I need some support with IBS and now GERD - Any advice?

You mentioned you are hungry/starving 3x’s so I would focus your attention towards foods that are both good for your IBS and GERDS yet satiating and filling so you are not always feeling hungry. Unfortunately these are foods that are BORING. Legumes, rice, quinoa, oatmeal and veggies galore. Eat any of these but do so in smaller meals 5 x’s a day. Also have you tried smoothies? Blending your foods into a smoothie really takes a lot of stress off your digestive system and forces you to get creative with you food choices. Another rule to follow is ginger and licorice are digestive aids that can bring you relief from your GERDS symptoms. Your biggest no-no’s are eating too much food too fast and eating late in the evening. I find olives, pickles and celery to be great for dousing hunger pangs without a big impact calorie wise. Discipline is key in breaking away from the syndromes you are suffering. Good luck.

Do not lie down soon after eating. Use a good pillow. Xanax may help a bad IBS attack.

Olives are a great idea, yeah I just went to a cafe and had a coffee and a ham and cheese sandwhich and I’m full – just getting use to a new and boring diet… makes me crave foods so much it’s so challenging!

I have xanax!

@tan253 Do you have anyone that is or has counseled you over your dietary choices? I have GERDS and know that coffee and a ham and cheese sandwich are so not stellar choices for someone with GERDS. That is like an alcoholic saying I only drink beer instead of whiskey so it must be OK for me.

What is worse is that I’ve been to my Dr about 4 times about this – and everytime he shrugs his shoulders, I get no management, they print out a PDF of low FOD MAP diet but that’s it – I want to know why and how, and how to get rid of it, surely people know how to calm down and get rid of IBS. Especially if it shows nothing on scans etc….

I know Cruiser, I ate that food in anger… ;) I was so annoyed at being scared of food that I just ate what i felt like… in hindsight a bit silly but I’ve been doing so well and no change – in fact worse if that’s possible.

I don’t know – it’s so frustrating when you’re healthy yet you still suffer – and even eating only salads and boiled fish don’t help. Could it all be mental?

You tried everything. I’ll just go ahead and throw out there did you try eliminating dairy? Probably so I realize, but still I wanted to mention it.

You said a ham and cheese sandwich, so maybe you already tried no dairy, and saw no change. You only have to try it two weeks in my opinion, and then have some dairy and see what happens. Usually, if dairy is aggravating your system you really see it when you eat it again after having eliminating it. It’s not that terrible to try a no dairy diet. You can still have meat and potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, and some fruit, and many filling things. I wouldn’t worry about eating very healthy during the test, just focus on no dairy.

Salads are difficult for me to digest. Especially, hard veggies like carrots. Spinach is easier for me than romaine lettuce, I think also because of the crunch. Cooked vegetables are much easier since they are softer.

Do you take magnesium or iron? Magnesium cause D for many people, and iron causes C.

Have you tried visiting a dietitian? Perhaps keep a food diary for a week or two as well. Then you can explain what you’ve been eating, what you’ve tried eliminating and what causes a reaction or does not. My husband has Crones disease and he has to eat a fairly plain diet, but he can still eat a lot of different foods. He has to avoid anything with seeds or skin. He finds pasta, which is very filling, is a good option for him. Just be careful what you eat it with. I’d say you need to go back to a very blank canvas until your symptoms settle down, and then start gradually adding foods. See what causes a reaction, and what doesn’t. I’m going to forward this to a member who has immense experience with such problems. She might have some tips on what worked for her.

Thanks guys, yes I have tried everything but not for 2 weeks, at the most I think 4 days then I see no improvement and I go stuff it and eat normal foods again, sometimes it seems to resolve itself but this time it’s been a flare up for 2 years – divorce, courts etc I think it just hasn’t settled down.
Tried eliminating diary but never yoghurt – which I can’t live without!
No bread or pasta for at least 2 months, ate bread yesterday and sore gut today so assuming that was because of the bread, I need to do a reboot but no idea how – yes a dietician is a great idea, why would my Dr not recommend that – I know it’s not his fault but seriously… I wouldn’t have thought of it to be honest. I’m just in a too hard basket – just deal with it mode.

Um, you didn’t eliminate yogurt? Lol. You have to if your going to try no dairy.

How about this…try taking Lactaid pills with dairy and see if it helps.

Lactaid pills – never heard of them but will try. I know but I love yoghurt, I have it on everything….. I could buy coconut yoghurt I guess, or soy but ends up being so expensive!

