Irritable bowel syndrome-symptoms and triggers

[The Mystery Machine]

I have just been informally (?) diagnosed with IBS. My doctor did no invasive testing but deduced this based on my symptoms. Mostly I have lots of abdominal cramping with some diarrhea ; no constipation. I've been keeping a symptom diary to try to determine what my triggers are but I can't find any one or two things that are consistent.

I guess what I'm looking for are others' experiences, plus any advice that people have to offer.

For me it is not eating breakfast. If I "starve" myself until lunch, I guess I get the "dumping syndrome". Gross that it is called that but what can you do?

Also stress is a big one.

As far as food, lettuce seems to be a big one for me and high fats and all that jazz. I had my gallbladder out so I have to watch it.

Of course I will recommend STRONGLY to you to GET A COLONOSCOPY!!!!!! I don't care what the insurance companies designate as the "right time" because they are FULL OF IT.

If you have disgestive problems do yourself a favor. You may have polyps from your IBS, you just don't know until you get one.

I insisted on getting mine at 41 and had 2 precancerous polyps removed. The GI doctor said to me, you are lucky that you had this done.

Take charge of your own health.

 

[jamimb]

I have read a lot about the benefits of fennel tea.I plan on trying it soon. I am kinda against poisoning me body with meds so I am always looking for a more natural approach. Oh I also take flax seed oil supplements every day and that seems to help.

 

[RachaelA]

I have read a lot about the benefits of fennel tea.I plan on trying it soon. I am kinda against poisoning me body with meds so I am always looking for a more natural approach. Oh I also take flax seed oil supplements every day and that seems to help.

check out helpforibs.com it has a lot of natural remedies

 

[alliecats]

Stress riles mine. I also find I cannot wear anything tight around my middle or I blow up like a toad. My ENT said that is classic IBS.

My husband cannot have coffee (becomes VIOLENTLY ill), onions, or grapefruit juice. Sometimes lettuce will make him sick and sometimes not. The others are guaranteed.

Green onions and carbonated beverages also do not like me but they are not consistent. It's hit or miss...and I like the both so I sometimes take my chances.