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Elaine’s IBS Journey

Last updated on Aug 4th, 2020 Authored by Alana Scott     Reviewed by Audrey Inouye (RD)
Elaines IBS Journey

If you are feeling lonely and isolated due to your gut issues, then you are not alone. Living with a chronic illness is tough and we want to let you know that you aren’t doing this alone. There are lots of people out there who understand your struggles. We’re here to spread the word about IBS and to share your IBS journeys. In this article, Elaine Mealey, a registered dietitian in the United Kingdom, bravely shares her IBS journey and the process she went through to be diagnosed.

Elaine’s IBS Journey

My first real memory of IBS symptoms was as a teenager sitting on my mum’s bed with a stomach ache after eating Sunday roast dinner. I was sure it was the meat causing my stomach troubles, so it’s not surprising that I gave up the only meat I ate (chicken) and became a vegetarian when I moved out to university.

In January 2019 I started to experience severe bloating in the evenings. My partner nudged me to go to the doctor and kept insisting “that bloating isn’t normal”. He was right and by the time I booked a doctor’s appointment, the bloating and pain were keeping me from sleeping. I was waking some nights with the urgency to go to the toilet and then would go to the loo and not need to go.  In February I passed lots of fresh blood when going to the toilet and the fear really began to sink in.

To be safe, the doctor initially referred me for an ultrasound to rule out Ovarian Cancer, this was all clear. This was followed by blood and a stool sample testing for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Coeliac Disease. All results were negative.

Next, I was referred to a surgeon for a colonoscopy. The initial assessment appointment was 6 weeks away and I knew there would be another wait for the actual procedure date so I decided to take things into my own hands and in a somewhat ‘desperate’ measure.

I couldn’t endure the effect the pain and bloating were having on my quality of life any longer so I started the Low FODMAP Diet. I am not advocating that anyone does this without a diagnosis of IBS and medical support. However, I am a dietitian by background (completed a 4 year degree and worked for 9 years – including specialising in food allergies/intolerances) and work with lots of medical professionals.

As I started the diet, I doubted my ability to stick with it – but reminded myself of the willpower I had when I first became a vegetarian and missed chicken tikka so much! I used up all the freezer meals I had cooked weeks ago and couldn’t be sure what vegetables/high FODMAP ingredients they contained. 

Once I was ready to prep my pantry, a dietitian friend kindly lent me Kings College University IBS booklets. I did lots of googling for low FODMAP recipe inspiration too (my two favourites were alittlebityummy.com and shecanteatwhat.com). Then I meal planned and did a big low FODMAP online shop followed by bulk cooking to get me through the first week of the diet.

It was a hard 11 weeks on the diet. By day 5 I had purchased the Monash University Low FODMAP App to make sure I had up to date food lists. Even with my dietetic background, I couldn’t remember everything I could or couldn’t eat!

Making sure my diet was nutritionally balanced it was like FODMAP sudoku. It was a constant challenge to get enough protein, my 5 a day (fruit & vegetables), and fibre, especially as a vegetarian. What worked for me was making a batch of something that met all the criteria and eating it for a few days.

Are you ready to take control of your gut symptoms?

YES I WANT TOO!

No thanks, my gut is perfect.

Eating out was the biggest struggle. The only option with friends I found was a gluten free pizza with a few FODMAP friendly ingredients. If I hadn’t planned where to go to eat my option usually became chips with mayonnaise (couldn’t even have my favourite red sauce.) I did feel sorry for myself as friends ordered freely off the menu or when their pizza arrived twice the size of mine with lots of yummy toppings. I didn’t cheat though as I felt so much better eating low FODMAP. By week 2 of the diet, I wasn’t bloated and the pain had gone.

I couldn’t wait to reintroduce some foods. Disappointingly, I didn’t have a ‘major’ reaction to anything apart from garlic. This might have meant that lowering my overall intake of high FODMAP foods was enough to settle my symptoms, instead of being particularly sensitive to one or more of the FODMAP groups.

I finally had my colonoscopy after 9 weeks on the low FODMAP diet. The actual procedure was ok but the bowel prep was horrid. Ten biopsies were taken and despite consuming the 2 litres of bowel prep there was still residue in my colon. Three weeks later the diagnosis was IBS-constipation and a long colon! Somewhat of an anti-climax after weeks of investigations.

I now take a regular fibre supplement or Senna and I am virtually symptom free. I’ve also been able to relax my low FODMAP diet and just stay clear of the garlic bread. The years of a painful stomach and poor quality of life could have been resolved a lot earlier if I gone to the GP and not just said I have ‘IBS’. Don’t try to manage it yourself – go and get some help as soon as you can.

