Living with IBS-C? Tell us about your experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Help IBS-D

I’m desperate for answers for my 18 yr old daughter's illness. IBS-D / food intolerance. It started around the age of 8. We’ve seen every dr, had every test, tried so many medications. Nothing has worked and all tests always come back normal. She can't eat hardly anything. She is dairy free, gluten free, nut free, she follows FODMAP. She’s allergic to most fruit and some veggies. She has severe flare up episodes, lasting from a few hours up to a week. Does anyone have any suggestions on what else we can try? Geneticists, hypnotherapy, acupuncture? Anything?

  1. Hi,

    1. I just started acupuncture for the first time this week so I'll update you on how that goes for me! I also meditate, which seems to help. I'm an nortriptyline which helps a little. I also suggest eating as much soluble fiber as possible and avoiding insoluble fiber like the plague. I find that doing a bunch of little things that help is best. Can't seem to find a "magical solution" :/


      1. I have had both Ibs-c and ibs-d since I was a child. I am now 72. It is so hard when there are so many foods you can not eat. As far as veggies I found that if I cooked them until they were somewhat soft I could tolerate them. I also am lactose intolerant so I do not eat much dairy. I can eat some dairy with lactose pills. Luckily there is mild and ice cream without dairy. I can also tolerate yogurt. But I do realize that everyone is different. What works for me may or may not work for your daughter. I still get flares whenever I get nervous like if I have a doctor or dentist appointment. My advise would be to keep a journal to see if she can get an idea of what may be preceding these flares. The only thing that has really helped me is anti-anxiety medication but my doctor won't keep prescribing them for me. I wish your daughter the best of luck. I know that IBS is hard.

        Please read our rules before posting.