Need help controlling IBS problems- (Ulcerative Colitis)

 

Just discovered that the problems I have been trying to minimize/eliminate are more related to IBS than my UC. 

Symptoms such as loose stools, frequency, urgency, bloating, constipation, abdominal cramps, etc.

Have had colonoscopy, and regular labs that show my UC is normal/ not the problem.

Have done a lot of reworking of my diet. I have been gluten free for a few years now. And for the most part stay away from dairy. Have cheese on occassion. It is the last dairy item I'm working on eliminating, but it's so hard.   My system is very sensitive. After recent trip to dr, to whom suggested I needed more fiber in my diet,,,I am more confused than ever. I have to be very careful about the amount of fiber I have. Have recently been playing with the idea of having a fair amount of fiber every other day and very little the other days. Seems to be going alright. But it is tough when trying to eat healthy which usually means fruits and vegetables.

I take the following supplements:

folic acid, krill oil, vitamin D3, Magnesium, Slippery Elm, Curcumin (Turmeric), Psyllium Husk, L-Glutamine, enzyme blend,

Medications:

I am on remicade and methotrexate to control my UC. During bad flares- I use rectal meds to help put the fire out.

I'm also on two different forms of bc, both are progestrone only. Still working on this area. Have had problems in the past around period. Hormone fluctuations cause such a mess. IF ANYONE HAS ADVICE IN THIS AREA I WOULD BE SO GRATEFUL.

BESIDES REALLY BEING CAREFUL WITH DIET, WHAT OTHER THINGS MIGHT YOU SUGGEST I TRY TO HELP ELIMINATE THE ABDOMINAL CRAMPING, URGENCY, CONSTANT BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN LOOSE STOOLS/CONSTIPATION???

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND UNDERSTANDING.

forgot to mention, get on a good multi vitamin, d3, and coq10 to help chemically stabilize your body for what ever stressful situation your in.

Jim

I keep hearing how we need to eat fresh produce: vegetables and fruits. No added oil or butter. If you can tolerate grilled or broiled plain chicken and/or salmon/fish, do so. But skip all breads, all processed foods, all frozen foods, ice cream, candy, soda, juice, sugar.

Drink water.

Have I done any of this? Well I am trying to eat far less processed food, no mixes (muffins, cakes, mac/cheese) or frozen items (such chicken pot pie).

I am trying to steam 2 fresh vegetables with each meal. Occasionally have simple brown rice, plain, which can be very dry.

Occasionally cottage cheese.

Iced tea w/o sugar.

Still have 1 cup of coffee with cream and sugar, to start my day.

I was enjoying on snacking on sunflower seeds in the shell (but oddly enough I liked them rinsed well, to remove as much salt and to soften them, I have a lot of dental crowns). I believe now the sunflower seeds were making my stool output more unpredictable.

So I don't have any answers really. I do think a daily probiotic helps me, as does a low dose of Colace.

And sometimes just giving my insides a break from solids helps (just half a day).

Good luck. Wish I had answers for you.