“So, what do you mean when you say you bloat? I mean I bloat after I eat too much sometimes…”
“Well. Ya know when you bloat so much that your pants are cutting off your circulation and you feel like the button is about to pop, and it hurts?”
“Yeah”
“Well, it’s like that except add in that I have this stinky gas that smells like something dead is inside me and trying to escape. I have zombie gas… I have a zombie inside me that is trying to escape.”
Yeah, that was pretty much the discussion I had with Paul about my GI issues. Then I had to go into more detail about the fun of weird BMs and of how thankful I am that installed that bidet in our master bath. At least I’m thankful for that bidet occasion I end up in that bathroom when I need it. But, given that I could be anywhere anytime…. yeah. He was feeling sweet so he offered to install bidets on the other toilets in the house. I really need a portable travel bidet that fits in my purse or just stays connected to my ass. That might work.
Fun discussions we have in my house. This lead into a discussion about the latest potential diet. Basically, I saw my GI doc again after the mamometry study and his reply was basically he can’t find anything wrong with me so my choices were a low-dose antidepressants (I guess my stomach is depressed… I knew it was a bit moody, but perhaps bi-polar meds would be more appropriate) or he suggested I try the FODMAP diet. I’d looked at it during the course of my research of “why does my gas smell like something died” and quite honestly Paleo-ish is hard enough. So, tonight Paul suggests we try a FODMAP Elimination diet.
But, if I take the FODMAP diet and then take away the foods that are allowed on the diet but that I already know my stomach takes issue with, there’s just not a lot left. Although, after looking at this list, it seems like there’s more than there was. I’d been trying to find out if Kale is on the list and just finally stumbled upon an updated list saying that it is. However, one of the things I’ve noticed with my “issues” is that I don’t seem to process fiber well, including our typical “protein power” salad (kale, chard, etc mix). That’s been the biggest red flag to me. I get if my stomach doesn’t want to process sugar or beans, and I’ll admit that sugar does also seem to be guilty of created zombies in my stomach, but sugar is not alone. There’s green stuff causing havoc, too.
Anyway, Paul said he’d do this diet with me for a month if I want to give it a try. I don’t know that we’ll need to go that long to see if it helps, but I guess it’s worth a try. Have you tried the FODMAP diet? Had you even heard of it before today? I’d love to hear if it’s worked for anyone or what they found from it. (Share your thoughts in the comments below).
Claire says
Bloating. My doctor was like ‘so what, we all bloat after eating too much’. Really, I’m telling you I have huge bloating that lasts for weeks before going down, accompanied by pains that are so intense that I double over and groan. And you say sure, this is normal, everyone has it. Great, trivialise my pain and an important symptom. Grrrr – as with so many other symptoms of CFS I’ll just have to help myself then.
I gave fodmap a go, and it didn’t really help me. I did an elimination diet, and the same thing. I think it’s because my swollen, irritated gut system needed longer than a month to calm down.
But after slowly noticing my reaction to foods and then eliminating them as I go along, I’ve noticed a huge reduction in my gut symptoms. The ‘no-no’ list is now quite long and growing; gluten, sugar (fructose, so this includes honey, fruit juices, dried fruit, maple syrup, agave, coconut nectar etc.) dairy, soy, nuts, preservatives, coffee, black tea (I cheat and have a little weak tea every now and then), yeast, onions, banana, apple, uncooked tomatoes, alcohol, uncooked garlic… I think there are a few more!!
I also notice that being exposed to some chemicals and perfumes set off my stomach. I always have gut pain after visiting Bunnings, and some cafes make my tummy hurt even if all I’ve taken is water! Maybe it’s the cleaner they use on the tables.
Eliminating food is tricky. It can take up to two years to see the proper results. It’s hard to see the results and finding new recipes is exhausting, but keep at it, it will be worth it.
Julie says
FODMAP helps me if I could stick to it constantly. We’ve done well during the week for the most part but have sucked on the weekends. I’m just doing the low FODMAP foods and every time I’ve veered I’ve paid. However, even on low FODMAP my BMs aren’t any better (the bloating and stinky gas are).
It’s frustrating and I know I have to stick to it at least a month or so for it to really be helpful, and then that whole re-introduce foods one at a time thing – yeah right.
Toni Dawn says
I’ve read about FODMAPs, but I haven’t tried the diet. Honestly, I’m doing well if I can stay away from chicken sandwiches once a week. I’m interested in reading about your experience with a low FODMAP diet. I’m thinking about trying the GAPS diet, but it’s going to take me a while to work through Dr. Campbell-McBride’s book. Reading about all these different diets and trying to figure out the best way to go is kind of driving me crazy. LOL What about you?
Julie says
There is so much info out there that it becomes confusing and leaves you not knowing which direction to go. I ran across FODMAPs initially when I was researching possible causes for the super stinky gas. I read it and thought “I have no desire to try that.” Given that I’d already ruled out half of what was allowed on the diet, it left me with so little. Then when the GI mentioned it I figured that was a sign that I should at least try it, and I figured as tight as it already was I may as well go ahead through in the AIP and rule those things out.
So far, I’ve cheated once and felt the wrath of my stomach for it right away (Chipotle – so salsa and guac, at least 4 things that are no nos on FODMAP/AIP – avacado, tomato, onion, peppers). Really that whole meal. Other than that I’ve done pretty well, but it’s hard and frustrating, especially for someone who doesn’t normally eat a lot of meat.
Garry H says
Hi Julie well with me ive found complex foods cause grief and many things i can’t eat today but tomorrow are ok? One i had fish and chips from a really good shop was hungry as not eaten much that day and xmas prezzie to my self? had it and 5 mins later felt rough by time i’d got home just went to bed felt that bad then went there while later and fine no problem at all had it somewhere else as well.
Fiber also think is a cause of problems as end up like a gas tank farting for all plus find it all floats in toilet like a big mush
Julie says
Fish and chips can pack a multiple wallop due to things like gluten, the oils used to fry the fish and chips, and even additives in the seasonings. I do miss fried foods, and occasionally will make my own gluten-free fried chicken, onion rings, or even crab cakes. Going that route helps make sure I know what’s in them. However, just the extra oil can be enough to trigger problems. Have you had your gallbladder removed? That can also lead to further problems digesting fats and others.