IBS .... Just what CAN you eat?

JennyJewell

Hi Dazzle
I completely empathise x I am 39 years of age, have suffered with IBS for years although was only officially diagnosed a couple of years ago around the same time as my 15 year old was so can see it from my own personal perspective as well as that of a mum. I can tell you now it is twice as frustrating watching my son go through this and knowing how much pain and discomfort he can be in. For my son the biggest thing that has affected him is stress much more than food so finding ways of coping has been key. Accepting it as a part of his life was one of the best things he could do for himself as was myself getting in touch with his head of year and letting her know completely of the situation - incidentally she has been incredibly supportive. The school have provided my son with a card that discreetly allows him permission to use the toilet at any time he needs to including during lesson time - this has lessened the anxiety greatly. Another action we have built into my son's routine is that my son gets up early for school to get ready, he has toast for breakfast, (it's one of his trigger foods, mine also, we use it to our ADVANTAGE to get our bowels moving, sorry for the description,lol, which psychologically and physically helps us to clear out before school/work if that makes sense)? Getting up early gives him plenty of time without him panicking that he hasn't 'cleared out' and may have an accident.
There are times that my son HAS to take time off school for his IBS but he still manages to reach top grades in his tests/exams and hand his homework in time - a phone call to ask if work can be handed to a friend or sent home or given to my son when he returns. The most important thing we have found is communication - between us as mum and son and between the school so that they know there will be times that it will be unavoidable in the same way someone with diabetes may have a bad turn. We also both take Buscopan and Loperamide - depending on the extent of our cramps.
Right now I am going through a bout that has lasted a week so far, (the worst one I had lasted for ten weeks - sorry for the bad news but it can happen and better for you to be prepared as best as you can although your son may not have any bouts that last that long) x
I think stress can play a big part in our boys because of their age - it's a horrible and embarrassing thing to live with and a lot of people who have no idea how much it can affect your life sometimes really don't understand. They also have the stresses of GCSE's on top of this which in turn can help trigger their IBS off.
My colleagues are now starting to realise what it is like - they know I will make every effort to get to work but sometimes it really can't be helped - my lovely line manager has suggested that I get a permanent sick note from my doctor so that if I have a bout I am not judged in the same way as a normal sick day, she views it the same as someone with diabetes may have to take time off. It's a condition that comes and goes sometimes but is always lying dormant.
I know this may all sound negative but it can be awful but there are positive things about it too:
Most IBS sufferers develop healthier diets than most other people because they have to.
Most IBS sufferers will develop strategies to help with anxiety triggers and tend to be calmer people on the whole.
It's not anything that will result in fatality - always a good thing
Very best of luck and please feel free to pm me any time you would like a chat x

Blackpool_Saver - I am going to be on the lookout for that slippery elm Many thanks for highlighting it x

Much love all xx

JennyJewell

Wow - sorry for the huge reply above, didn't realise I had rambled that much,lol! Hope it helped though xx

ceh209

Dazzle_drop wrote: »

Can you tell me do any of you or parents of those who suffer take anti diarrhoea meds? (It's ok if you don't wish to reply!) as I don't know whether that would help or hinder him ...

I was told by a doctor to try and avoid anti diarrhoea meds if possible, as it blocks everything up for a while, and if possible to let it pass naturally rather than messing up your system. I only take them now if I absolutely have to go somewhere and know I won't make it without about 10 loo stops on the way!

My IBS is very much stress related, haven't found any certain foods that trigger it yet. But equally, worrying about it being bad when it travel makes it worse when I do travel - I'm still learning to control that!

heartbreak_star

I also note the point about possible anorexia - have you checked he's not also bulimic? That might explain the ulcers.

I find it slightly odd that most of the replies seem to be glossing over the potential eating disorder...maybe I'm misinterpreting.

HBS x

lazer

Different foods trigger it at different times

For me its turnip, too much bread or grain products, fizzy drinks etc.

I have actually finished up with a high portein diet with a lot of meat - as its the one thing i have definately have no issue with eating so its froms a high percentage of my diet.

No spicy food at all and i find i can't eat too much fruit and veg.

JennyJewell

heartbreak_star - I haven't mentioned anything about the eating disorder because I don't know so much about it. I'm still learning myself about IBS but as a sufferer I can advise on how me and my son cope with it - particularly as the OP's son and mine are the same age x

JennyJewell

Hi Lazer
I find that my food triggers change - as I get used to one thing my digestive system seems to change it's mind about what it will and won't accept.
I swear to god it really has it's own mind,lol!

sammyjammy

Mouth ulcers can be a sign of coelic desease and being afraid to eat very much a symptom of gastric reflux (gastritus). Presumably if he is under the hospital they may consider an endescopy which would show either.

diywhynot

Great resources also include Health Unlocked, IBS Network and Sue Shepherd's fabulous Low Fodmaps book. See also Map of Medicine on NHS Choices.

Dustykitten

For me foods to avoid are bananas, pastry, red meat and onions. Bread I'm ok with if I don't over do it. Stress is definitely a factor. Have a read of Claire Weeks books which are great at describing the physical effects of stress.

Mouth ulcers can be stress related or due to diet deficiencies so speak to the nutritionist about that.

The eating problems I cannot advise on but can totally understand the fear of what certain foods would do to his digestion. If the crackers and toast are not making life easy could it be that he has a gluten intolerance? Friend's son suffered dreadfully with anything with milk in it. Once this was removed from his diet he got better quickly.

Good luck to you both.