Need advice - new to this!

[sls12002]

Hi, I've been diagnosed with an IBD but they're not sure which one yet. They are suspecting Crohns(runs in my family).

I'm freaking out, I've noticed my stomach getting worse over the past few months. 3 weeks ago I started having constant diarrhea 15-20 times/day. I've taken Imodium, etc and nothing helps. Only 2 foods I've tried have helped, bananas and Kraft macaroni & cheese. It's so bad I'm not eating all day until I get home from work. What can I do to help the symptoms? Some websites say no fiber, others say no dairy...I don't even know where to start. And I don't have much time to cook. I work full time, take evening classes and I'm a single mom.
Just feeling really overwhelmed right now. What's my next step?

 

[kh216]

I am sorry that you are going through all this. You need to call your GI tomorrow morning and tell him or her exactly what you are going through, i.e. the amount of times you are going to the bathroom. It is potentially dangerous for you to have that much diarrhea. In the meantime, while you are waiting to talk to your doctor, try to stick with clear liquids and try to eat as little solid foods as possible.

Also, please keep in mind there is a bad intestinal flu going around. If you have this flu plus IBD, it is a very nasty combination and you will need to try to give your system a rest from food.

 

[superzeeman]

Welcome to the forum and sorry that you are having such a hard time. Everyone is different as far as diet goes. For example, I cant eat eggs but others eat as much as they can, I can eat salad and others would be in poor shape if they did. It just depends. The idea is to eliminate some of the things that can cause issues and try one of the things you quit after a time and see how your body reacts. This is a rather slow process. What I do is no eggs, low carb, watch my fiber but I didnt cut it out, lactose free dairy. I am still trying to determine what irritates me system after a year of being diagnosed. There are a lot of knowledgable folks on here that I am sure will have better information than I can provide. I wish you well.

 

[SarahBear]

Hi, sls!

Have you spoken to your doctor about these problems? What tests have you had done? Do you have any coming up to help pinpoint an exact diagnosis?

Trigger and safe foods vary from person to person. Your best bet is keeping a food diary, making note of things that upset your stomach, and then avoiding them. This thread is a great place to compare your results to others': http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=17707

I hope things get better for you soon! :hug: