(No Subject)

Have you had a colonoscopy to diagnose IBS?

IBS does cause bloating and I have yet to find a good solution. I get horrible bloating! But sometimes taking a probiotic can help.

A colonoscopy is a camera that they insert into your bum. You have either light sedation or full sedation and the day before you have a "colon cleanse" or prep as they call it to clean out the large intestine so they can see things better. They insert the camera tube into the anus and travel it thru your large intestine. It doesn't hurt because you're out from the sedation. In this camera they can see if there is anything going "on" in your large intestine (also known as the colon or bowel). This camera also has a little "grabber" that can take tissue samples called biopsies. If nothing shows up visually or microscopically (from the biopsies) but yet you have issues, they can rule it as IBS.

If you have a doc that told you have IBS without actually looking into the large intestine, I would highly recommend you find a doc that will. It seems many docs are too quick to diagnose IBS without any positive proof. Who you need to see is a gastroenterologist. He or she is a specialist of the gastrointestinal tract. And not a family doc.

Btw, I seen your other post. So that is why I am recommending you see a specialist just to be safe.

Hi Sarahlouise,

I find that eating a low-FODMAP diet really helps with my IBS, including preventing bloating. You may be intolerant to 1 or more of the FODMAPs (I am intolerant to 4 of them). Have you tried minimising any of the following in your diet:
•lactose - dairy except Greek yoghurt, hard cheeses, Brie and Camembert
•fructose - in excess in many fruits, especially mangoes and honey
•fructans - wheat, onions, garlic, and more
•galactans - beans and lentils
•polyols - especially additives in "sugar free" foods or lollies

Anyway, you can just google "FODMAP" and find heaps of info.

I did an elimination diet under the guidance of a dietitian to figure out my intolerances.

I have experienced IBS.

Here are some things that have helped me:
- exercise
- probiotics
- marijuana taken orally in a tincture at night


When I get out of balance I like to have oatmeal. It seems to help me feel comfortable. I also liked soy milk but a test showed I was allergic to soy. I now drink a rice milk.

A shot of alcohol can also seem to calm my stomach. This is generally seen as a trigger so in the end you will need to test yourself to see what works and what doesn't for you and your situation.

Benedryl also seems to calm my whole self. I feel a bit groggy but it eases the IBS issues. I took this on a flight which is a high stress event if you need to answer the call of nature at a moments notice. I also had some marijuana infused hard candies. The combination of the candies and the benedryl got me through.

Things that affect me are:
- milk products
- too much sugar, two days in a row is extra bad
- caffeine and any stimulant including some teas with caffeine in them


I suggest you experiment with a food journal and work to identify your triggers and relievers of IBS.
My situation and conditions may be different from yours so this is a journey of self discovery.

Best wishes.