Is it IBS or something else?
There are many conditions similar to IBS since several of the symptoms that IBS causes are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, which makes IBS a difficult condition to diagnose. Many people with symptoms that are shared by IBS and other conditions similar to IBS may wonder if they have IBS or something else.
We want to know: Have you been diagnosed with another condition similar to IBS?
after my tests, the gastroenterologist consultant diagnosed my symptoms as IBS with self-limiting gastroenteritis. These conditions I was advised can be self-managed at home unless my symptoms change or worsen. Thank you for sharing! Did the gastroenterologist suggest anything helpful to manage your conditions? How are you doing? Karina (team member)
the gastroenterologist suggested anti-spasmodic medication, and seeing a nutritionist. I tried the anti-spasmodic tablets for a brief time. Did not help in any way. This is when I started research into other remedies of managing my symptoms. Thankfully, other non-medicinal types of self-management feel like they are helping🤞🏽. And by being strong and staying off my trigger foods. It can be tough to cut out those favorite (trigger) foods! It sounds like you've been your own best advocate through this process. I hope you continue to see improvement. -Sam, IBS Team
with a mind-gut disfunction such as IBS, I feel that all the medication I’ve tried haven’t helped. Managing this long term condition with natural methods and techniques has been more beneficial. Cutting down on the trigger foods has been hardest part. I hope one day I can re-introduce these back into my diet. Have you had to do the same with your favourite foods? im not sure what to eat anymore so many trigger foods
You're not alone with this. Do you have any foods that are currently safe for you? I would personally just focus on these until you start feeling a bit better, and then try re-introducing other foods. My personal safe foods are white rice, potatoes, all sorts of meat and fish (but I know that others don't do well with red meats and fatty fish), chicken stock, gluten-free bread, and root veggies like carrots or beets. Bananas are also great for me personally. But we're all different, so these might not work for you... Sending hugs, Karina (team member)
I can imagine what you may have thought after that helpful advice from your Gastro🙄. It’s baffling why there are experts who can’t/don’t do more, be more helpful, and suggestive of alternative remedies. With IBS, in my opinion and experience, prescribed medication won’t help. It’s not about what medication you’re prescribed but finding a balanced diet of all foods in moderation, and exploring techniques to re-balance the out-of-sync gut-brain function. Would you agree? Hummus and falafel are some of my favourite foods too🙂. But since my anxiety-IBS became more problematic, I have also had to be careful what and where I eat. Many of those food that were my absolute favourite I have to worry about eating now or just stay away from. Like you, some trigger foods I dare to eat (in moderation) and some I just don’t -like lentil soup, all types of beans, pasta (which I had for dinner last night. Some minor flare up this morning but had worse). Have a good (IBS-free) day🙂 Have you received any help from your gastro? I had the same experience as you, nothing they prescribed has ever worked for me and I've seen the best results with diet and lifestyle changes. What are some of your favorite foods that you can still have in moderation? Karina (team member)