Hmmm…I have GERDS and IBS and have every excuse in the book as to why I won’t stick to a plan to rid myself of these diseases. Are you really surprised your doctor shrugs his shoulders every time he sees you?

@Cruiser, sometimes when people are diagnosed with a chronic disease, just the idea can be paralysing. People have to become used to the idea that they have a problem and then transition into how to manage it. I don’t think it’s unusual for people to resist the idea and/or to feel ‘at sea’ about how to change the habits they’ve accrued over a lifetime.

@tan253, you have to educate yourself. Certainly your doctor should be your first port of call, but they’re busy people and they may not give you information you need. I’d suggest doing a search for an IBS/GERD support group online. This will connect you with people struggling with the same problems you have. Ask questions and be honest about what you know and don’t know.

Go to your local library. You don’t have to spend a fortune on books, but search their catalogue for books about these conditions that have been recently published. The science changes so you need more up-to-date texts. If you can afford it, check out Amazon. If you have a Kindle, you’ll probably only have to pay a few $ and you may be able to rent the books.

The key is to inform yourself. Learn about these conditions. What the science says, what people who suffer with these issues say and then work out what is right for you.

I do think a dietician is a great resource for you right now. They will be able to help you to design a workable plan you can follow. For now, start with an online support group. Look for books you can read. Start taking control of your conditions and in doing so, your life. You owe it to yourself to become your own expert and advocate. Good luck.

@Earthbound_Misfit are you a therapist – that was a great read thank you…. as always you guy help me out @JLeslie you’ve been so helpful too as always thank you… yep take control… read more – to be honest I’ve been reading for 2 years, but it isn’t functional reading, it’s reading between sobs of hopelessness – need to be more focused.

I’m not a therapist @tan253, but if this has been going on for two years, then it really is time for you to stop being in denial and to find out how to manage your problems. They’re not going away. More than being focused, you need to accept this. Once you do, and you face that you’re the only person who can make a positive improvement in how you’re feeling, you will hopefully feel better. Even just taking control of a problem can give us relief. We don’t feel so useless and impotent.

If you have books and texts, read them purposefully. What dietary changes have made a difference in people’s lives? What other things trigger symptoms? I think you’ll find stress is a trigger. Has meditation helped people to manage their stress? What else helped? Write down a series of questions about foods that act as triggers, dietary changes, other lifestyle changes you can make and then start to use the information to work out what is right for you.

This isn’t a short-term fix. These are lifetime changes. You can’t go back to doing whatever it was you were doing before. That may seem unfair, but it’s your new reality. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can improve your life.

Speak to your family. As you learn things and decide to implement changes, let them know. Get them working with you to help you get better. Be prepared, even with all of this, there will be times when you have a flare-up and you have no idea what caused it. If you do as I suggested and keep a food diary, it will help you to at least have a documentary record of when you have flare-ups and what happened before. Don’t just write down your food/drink input. Write down what was happening in your life. If you were under stress, write it down.

Whatever you do, you have to take control of this. Right now, it’s controlling you.

Thank you for that very honest support. I appreciate it and coming from a complete stranger, that means you’ve actually bothered to take the time to write that for someone you don’t know which really does mean a lot.
I will take it on board… you’re right.
You’re not a therapist but you’ve just done me a great service by laying it out boldly and honestly.
I could talk about so many things right now that are examples of me NOT taking control, but you only have to read all my previous posts to know what they are.
Next post ‘How do you take control?’ jokes… but seriously… that’s my next mountain to climb.
x

Ask the question. There are lots of people here who’ve struggled with health and life issues that have meant them having to step-up and take control. At least you’re here asking. You’re not lying on your bed crying and burying your head under your pillows. The first step is saying enough! You’re totally welcome and I hope you’ll post an update saying things are under control and you’re feeling great. It might take a while, and you may need to ask a lot of questions along the way, but just keep moving forward. You’ll get there.

Hopefully, they are called the same in your neck of the woods. Here is a link

I really think you should try no dairy for a week, but I’ll stop preaching and just push the pills. Lol.

@Earthbound_Misfit I know very well what you are trying to say. I too have GERDS and precancerous cells in my esophagus….my Gastro told me in no uncertain terms that I had to make lifestyle changes or I too will have Barretts that took my dad’s life. My dad’s death aside, what my Dr. told me was clear as a bell as to what I had to do. He did not say do it for a few days and all will be better…he said the changes I have to make need to be permanent. He also said it would take a year to 18 months to determine if my lifestyle changes had a positive impact with my battle over GERDS.

