Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

When I first got my dx for the fibro (and everything else my doc dx'd at the time) I had horrible IBS.  Doc tested for celic (sp?) disease -- which came back negative, and then wanted to send me to have a colonoscopy done to check for other causes/rule things out.  Because of the cost of having one done, I told her there was just no way at that time -- but I would keep it in mind and hopefully be able to consider it later when my deductible was met (wonderful way to decide medical care, eh).  Never have gone and had any further testing done because the IBS hasn't bothered me once since I was put on a combination of the Lyrica and Savella.  Don't know what that might have to do with it, just that it stopped when I started taking those and I haven't changed anything else. 

While the fibro itself is no cakewalk, I agree it's easier to deal with than the IBS.  The IBS had me feeling like I was chained to a wall being as I was always afraid of getting to far from comfort, and wondering if today something else I ate/drank would set it off.  If it ever starts acting up again (X'n my fingers it never does) I know I will follow through with the test the doc wants.....

My IBS started in my mid 20"s, at the time they did not know about FM and they had no clue what was wrong with me. I worked in my home for 2 yrs because it was not safe to get out of the house.  When I found out about imodium it was like the best thing that had ever happened to me. I was able to work outside of the house, I was able to go shopping without being afraid. Of course I had every test possible and they all came up negative. In Canada you can get all of this done without paying, but the DR's get a cut for every test they send you to. I will never in this lifetime go for another test like the ones I got.

I have found out recently that I cannot have any dairy product. It took me awhile to figure that one out. A friend of mine told me to try Lactaid, and if nothing happened after I ate cheese, then I should continue to use it. So now I can go a day without my IBS kicking in, or my stomach swelling so bad that I look pregnant.

Good luck, I hope some of this helps you out.

Oh boy, do I ever have IBS. My dad has Crohn's, has since he was 20 years old. He's now 61. His is severe, and he's completely disabled at this point, has been for about 15 years now. Because MY IBS is so severe, I have to get tested for Crohn's every 5 years for the rest of my life. Hey, could be worse, right? =)

My IBS is more the IBS-D variety. My mom has IBS-C, which I wish I could have much of the time.

Not sure what kind you've got going, or if it's the combo variety.

For me... keeping a healthier diet with fewer processed foods, extra water, and extra D (4k IU per day) definitely seems to help.

I have been treated by docs for mine, and we've determined that I am lactose sensitive (milk/cream bother me, as does ice cream, but butter, yogurt, cheeses, no biggie), and that I have absorption issues. I've been on several RX's for the symptoms but there's nothing that is safe to be on for extended periods of time, for me, that works.

I keep a steady supply of immodium in my purse at all times. 2 tabs does nothing for me - I take 4-6 depending on how bad my symptoms are, and typically I'll wind up taking between 4-10 of the pills per day when I'm really on a bad streak. I know, that's insane... but my body is NOT good with the intestines. =)

The only other thing that I've found works is medical marijuana, which is not to say use it to get high and act like an idiot. In my state, Fibro and severe IBS are both qualifying diseases to obtain your license, and I have to say that of all the "treatments" I've found, MJ is the only one that has relieved cramps, pain, nausea and the bleeding caused by my lower GI contracting too much. Not everybody agrees with the use of the plant for medicinal purposes, and if you're on that side, that's cool - I'd never push. But you might talk to your doc if your symptoms create bleeding or severe pain, which mine do.

If you're having major issues though, definitely head in and discuss with your GI doc. They'll probably have you do several food things, for 3-4 weeks at a time: No dairy, no carbonation, no wheat, no soy, etc., until they find things that seem to really set you off.

For me, iceberg lettuce is a major "no way" food", as is regular milk or large amounts of cream. And hey, fat-free froyo is yummy AND it's got fewer cals than regular f-f ice cream.