It has been a long few weeks

As I write this, I am looking at things in my house that need to be done but I need to at least catch people back up.


Last year I was in a horrible amount of pain in my lower left abdomen. Since it was in the area of my left ovary, I immediately thought something was seriously wrong and went to see my OBGYN. I should also state there were a few other reasons I immediately thought my OB would be the route to take but it turns out they aren't related so I won't expound on those now. I had a sonogram to look for cysts, CT scan, and even exploratory surgery to rule out everything from cancer to endometriosis. Everything came back clear. There was no explanation for the pain so he figured that I was stressed and should decrease my stress. Also he told me to see a GI Dr. Well, I switched to overnights and the pain stopped around August and all was well again. I chose not to pursue anything further because I figured he was probably right, I was just stressed.

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. The pain came back in such force at work on 24th that I was nearly crippled. I left work 20 minutes early and took a couple pain pills. First thing Monday morning, I called my regular Dr convinced that something needs to be done. I gave her my history and she asked if there was any other time I experienced certain symptoms and it was discovered I have been battling this problem since I was a Jr in high school. She gave me the tentative diagnosis of IBS but said that I would need a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer and a few other possibilities. With my anemia, she was fairly concerned with the possibility of cancer but said I didn't meet several other symptoms. Well, my colonoscopy was Thursday and sure enough, it came back clear. No Crohn's, no cancer, and no polyps. The surgeon suggested that I stick with my IBS diet for now and see my Dr for a follow-up. Of course, I have to say that the IBS diet is no walk in the park. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Over all, I am doing pretty good with the changes but no chocolate, dairy, or soda is rough.

So for those wondering what the "no" foods are (well I can have them but I could very well possibly end in a lot of pain a few hours later):
~ Dairy (cheese, yogurt, ice cream, milk, etc)
~ Egg yolks
~ Caffeine
~ Coffee & Tea (including de-caff, herbal tea is okay)
~ Carbonation
~ Red meat
~ Pork
~ Solid chocolate
~ Poultry dark meat
~ Coconut milk
~ Artificial sweeteners

So, if there is anyone living with IBS and following the IBS diet, please get in touch with me and let me know some tricks!