Does anyone here deal with IBS?

[pkq]

Stress triggers mine as does eating out, which I don't do often. When I traveled for work, I began going to the grocery store to get food. You can be creative and eat healthier than most restaurants allow.

Momma had it but it never occured to me that I did. Last year my doctor diagnosed me with it and prescribed pills. I am not one for taking pills so I ditched the 'script and began thinking about what I could do to avoid so many restaurants during business travel. Things got better quickly with grocery store runs.

I am big on oatmeal and oatbran. It's great breakfast food and snack food. I have that most mornings and change it up with frozen fruits ( cools it off and adds flavor ), butter or oil, cinnamon, sugar, light salt, and Grape Nuts for crunchy texture. I'm sure y'all can come up with much more creative ways to spice up oatmeal/bran.

I like Grape Nuts with the Dannon La Creme yogurt, too.

[Lynne]

oh, am I glad to see this post! I "get" to go in for a Colonscopy and endoscopy tomorrow, and I'm a nervous wreck. I'd been diagnosed with IBS years and years ago, but hadn't had any flare ups to match what I've had for the past 3 weeks or so. So, in I go for those lovely procedures, and I'm beyond embarrassed about the whole thing. Basically, I want to hide my head under a blanket and not come back out! But dang, it hurts so bad that it makes me want to curl up (I do curl up with a stuffed teddy bear at night, so lame, huh???). I'll find out soon enough if it's IBS still or Crohns or a stomach ulcer or whatever, but none of them are ok, they all suck. But if it helps to know, even when I feel really terrible, getting on a bike helps tremendously. When I hurt a lot and don't feel like walking upright, I can get on a bike and feel better in about a half hour. I suspect it's because it takes everything away from the digestive system and gives me a break, but I'm not sure. I have no idea what my triggers are, either. Anyway, all of this is to say, get on the bike, trust me. The only problem I've had are side aches, but still better than the pain in my stomach and abdomen. Good luck!

[texas_emily]

Lynne,
Good luck. A clear diagnosis will be worth the discomfort and embarassment. You'll feel so much better later.

On the original topic:

I also deal with IBS...and variations thereof. I have problems with dairy, caffeine, rich and fatty foods -- all of the good stuff, right?!?

My doctor recommended daily fiber supplements, lots of water, and a steady supply of OTC anti-gas medication. It helps a lot! I've also found that eating meals and/or snacks on a regular schedue (rather than wildly varying hours...dinner a 6 one night, 9 the next) helps too.

Most of the time, my IBS doesn't keep me off the bike, though I tend to keep some extra tissues or TP in my jersey pocket or seat pack should problems arise!

[archibella]

I've got IBS too... have since high school. Drinking lots of water, eating fiber rich food, and avoiding stress and rich/greasy foods seems to help me... I try and regularly eat snack bars or cereal that's high in fiber like the All-Bran breakfast bars (an amazing 5 grams of fiber) Also-- I know drinking carbonated things is usually a no-no, but a sparkling mineral water such as san pelligrino (not the more fizzy perrier) seems to settle my stomach. Somebody told me it could be because the minerals made it more alkaline, which counteracted some of the acids in your stomach... that may be just talk though-- don't know. At any rate i feel better, and I'm drinking water.

If you're like me and stress is a big factor, try doing something to make your body relax: a hot bath or a dip in the hot tub. Physical activity seems to make it better as well, especially if it's something you enjoy-- like biking! Good luck, and hope you feel better for the weekend

[Dogmama]

oh, am I glad to see this post! I "get" to go in for a Colonscopy and endoscopy tomorrow, and I'm a nervous wreck.

The worst part is the prep. Hope everything went well.

Your signature line talks about cheesecake & pizza, you're kidding right? Both can be major offenders in the IBS battles.

[Dogmama]

Wish me luck, ladies. I'm off to San Fran in a couple of days. The change of schedule, plus excitement, usually kicks off my IBS in a very big way. This time, I'm being very pedestrian in my fiber & water intake and will continue while on vacation. I also have laxatives (which I NEVER take except during emergencies like this) if I absolutely must. Oh, and did I mention I'm in my worst part of my hormonal cycle for IBS?

I will avoid cheeses, fatty foods and sweets (repeats as a mantra...)