I thought it might be useful to do a quick post just summarising the treatment I have been using recently – and which, after six weeks, continues to work perfectly. Yep, that’s right, I haven’t had the slightest touch of IBS for six weeks now, and while half my brain can’t believe that it’s gonna continue like this, the other half is getting quite happy.
So what did I do? Basically, I visited a therapist. He tested me using two types of test. One was a stool analysis test, to look for friendly and unfriendly bacteria and the state of my general digestion, and the other was an ELISA food intolerance test to check for, well, food intolerance.
When the results were in, I had low levels of friendly bacteria and a very high reaction to cow’s milk, plus a middling reaction to some other foods such as eggs. I cut out the bad foods from my diet and started taking probiotics, digestive enzymes and a couple of herbal supplements.
And now, six weeks after implementing all elements of the program, I feel great. I really haven’t had any problems for that entire time. Like I say, I’m still waiting for the massive bout of agony that’ll put an end to my joy, but on the other hand, maybe we’re actually on to something…
I’ve implemented a IBS/Candida diet for the last two weeks and it’s cut my IBS problems in 1/2. The brain fog continues which I still believe has to do with my nerves but I’m not sure. I’ll continue with the hypnosis which seems to be helping. How much does your nutritionist charge for consultation and what do the tests end up costing? I’m thrilled to hear that you’re feeling better Sophie! That’s awesome news for you and gives hope to the rest of us.
The CDSA test costs £200, and the food tests depend on how detailed you want the reports to be, either £99 for about 40 foods I think or £199 for about 100 foods. He charges around £98 for about an hour consultation although I’d ask him direct about that as he might vary that depending on different people’s needs etc, I don’t know. Thanks for your support! Even if my good patch doesn’t last I think it’s really reminded me that IBS is not a great unbeatable monster inhabiting my body, and there are always things I can try to make it better.
Hi Sophie
First,let me say how pleased I am for you. I would like to echo your experience. I have not had an IBS attack for just over three weeks now. This has been achieved by cutting out all the foods I am intolerant to, plus a lot of others I personnally know cause an irration (i.e coffee, onions, any fruit, greasy foods). So, it really does work as long as you stick to it! (I’ve given into temptation before and paid for it). Anyone going into this really must realise this is a commitment and it is long term.
I noticed in your post you are now taking probiotics. Can I ask which ones, as all the ones I’ve looked at contain lactose? Best wishes Ellie
Thanks Ellie! As you say, the “food route” does require willpower, but I think it gets easier as you learn about substitute foods, and there are a lot out there these days. The probiotic I take is called Culturelle, it’s meant to be one of the best and has some good clinical trials behind it. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t contain lactose, but if it did it would only be a microscopic amount I would think.
Hi Sophie
Thanks for the information. I will be asking about the Culturelle at my local pharmacy today. I had a minor relapse yesterday. For some reason my body took a dislike to my lunch. There was nothing in there that should have caused a problem. Except, from keeping a dairy of everything I am eating, I believe that as well as cutting out certain foods I also need to rotate the ones I can eat. For example, it’s not a good idea to have potato for tea and then potato at lunch time the following day. As I had potato tuesday night and then for lunch wednesday, this may have caused the reaction. Does this make sense?
Anyway, even though I had a reaction it was very slight and passed within a couple of hours. Ordinarily, I would have been bad for a good couple of days. So, things are definitely getting better! Take care Ellie
Dear Sophie, I had the ELISA food test and on your recommendation and my IBS has been alot better too. The main things that I would never have thought of were rice and soya. I had cut out gluten and replaced it with rice and soya. Doh! The only comment I have is that exposure to some chemicals also sets off my IBS (and makes me feel very unwell) – such as fabric conditioner and certain cleaning products and deoderants, so people may also want to think about this aswell if the ELISA food test does not solve all their problems. Regards, David
I am delighted that you are much better on your regime but I am disappointed that you are waiting for a massive bout of agony. It means that you have doubt in your subconscious mind and that is exactly what will happen. It will return. If, however, you genuinely believe that you have total control with what you are doing, then you are not likely to have a relapse. Hang on in there. Remove the doubt for better control.
Hi Dr Phil – I’m waiting for the symptoms to return because that is what 16 years of IBS have taught me time and again! I don’t agree with your assessment – by that logic it is not the physical treatment that is working but the power of my mind. We all know how powerful the placebo effect can be, but it also has its limits, and the effects of diet and supplements can be equally powerful.
So – if I doubt that the treatment will last, it should last regardless, because of the physical effects on my body. Otherwise you might as well say that any treatment failure is due to the patient not “believing” in the treatment enough, which is something a struggling snake oil salesman would say to excuse the fact that his magic potions never seem to cure anybody…
If my body was having a genuinely negative reaction to the milk and other foods, and having a hard time with unfriendly bacteria etc, then it should be doing better now because of my changed diet and the supplements I take. And these changes are in my gut, not my head.
I’m now in another flareup of IBS. I don’t know what brought it on. I’m not understress, and have been following a very good diet. Adding Fiber supplement too. It just seems I will have an attack without warning. On weekens to relieve the pain I sleep and that does work.
Dear Sophie,
Take no notice of non-sufferers – i’ve had ibs for
30 years and it never gets any better.
All for now as my last message wiped off.
I agree with everything you say. Mine goes
progressively worse. I also have other health
problems. our bowel rules.
am also homeless for a long time as an old lady.
Good luck
I have recently been diagnosed with IBS after going a year and a half visitng over twenty doctors. My symtoms are the genrealized ones: bloating, gas, horrible constipation, belching yet worse of all really bad breath. I’ve searched high and low and I have yet to find anyone who has had problems with bad breath. Is this rare?
I have only been treated for 2 weeks now so any info would be helpful