Fibro and (also) gastritis

I have had Ulcerative colitis for years- mostly maintained by medication. Recently diagnosed with Crohns, and am playing with finding the med that will manage it.

When the IBDs flare, I hurt a lot, and my energy, never good, gets far worse. I am recovering from a crohns flare recently, and my meds are starting to kick in. Also, learning what foods can kick-start a flare has been very helpful for me.

The issue is that much of this is individual, like anything else. Observation of cause and effect. I have been keeping a food diary to find my triggers. My So keeps on giving me different diets and whatnot, but this isn't all that helpful to me, because I am trying to find what the tipping point is for me. He follows paleo, and is really gung-ho about it. That's great for him, but I want to go about this in a smart way, rather than just follow someone else's plan. I do not think I have allergies, but certain foods aggravate the already painful places in my colon. I plan to follow an elimination diet once I have a better idea of what triggers are mine.

My GERD is so bad I take prevacid twice a day and control my diet. No rich or spicy foods.
I have also found out on the days my neck and back pain is worse so is my gerd. Have not found a DR that can tell me why.

Thanks for your input, everyone!

Though it certainly is no 'fun,' it's nice to know one is not alone. The fibro is enough to deal with; having digestive issues is a double-whammy. I guess we just do the best we can and carry on. I do find that after a while, though the food may seem terribly 'boring,' I do get used to it.

Onward and upward!! :)

Good points, almost medfree! Isn't it easy and tempting to want to grab the foods that are so easily available? I'm getting a little better at dealing with my diet, but it's slow going.

Good idea, too, to introduce an inflammatory food occasionally and then pay attention to how things go later. It seems very trial and error.

I do think part of the current issues I'm having have to do with the cool, damp weather here, too. I have a major kick-up in my symptoms every February like clockwork. Weird! I just have to learn how to navigate through those times, and how to better "behave" with diet.

Thanks again! :)

Luvsminis, I just googled "gastritis diets" and a bunch of sites came up. Try that.

Sherrine

Gastritis strikes in the upper digestive area, yes? Hence, food being such as issue, since it is fsr more whole.

Blah. Luckily, since mine is a colon issue, food matters, but only some, since by the time it reaches there is is largely digested. It is thought that each person's sensitivities play into this. Fro. What I have read, few people have outright allergies to food, but some sensitivity to digestion ofmcertain foods. So far, spice, beans, uncooked veggies, Hearty chewy grains, and shellfish. Nuts. Corn. Either gas producers or more difficult to digest, and so rakes against the ulcers in the colon.

almost medfree: I agree--don't have the foods in the house at all! I started doing this a while back with potato chips. They were just too tempting.

Sherrine: Yes--just finished googling and found the sites. Great info. Thanks!

Namian: I think you are the only person with gastritis who was given a handout as to what to eat. How thoughtful of your doctor! I was just told to eat a soft, bland diet. I've been avoiding the foods/drinks you mentioned, and it does help.
I had read of others lifting the head of the bed several inches. I would be okay with that, but don't know if hubby would be. Something to consider.

Just after being diagnosed with gastritis, I made the foolish mistake of eating some crackers 45 minutes before bedtime. Boy, did I pay for it later. Ouch! Thank you for your info.

Myself 09 and transpearancy: Good posts on food allergies/sensitivities. I think you're both right on that. I was tested and also did an elimination diet, but had little success. The gluten free diet was tough, but then again, that was before all the gluten-free foods came on the market. What a difference!
Thank you both.

Much appreciated, ladies!

Good thinking, almost medfree! I've never tried the black bean chips, but will put them on my list. Thank you again and have a great day! :)