IBSC/DD and low fodmap diet
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hello Anyone on the forum with IBS C who has done the low fodmap and found that although it improved bloating it make constipation worse. I have been trying to do the elimination stage albeit not strictly and have found whilst it helped with bloating somewhat my constipation has come back. I down loaded the app and joined a lowfodmap group for advice and it was suggested I sprinkle groundflaxseed on my porridge. I have been adding just a teaspoon plus some blueberries. Does any one know how much I need to add without causing bloating etc. Before this my gp pushed a high fibre diet to avoid getting an infection with my diverticulosis diagnosed 1 year ago after colonoscopy. Luckily is just that at the moment no flares. I have read how much some suffer with this horrible condition and I feel for them. Going back to the high fibre I started having Branflakes for breakfast( having eaten them for years with no trouble) and adding beans to stews etc. This was great for constipation even though the stools were very bulky but caused awful bloating. The bvloating was the reason my gp suggested low fodmap. I am beginning to think this diet is not for me or at least needs adapting. I have been taking fybogel.mebeverine for 1 year and even increasing it to 2 doses has not helped. I am fed up with each wondering have I drunk enough water eaten enough fibre should I have eaten this or that. No way to live I have enough other problems without having food on my mind all the time. It seems I can't win high fibre bloating or low fodmap constipation. Any ideas. I should add I suffer from anxiety and wonder if this is at the heart of it but so difficult to deal with (I see a counsellor) when you don't feel well.
0 likes, 24 replies
sam18386 libralady13
Posted
Hi libralady, you are describing me I think! I have a recent diagnosis of mild diverticulosis on top of ibs, on top of anxiety, panic attacks and depression. I went to my doctor just recently and was told to have antidepressants to sort out my 'low mood' and it would be the only thing she would recommend rubbing her hands together with glee it seemed. I won't take them. Point blank refuse because when I looked in to the side effects of what she wanted me to take, there written clearly on the side effects were the words 'problems with constipation and don't give to patients with urinary difficulties'. I now adamantly won't take them. Oooh forgot to say have ptsd on top. With ibs you need to work out the best combination of foods that work for YOU, not anyone else just YOU! Don't cut out large swathes of food otherwise your diet may end up deplete of vitamins and minerals and essential things that make your body work. I have been lucky so far, I have been able to have my beloved chocolate, which if they had said I had a milk intolerance it would have been the BIGGEST thing I would have cried over. Diverticulosis is a condition which means your ibs has worsened slightly as you get older, from what I understand was explained to me. This condition needs slightly different handling and some of the better experts on here may explain things better than me. A flare up simply knocks me for 6. I can't move easily due to the pain when it flares up but have discovered that unfortunately as a female each month this condition is murder - and men think they struggle! The other thing is heat, relaxation, occasional doses of ibuprofen/paracetamol and evening primrose (due to my old age) helps. Touch wood this hasn't flared since last week. Walk, go out with the dog, swim, do something like yoga/pilates/tai chi/ mindfulness might help with both. I have discovered the only thing the FODMAPs did for me was cut out fruit which has left me with really poor immunity! That worked - NO! DO what is right for YOU. And the odd bit of what you fancy you may suffer for but it will make you feel good in the end! Good luck.x
libralady13 sam18386
Posted
Hello, I smiled when I read your reply for which I thank you. This afternoon I have already decided to do much what you say finding what is right for me. I too was offered medication for my anxiety but only because both my daughters seemed to think I needed something so I asked my gp but she did not push me at all. Like you I read all the side effects , constipation no thank you (the other tablets I take have that as a side effect and I also have hypothroidism) Also I have glaucoma and it is mentioned as a caution so another reason not to take them. I have been thinking about asking my gp if there are alternatives but I doubt it. I love my chocolate like you but limit how much I have now. Because of the arthritis pain and anxiety I often don't feel like going out. I do sing in a rock choir and that gets me out but I do come back aching and very tired. I thought about doing zumba gold if I could manage it and have promised my counsellor I will get out walking more. I have also looked at the mindfulness meditation and use them sometimes plus relaxation and breathing exercise. I smiled when you mentioned men. We have periods pregnancy and childbirth not to mention the menopause when everything seem to go wrong. To be fair my husband now 72 does have his fair share of problems. I am 70 and I think my self lucky I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren and live near my daughter and grandaughters. I think my anxiety is really at the heart of a lot of my symptoms and also it makes me unable to deal with pain from arthritis etc. I also smiled when you mentioned heat and paracetamol both feature in my life. I wish you well as you have a lot to contend with. I appreciate your honesty do what is right for you. It is refreshing rather than all though well meaning do this and don't do that. Keep in touch and thanks once again.
Carol
sam18386 libralady13
Posted
Thank you libralady, snap you have now made me smile and I've been really down for weeks! Glad I've made you smile, rock your heart out, try it towards your doctors and see if there ever make you have antidepressants again/ever!
matt88995 libralady13
Posted