Author: Alana Scott

In 2013, Alana was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She also suffers from coeliac disease, is allergic to nuts and is intolerant to dairy products. This means she understands how difficult it can be to cook with multiple food intolerances. Her exp... Read More

Professional Reviewer: Audrey Inouye (RD)

Audrey Inouye is a FODMAP trained registered dietitian in Canada. She began her career in public health by managing community outreach and peer support programs for diabetes and prenatal nutrition. Audrey later branched into private practice and founded I... Read More

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Leave me a ❤️ if this is your sort of meal!It's lunch time here and I always find fritters are always a good option when I don't know what to eat.

These cheesy broccoli fritters are a favourite. What's not to love about tender pieces of broccoli and zucchini all packaged up in a cheesy batter and served with zesty lime aioli?

You can grab this low FODMAP and gluten free recipe from alittlebityummy.com or follow my profile link.

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Jan 2

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Calling all pizza lovers! 🍕Who enjoys a sneaky slice of pizza? I know I do.

Did you know it's possible to make a range of different pizza options low FODMAP? 

You need to find a gluten free pizza base and create a base sauce using a dollop of tomato paste, a sprinkle of oregano, and a few grinds of black pepper. Then add your favourite low FODMAP veggies and plain cooked meat. You can even use a small serve of chorizo or salami.

Then top with mozzarella or cheddar cheese which are both low FODMAP options or mix it up and add a garlic oil infused mayo instead.

One of my favourite combos is smoked chicken, salami, spinach & red capsicum/pepper 😍 What are your go-to toppings?

#pizza #fodmap #glutenfree #soulfood #pizzalover #coeliac #glutenfreelife #foodintolerances #fodmapfriendly #lowfodmap #smokedchicken #treatyourself #weekendvibes #lowfodmapdiet

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Oh hello 2021... thank you for finally joining us! Congratulations to everyone who made it through the homeschooling, sourdough baking, and Zoom meetings with no pants on year that was 2020.

Normally I’d be bouncing around setting lofty New Year resolutions right about now... but I’ve kinda lost my mojo. So instead I’ve decided just to set a few simple intentions for the year:

1️⃣ Make the bed a device free zone and get better sleep.

2️⃣Eat more veggies by making them fun.

3️⃣Take more ‘me’ time to recharge.

4️⃣Accept that I am me and that despite the health challenges and crazy struggles I’m exactly who I am meant to be and I don’t need to change.

If you want to hear more about these intentions then follow my bio link.

Otherwise leave me a comment below with your intentions for 2021 👇

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🌟🌟 Giveaway closed - the lucky recipient is @talianoya 🌟🌟

Giveaway Time! I thought I’d share some post-Christmas cheer with a little giveaway.

We have 2 prize packs to giveaway. Each prize pack includes:
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Dec 24

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Christmas cake time! I’m actually not a big fan of Christmas Cake so I made a spiced carrot cake instead.

It’s my gluten free and low FODMAP option that the whole family love.

What treats are you enjoying this Christmas?

PS you can grab this recipe on alittlebityummy.com

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Who's making stuffing for Christmas? I am an absolute fan of stuffing that's crunchy on the outside but fluffy on the inside.

This my friends is my 'go-to' recipe as I can prep it the day before and then just cook it for a few minutes on Christmas Day. It's also really easy to make low FODMAP, gluten free and dairy free to suit the needs of you and your guests.

Get the recipe from alittlebityymmy.com or follow my profile link.

Also if you have any leftover stuffing then try pan frying it and adding a side of eggs, bacon and spinach for an epic breakfast 🙌

What sides are you making for Christmas?
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Comments

  1. Kelsey says

    September 20, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    I love your blog! It is comforting to know there are people out there that struggle as I have (even thought I wouldn’t wish this illness on anyone). Like you, my symptoms began to be more prevalent when I was a teenager. It got to the point where it was unbearable and I didn’t want to do the things I love anymore. I pretty much stick to the low FODMAP diet as much as I can all the time because I cant figure out what the exact ingredient is that triggers my symptoms. When I cheat on my diet I always just know I am going to pay for it later 🙁

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      September 21, 2020 at 3:39 am

      Hi Kelsey,

      Thank you so much for commenting! It’s lovely to know that you are enjoying the content. It sounds like you have been on a long and challenging journey. It’s great to hear that the low FODMAP diet has been helping your symptoms. The low FODMAP diet isn’t a life time diet, so if you need some help figuring out your food triggers, let us know.

      Reply
  2. mts says

    October 26, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    Wow! After almost 50 years of suffering from ‘elusive digestive issues’, it is all beginning to make sense! I look forward to the information I can use to be able to live without taking 4 Loperamides a day. Oh, and if we can put people in space, why or why can’t we make an easier prep for a colonoscopy? The prep alone is a disaster.😣

    Reply
    • Alana ScottAlana Scott says

      October 27, 2020 at 6:04 am

      We definitely agree! Colonoscopy prep is always awful and it would be useful if there was an easier way to do that. We look forward to supporting you on your gut journey and hope you get some relief soon.

      Reply

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