Ulcer, Barets, IBS

[Daisy1019]

Anyone know of anything that can help with IBS?

[AmPing]

Has anyone asked you to eliminate wheat and gluten from your diet?  Everyone who has GI symptoms - GERD, Acid Reflux, Gall Bladder Disease, Barrett's Esophagus, Hiatel Hernia, Irritable Bowel, Constipation or Diarrhea should try a gluten free diet.  IT may make many painful symptoms dissappear in days or weeks.  The only 'downfall' is that if you try this without a diagnosis from your Doctor, they will not be able to officially test you for GI tract damage and antibodies until you are painfully eating gluten products again.  In the last year I suddenly developed - severe case of Asthma ( off work for 10 weeks) terrible painful bowel symptoms, gas, abdominal bloating, reflux and belching.  The pain at times was so severe I was doubled over.  Thankfully through my work I heard about gluten intolerance and the severe and disabling symptoms.  21 July 08 - I decided to adjust my diet and just see.  The next day I felt so much better and the day after I felt like a new person!!  One week of no symptoms my family had worked in the yard late into the day.  My husband said lets just order pizza.  I knew I would be crossing back over but I always preferred the thinnest crusts... so I thought I would just take this leap and see.  Within one hour I was having pain.  The worst to come was about 6 hours later, the intensity was so dramatic I was doubled over holding my abdomen.  The bloating and gas was overwhelming.  One other truth telling experience was a local spicy food that is served over pasta.  I had always had 'indigestion' from this food.  I never had it the evening before a work day even though my entire family loves this as a meal.  After my gluten free days started they asked for this food for dinner.  I didn't work the next day and figured I could improvise.  I had my dinner with a baked potato and they all had pasta.  The heavily spiced local favorite had no effect on me that day!  So it had nothing to do with the spices or even fat content .... alll along it was the PASTA !   All the pain for nothing ... all the years!  Even though I read labels like a fiend now .. things still sneak by and .. OUCH.  Surprising locations ..... some popular artificial sweetners use gluten products to keep it from being sticky??  Some vitamins and supplements(could have started my 'asthma' symptoms) ....Some rotissierre poultry is infused with spices or broth with gluten products ( ouch - you think its chicken but there is wheat lurking inside!)  Try it ... I am sure many many people will find happy bellies!

JUst remember if you want to be diagnosed ... all testing must be done while eating wheat and gluten .. trust me I will never be tested becaue I cannot torture myself with those foods knowingly.

[shapeshifter78]

It's my understanding there are prescription medications to help alleviate some of the signs and symptoms of IBS.  I dealt with IBS years ago, before the FDA approved anything.  What helped me more than anything was a twice daily dose of Metamucil.  It seemed to know what my system needed at any particular time: if I was having spells of loose bowels, it would provide bulk and halt them.  If I was constipated, it would help get things moving again.  Eventually most of my signs and symptoms vanished.  Now, I take Mylanta everynight to offset the effects of mega doses of calcium citrate that I take and I don't have any IBS symptoms at all.  Don't be afraid to bring this up to your doctor, and the sooner, the better.  Good luck.