiber in my diet, which I already knew. I am afraid to increase my fiber intake because having D is complete hell for me. If anyone has been helped by a diet, would you mind sharing which one, or how you went about changing your diet, because I have no idea where to start.
Thank you in advance

Shayla

threethings · 11-13-2005, 07:49 AM

sometimes fiber helps bulk the bowel movement therefore helping the big D!

did you give a stool sample so they could test for infection? maybe a good probiotic could help too to restore the natural flora in your intestines. a bland diet would be good for a bit as well as exercise and a good multi. are you stressed at all?

Shayla18 · 11-26-2005, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the reply. I got the stool test, everything seemed fine. I almost wish something would just be wrong! I'm taking fiber supplements, 4 grams a day I think. It doesn't seem to be doing much for the pain at all.
As for the stress, I get asked this often by doctors. I don't feel that I am abnormally stressed, but is it possible that there is an underlying high stress level that isn't easily detected by me? I am under the normal amount of stress that any other teenager is, but maybe I should learn to manage it. Has that helped for anyone?
Thanks

Shayla