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Positive IBS cure/story?

Posted , 14 users are following.

gazbenno
gazbenno

I'm currently on holiday in Spain and I'm struggling! I'm sat in my appartment looking across a beautiful beach and sea scape, but again! feeling unwell and dreading going out for dinner! Its spoiling the holiday for not just myself, but for my wife also! I certainly dont want to bore people with my medical history, but briefly I'm 51 years old and for around eight years I've been trying to find out why I feel sick/tired/constipated/loose and generally unwell for most of the time. I also struggle sleeping on my side and feel sick and have back pain when I try. I also urinate a lot!!! My doctor has diagnosed IBS and I'm currently trying the FODMAP diet, but my question to everyone is: Has anyone ever beaten IBS, or at least got it under control so they can live a decent life. Any positive stories I'm sure would be greatly appreciated for anyone suffering, I'm now going to try to find a FODMAP friendly restaurant! Wish me luck!

and thanks everyone in advance

Gary

0 likes, 35 replies

35 Replies

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  • philippa61759
    philippa61759 gazbenno

    Posted

    I got diagnosed with IBS in May last year. I have constant but dull pain which is manageable without medication. My last flare up was just before New Year and I had two in June.  Buscopan and pain killers help when the pain gets bad.
    • gazbenno
      gazbenno philippa61759

      Posted

      Thanks Phillipa, really appreciate the reply, will consider the pain killers, however I would prefer to find a cure without if possible, but good luck and hope you feel better soon, Gary
  • Guest
    Guest gazbenno

    Posted

    hi, I fixed my stomach issues after 7 years of agony and nausea with ibs(d) by avoiding most oils including olive oil. I now only use animal fats or coconut oil. vegetable oils are in most processed foods so can be difficult to stick to if eating on the run, but now I stick to it most the time I get away with the odd slip up without too much bother. whereas before when I used olive oil at home for cooking or salads the slightest bit of bread, potato, milk or processed food would set me off. I could probably count on one hand though the amount of other people I have found that this worked for so don't know whether it will help you or not. but by the difference it's made to my life i can only say it's worth trying if you find other ibs diets or treatments don't work
    • gazbenno
      gazbenno Guest

      Posted

      Hi Kirsty, Thank you so much for the reply, I think I will try the fodmap diet and see how it goes, I can remove the oils as you suggested as an addition if needed, and i'm so glad its working for you, it really helps to hear someones positive story, again thanks very much Kirsty. X
  • jan48389
    jan48389 gazbenno

    Posted

    So sorry to hear things are grim for you. My experience of the Low FODMAP diet is exceptionally.good. I wouldn't go so far as to say it has cured my IBS ( I still get the occasional flare up ) but at least 90% of the time my symptoms are under control. From my point of point of view, the Low FODMAP diet has given me my life back. Enjoy your meal and best wishes for the future. 

    Jan

    • gazbenno
      gazbenno jan48389

      Posted

      Hi Jan, Thank you very much, so glad the diets working for you, that really gives me hope! Its nice to hear another positive story, hope it continues for you, Gary X
  • trayham
    trayham gazbenno

    Posted

    I had never heard of this FODMAP diet till just a few weeks ago but it seems I have been doing it for years through  trial and error. When I was told over 30 years ago I had IBS there was no real help in England as not much was know about it. It does work, I know what food and drinks not to have, you will learn as well. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you can get flares up down to just a few a year or less. As you are on hoilday you should keep to bland food and just drink water as fizzy drinks may be a problem. Also try to avoid wheat. Good luck and hoping you enjoy the rest of your trip to spain
    • gazbenno
      gazbenno trayham

      Posted

      Hi Trayham,

      Thanks so much for the positive message, and so glad the fodmaps working for you, its great to hear another person who's having success with the diet, and thanks again for the suggestions, will definately take on board the advise. Gary x

  • Swtz
    Swtz gazbenno

    Posted

    Wow spain right now i envy you!

    there is no cure for IBS but like wveryine said..through trial and error once you can manage your symptoms you can pretty much enjoy a content lifestyle.. well hopefully!

    • gazbenno
      gazbenno Swtz

      Posted

      Hi Swtz

      Thanks for the reply, great to know its managable, really helps when people have positive storys that spur you on, Thanks Gary

  • Missjosefina
    Missjosefina gazbenno

    Posted

    Hi Gaz

    I'm following FODMAP as it helps with my ibs-d symptoms. usually, I can't eat out like a normal person and that makes eating out a chore. But on Kings Day, my fella dragged me to a Spanish tapas bar. The menu looked delicious but I didn't think I could eat anything. Yet the waitress was really nice and said she'd ask the chef if there was anything I could eat....wow!!! Out of the Today's Specials, I could eat 5 of the 8 tapas dishes.

    So my advice would be to go out to a local eatery, ask for the charcuterie selection, the olives, stuffed vine leaves, chicken wings and potato bravas...without the bravas sauce.

    Life's too short to let a brilliant holiday go to waste. Take your wife out for a walk on the promenade and find somewhere lovely to eat real Spanish food xxx

    • gazbenno
      gazbenno Missjosefina

      Posted

      Hi Josefina

      Thanks for the suggestions, will definately try the cooked meat section on the tapas menu, and so far the days eating has gone well, have stuck to the fodmap diet and feeling good, plus the sun's shining!!!, and all the encouragement is much appreciated, Thanks Gary x

    • jan48389
      jan48389 gazbenno

      Posted

      So glad things are going well. The Low FODMAP diet is well worth persevering with. Enjoy your holiday, and think of us poor souls in th UK shivering in the cold. 

      Jan

  • vibegirl
    vibegirl gazbenno

    Posted

    First of all when anyone says there is no cure for IBS, run!  lol  But seriously...of course you can be better from IBS!    I am one who did just that...7 yrs of issues...feeling poorly, anxiety, diarrhea, never knowing if can go out somewhere or wondering what will set me off..foods and anxiety or sometimes it was just because! 

    After doctors and tests and meds...I ended up going with a natural approach.  Do some research on herbs and supplements that heal the bowel and the digestive tract.  If you can find a Naturopathic Doctor in your area even better.  The bottom line is that we are allowed to feel and be in control of our bowels!  Not the other way around. We get so caught up in how it's always been, it's hard to imagine NOT being that way.  But it's possible.  Within 6 months I was 50% better and within a year I was pretty much back to normal.  Do I still have an occurance of diarrhea or constipation?  Yep...on occasion...but who doesn't??  I don't eat perfect every day so this may happen (though I do eat very well) and I drink water, dont' drink alchohol (just my choice) and meditate for stress relief. 

    Start only looking for positive stories to help you move forward to getting better, to the point that you are well!  Much of it  is a mind practice- as you will see, as te body will start to follow your lead- it is programmed for wellness - and just a side note it sounds as if you may have some yeast/candida problems which can directly affect bowels and urinary systems.  Probiotic, garlic, unrefined coconut oil, etc all help rid the body of yeast...but go gently with it as cleansing it from your body can start healing symptoms etc...and avoid sugar.  Best of luck!

     

    • gazbenno
      gazbenno vibegirl

      Posted

      Hi Vibegirl

      I replied to you yesterday but the post seems to be missing!, Just to say again thanks for all the advise, will definately take onboard, and are there any tests you can take to check for yeast and candida problems?

      Thanks again

      Gary

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