I cannot imagine for a second that @tan253 was not given similar instructions on what is needed to be done. GERDS is a very serious problem of a persons digestive system. There is no magic pill that alone will cure GERDS. PPI’s will help alleviate the excess acid in the stomach but it is up to the individual to take charge of their lives and make constructive changes to their diets and lifestyles. When I read @tan253 says they tried the prescribed dietary changes for 4 days and determined it wasn’t helping I find very disturbing and tells me @tan253 does not take their problem serious. This is where I go do other more constructive stuff like sorting socks.

You’re right @Cruiser – but I must admit my reasons for not taking it too seriously is because my DR doesn’t seem in the slightest bit worried. I asked him for the Prilosec and then questioned it after. He told me I definitely do not have Barretts, but he doesn’t know that for sure, so when I asked him to get tested he said you don’t need too, so hence my ah whatever attitude. You’re right though – trying something for 4 days then giving up is pointless, but I’m a single Mum and it’s really challenging to have to be so damn conscious about every meal I make when I do’nt have time to make the meals correctly. Not complaining I wouldnt’ change it for a second but I do need to take control and try things for 2 weeks. I need to act as though I do have barretts, I don’t say that lightly – I’m sorry you have barretts, but like most Dr’s say it doesn’t mean it will turn into cancer in fact, it’s very slim but it does mean that you have to change your lifestyle forever and that takes a while… I’m sure. I will get there. Sometimes I really do just need support to keep going…. as I’m sure we all do right….

The other problem is @Cruiser is my Dr hasn’t said ‘Youve got GERDS’ he’s just said, you’ve got acid reflux – they wont do any other testing.

@Cruiser, that’s your experience. It isn’t necessarily her experience. You also don’t know what her doctor has told her. Neither do I. My experience is that not all doctors are equal. However, I’m not blaming the doctor here. I’m pretty sure her doctor has given her advice. She admits she’s not been as determined and strict with her diet as she should be.

And I’m sure she knows it’s serious (she’s posted while I’m writing this to say she does), and she knows she needs to do something about it. However, knowing something is serious doesn’t mean people will act. Some people aren’t as determined as you are (or I am). Some people get frightened and that fear stops them acting and doing what they need to do. People become overwhelmed. She’s admitted she’s in denial. Helping her to find a way past that is more constructive than berating her for not listing to advice based on advice YOUR doctor gave you.

My husband struggled with digestive problems for years. It took a few doctors and many visits to finally get a referral to a specialist who after giving him a colonoscopy and endoscopy diagnosed Crones. He was told to ‘increase fibre in your diet and limit processed foods’. End of advice. Avoiding episodes has required much more dietary control than that. Managing his condition has meant reading books and researching Crones himself, and based on that study, he manages his condition. He had a very severe episode a couple of years ago and called our GP to find out if he could use a particular medication. A week of agony later, and after more calls, he was still waiting. He changed GPs. I don’t think anyone has ever specifically gone through what he should or should not eat or what he can do to manage his condition. Thankfully, he is an intelligent, determined man and he has advocated for himself. To a degree, everyone is different so it really is a journey of investigation. However, please don’t assume everyone has your experience or everyone has the mental fortitude (or the personal circumstances) to just change their lives. You’re obviously a very disciplined, organised man and you’ve taken everything you’ve been told onboard. Everyone isn’t the same. Including doctors.

@tan253, perhaps it’s time to find another doctor. If you have a condition and the doctor isn’t listening, find one that will listen and will investigate what’s causing your problem.

She’s going to try the Lactaid first.~

Let me know if it helps.

Yeah I hear you again, and again thank you but my Dr is actually amazing. In order to get my a colonography he had to exaggerate my symptoms as they said NO the first time, he’s really done a lot for me and he continues to try to help me even though as, stated, I’m probably an annoying patient. I did go to another Dr and explained my issue and she said absolutely nothing, in fact I came away from that visit and cried. She just said Oh yeah, stop coffee, limit trigger foods – take prilosec. At least my Dr knows me and knows I wont stop harping on about it till I’m tested for everything – Yes on top of it all I have an anxiety disorder, so 1 + 1…. etc etc… I will try the Lactaid…. I am on prilosec though – need to check I can take both? I do appreciate all your support and I feel that @Cruiser is being supportive too… just in a more ‘get over yourself and deal with it’ way which can work too sometimes!!! ;)

Definitely check that it’s ok to take both. I have no knowledge of whether they are contraindicated together. You only take Lactaid when you eat dairy. I don’t remember if it’s one or two pills with something like a typical sized yogurt. Of course read the dosage and warnings before taking.

The Lactaid should help your digestive track feel calm and reduce urgent diarrhea if your problem is dairy.

