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Don't know where I'm going wrong with my diet?

I've suffered with ibs for over 5 years. I've discovered in that time I'm lactose intolerant, react badly to gluten and caffine , I also cannot have chocolate , sweeteners , and a few other various items. I wake up most mornings with the urge to go the loo - most of the time It's diarrhoea or not very well formed stools.This happens a few times over the course of an hour of two everyday .The pain lasts usually for hours even after I've passed a few stools. I often feel a lot of pressure or a slight ache from my abdominal area.
I often have problems with my bladder as well. I often wake up with a serve pressure / aching pain radiating from my bladder . This often gets slightly better once I've urinated but the pain can sometimes linger for hours. I'm recently trying to cut down on my sucrose sugar as I believe it's causing me problems. Anyone had any similar symptoms or any advice? After 5 years of suffering and no help from the doctors I'm crying out for anyone's advice? Or even just someone who can relate! Thanks 😀

  1. Hi daisyduke,

    First of all, congratulations for taking such a proactive stance with your diet to help you manage symptoms. That's fantastic that you've managed to figure out which foods you react poorly to. That said, I'm so sorry you're experiencing all of these symptoms! I can relate to some of what you've said - I think the back/bladder/bowel pain is somehow all related, unfortunately. You haven't mentioned much about your stress levels - have you tried keeping a symptom diary? Here's some information about it if you're interested: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/coping-and-diet/ibs-symptom-food-diary/ I think it's extremely important to keep track of what you eat, but your emotional state, medications, and exercise routine are every bit as important in figuring out how to best manage this difficult condition. I've struggled with IBS-C for 25 years now, and it wasn't until I started paying attention to all of the above that I really began to notice I was having more good days than bad. I still have the bad days, despite following a mostly low FODMAP diet, but I can tell you that overall, my symptoms are much more under control. You also mentioned that you haven't been getting much help from your doctor(s) -- have you considered getting a second opinion, or possibly seeking out another type of healthcare professional? Some folks in this community have noted excellent results from visiting registered dieticians, chiropractors, and naturopathic doctors. Unfortunately, this is a trial-and-error condition; what works for some may not work for others, so I just want to encourage you to not give up. We are here to support you, and we'll do that however we can.

    Becky, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team member

    1. Hi DaisyDuke
      This is exactly how I’ve been for the past several years but I finally made a turn for the better recently.
      I think as the above person suggested, keeping a symptom/food diary really does help you pinpoint problems.
      Also although I had very poor support from my GP, I moved house and found a new one who’s more sympathetic.
      I have found I can’t tolerate any dairy at all - lactose free or otherwise. I don’t drink coffee of any variety. I don’t drink alcohol any more either! I just can’t tolerate any.
      I can’t manage any kind of rich/high fat food and it’s often quite hidden in various ways. I’ve upped my intake of soluble fibre foods ( note NOT INSOLUBLE!) and found that has helped my IBS-D quit a lot. Apparently it helps IBS-C too.
      I do steer clear of obvious high FODMAP foods like onion and garlic, beans, chickpeas etc but can tolerate most others.
      Also I took some counselling for a few weeks and started some meditation, especially loving kindness meditation aimed at myself - I found that really helpful and breathing deeply/relaxing. The brain-gut connection is so strong I think we can get caught up in a vicious cycle of hating our bodies for letting us down and getting anxious about going out/social situations - this all can negatively affect your IBS.

      1. HI , it's great to hear you felt like you've turned a corner! I totally agree that the brain-gut connection is an important part of managing symptoms. Meditation has been great for me! - Hannah (IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team Member)

      2. I found what helps me is fruit/veggie capsules and a daily green smoothie!! Staying away from alchohol and completely cut out caffeine! It has really helped a lot!

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