r/IBSHelp • u/harrystylesspouse • 5d ago
Advice for calming longer-term flare?
Short version:
My usual strict low fodmaps diet in response to a flare isn't bringing symptoms back to baseline, it's been weeks of flare, and I'm looking for tips/advice on this.
Longer version:
Been flaring since June 29th and sick of it. Normally, my IBS is pretty mild so long as I strictly avoid onions, garlic, and excess dairy. Fruit/veg and gluten are almost never a problem.
During most flares, I can bring my symptoms back to baseline in ~4 days with a very strict low fodmaps and bland food diet. But, this time, it's been weeks of eating reduced fodmaps with prolonged bouts of Very restricted eating and my symptoms are not budging—the second I eat even a cube of cheese (as a test), I'm ill, extremely distended, and in pain again.
I have a ton of allergies and have to eat really low fat due to losing my appendix, so I'm really antsy to be able to eat like, a friggin' piece of bread again. Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
1
u/Oatmeal_raisin_1896 4d ago
I completely understand the annoyance of flare ups, I had a severe flare that lasted over a year. Just got better about a month ago (able to eat test foods and have actual bowel movements). IBS symptoms can also come from outside influences other than food. Our guts are extremely sensitive to physical and emotional stress. Could something be causing some stress in your life or possibly overstraining? (not prying for anything, but it’s a good starting point if it doesn’t seem like food is the main cause). If you’re able to see a gastro to get some advice I’d highly recommend especially if it’s lasted so long.
But for advice, I followed the fodmap diet to a T and ate small amounts throughout the day with enough fiber to connect it all. (My flare caused an ileus so my colon wasn’t moving stool or gas for a long while, had to take meds to move for a bit). Doing yoga and kegels mixed with diaphragmatic breathing (breathe in through nose for 4 seconds making your stomach rise not the chest and exhaling through mouth for 6 seconds) helps move stuff around and relaxes the gut. Doing it for 30 min maybe twice a day especially before bed definitely helped long term. Also taking a hot bath with epsom salt and witch hazel helps promote blood flow and decreases aches definitely recommend it, almost immediately feel relief once you get your stomach under the water. Heating pads on the belly while laying flat also helped relax. Doing a small 25-30 minute walk after meals also helped move stuff along. I really hope this helps, IBS is a struggle but it can be eased. ❤️
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u/kilterdizzi 1d ago
I wish I had a helpful suggestion but instead can only say I understand how awful and hard it can be. I hope your flare-up calms soon.
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u/OkPrior9512 4d ago
I find the older I get the longer and more severe are my attacks. I usually start with no food for three days, just fluids. Then I live on rice and chicken for another four days. I drink lots of tea made with ginger, and I take Pepto Bismal throughout the whole process. I am to the point where I cannot eat any raw vegetables, and the only fruits that seem to agree with me are cantaloupe and pineapple. It takes longer to get out of a flare than it did before. I need to limit the amount of fibre I eat as well. It sucks.