IBS Roller Coaster

I have been suffering with a number of GI issues for many years and then about 3 years ago my doc told me she thinks I may have IBS. I didn’t think much about it, until I developed a constant pain in my lower pelvic region about a year ago, accompanied by a change in bowel habits. A few months ago I had had enough, and sought out the help of a gastroenterologist. She ordered a CT scan and colonoscopy (definitely not my first), and recommended MiraLax daily. The MiraLax only made my pain much worse and I wound up in emergency 2 weeks later. They did a CT scan there, but found nothing, and again the dreaded words “IBS” resurfaced.

The night after I was released from ER, I suffered the worst pain I had ever had, but now rather than being in my lower pelvis, it was in my upper abdomen. I have since had the same pain 3 times over the last couple of weeks; it is debilitating! The latest episode was brought on by a tuna and whole wheat sandwich I had at lunch yesterday; I just don’t get it. I’m trying to alter my diet, have totally cut out caffeine and restricted my dairy and sugar intake and I’m eating more fruits, but I look at these FODMAP recommendations and think, “who has time for that?!” I work 50 hours a week, not to mention keeping up a big house, yard and my furry family; preparing all these foods is just too time consuming, especially now that half my time at home is spent curled up in a ball in excruciating pain. I also like to consider the cognitive behavior therapy for the gut-brain syndrome, but no money to seek out a psychologist, and it’s not covered by insurance. Any guidance in these areas would be greatly appreciated.