Ok _ I will try it… Thanks.
I did stop dairy for a while now that i think about it – but probably 2 weeks at the most – I haven’t had cheese outside of today for about 3 weeks, and milk 2 weeks, I do have oat and almond milk. I’m not sure it changes anything, bread – definitely.
Now that I“m on prilosec I dont know – as it stops all acid – at least if there is inflammation of stomach or esophagus this will help heal it.
Seems all my dis-ease is from anxiety if you ask me.

I really just need to reboot don’t i – bland then add slowly.
i see that now.

I think 2 weeks is enough for it to help. Are you saying you went 2 weeks without yogurt also?

Not yoghurt ;)

The thing is is that I“m a good eater normally – tonight for dinner , salmon, potatoes, beetroot greens, mustard greens and zucchini – that’s how I eat normally. I dont know – I’m starting to think it’s all mental.

@Earthbound_Misfit You are right…I guess having to give the eulogy for my father when he succumbed to esophageal cancer is a source of motivation not everyone gets that moves them to do what their doctor tells them and that will make or break whether I follow in his footsteps. I truly do hope she can find the answers that will help her overcome her IBS and GERDS issues,

I“m still here @Cruiser and Yes I agree… I do too!!!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your DAD… it is a motivation for that to not happen to myself or to anyone I believe. I appreciate that thank you.
Do you feel better on your restricted diet?
Are you on prilosec?

You may have told me on the other post .. .sorry if you’re repeating yourself.

Lol. Ok. :).

I’ll be waiting for the Lactaid report.

@tan253 Yes I am prescribed Omeprizole and I am on a restricted diet and follow guidelines similar to these. Don’t fall prey to that your issues are all in your mind…it truly boils down to not only what you eat, but how much you eat and when you eat. My doc told me to follow the GERDS food guidelines and eat whatever I want except eat half the normal amount (he was kindly telling me I had to loose weight) and to not eat past 6 PM. Taking a PPI like Prilosec/Omeprizole is not a free pass to eat like crap. They are to be used as part of a healthier approach to a lifestyle change that will help you and I overcome and heal our acid reflux issues. I hope things improve for you.

Thanks @Cruiser – it’s a pity you’re not in NZ would be useful to chat and have support groups.
I hear you about ‘free pass’ to crap foods. I am really healthy – or I think I am. No sugar, I don’t smoke or drink, my only vice really is coffee and nachos (of which I haven’t had either) though today I succumbed to a decafe… double whammy to have GERD and IBS – I guess it means you have to be doubly cautious and sort it out.
I too, hope things improve for you – though I can’t see why they wouldn’t .. your head seems screwed on a bit tighter than mine currently. ;)

I just want to say a big thank you guys as well, I don’t get support like this from family or friends so I really appreciate it from all of you – thank you so much for taking the time to help me… and others too.

Baby steps @tan253 Just make small changes but make them permanent. It was so hard to say goodbye to tomato sauces and for the most part coffee. But I have found green and herbal teas to be far more enjoyable to drink than coffee ever way. Dairy is a big offender but there are acceptable alternatives to milk and cheeses. It’s just a matter of choice. You are at that stage where you don’t yet have GERD’s but as you know it is indeed hard to make them. I believe you can make these changes without having the motivators I have had.

I will definitely try – this has been a wonderful and helpful discussion.

- I would consult with another doctor.
– Sometimes having less stomach acid (from your meds) can alter your digestion/movement through your intestines.
– Anxiety is so inextricably linked with IBS. You have to address your anxiety.
– Meditate. Clinically shown to help with IBS/digestion.
– Talk to a nutritionist.
– Try an elimination diet under the direction of the nutritionist.

@tan253 Good point about anxiety made by @Cupcake. Have you tried Xanax? If it works, that’s a lot of information reinforcing it’s not probably what you eat, or a specific physical problem, but more likely how you are handling stress.

Would that work? Taking Xanax? I could definitely try that, funny – after mentioning yesterday of eating my bad foods yesterday today my gut was fine – IBS still there but not as bad as it normally is! I’m seeing a dietician next week so really excited about that.
My anxiety is really bad – especially at night…

Caution: Xanax is very addictive.

For many people Xanax is a miracle. I think it’s good for getting through acute anxiety, but I would never promote taking it daily for months and months. Having said that, yes, if your digestive problems are anxiety related Xanax likely could be somewhat magical for the physical symptoms you are having, especially the IBS. If you have addiction problems at all I would not take Xanax ever.

I still say try some Lactaid though. Lol. That’s easy to buy, prescription needed.