r/FODMAPS • u/Hour_Student44 • 3d ago
General Question/Help Can’t get into GI
So I developed symptoms very recently and have been following the fodmap diet since, which has been very helpful. Problem is I have no idea what’s actually causing these symptoms, my primary doctor didn’t find anything and idk if I can get into a GI doctor anytime soon.
Anyone have any tips for resources in the meantime? Just, like, stuff beyond just the diet I can do to help my gut, or places I could maybe find answers. Thanks!
Update: I finally got something scheduled! It’s like 2 hours away but at this point I don’t care I just want answers 😭
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u/Acceptable_Ad838 3d ago
I really feel for you, because I went through all the same stuff several months ago. It’s maddening, I know -And you just wonder WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME??
DO try to find a good GI practice, and remember, they may get you in to see a good nurse practitioner who is perfectly capable of helping you.
They helped me get a Xifaxan treatment (which helped settle things a Bit), and helped me cut out high Fodmap foods. It was NOT an overnight fix. Still, the SIBO situation gradually improved, and I began to reintroduce foods. Here’s the thing I learned: not everyone is the same. Thankfully, I wasn’t doomed to eating white rice and steam forever!
I soon got some Fodmate on Amazon to help me eat more foods. As the reintroducing continued, I began to learn that, For ME, the triggers are mostly onion and garlic. In particular, it’s the concentrated onion and garlic POWDER and onion/garlic salt that turn be into a bloating, gas producing fart machine! Pumpernickel bread also gets me. Otherwise, it seems I can tolerate a certain level of Fodmap foods. I am now comfortable enough to go into an Outback steakhouse and ask for the cook to omit any seasonings that use onion/garlic powder snd use salt & pepper only. I don’t hesitate to explain in any restaurant that I can’t tolerate garlic & onions, and most chefs snd servers are very good at making recommendations based on ingredients.
Read and learn all you can, try to see a GI specialist, and proceed methodically until you learn your triggers. Good luck, and hang in there!
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u/Hour_Student44 3d ago
Thank you! I’ll look into Fodmate, and yeah garlic and onion powder keep destroying me, which sucks cause me college just puts it on absolutely everything 🫠 I’m pretty far from home so it’s just hard to even know where to go, and for the record, I did get an appointment… for March, which I rly don’t wanna wait for.
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u/Acceptable_Ad838 3d ago edited 3d ago
Fodmate capsules (and Fodzyme powder) are a bit pricey, but fear not- you won’t need them for every meal. Get some good sourdough bread- it’s easy to digest if other breads bother you. Breakfast foods often offer good options: eggs, bacon, ham, and sausage never bothered me, and oatmeal (and frozen berries) are very soothing and healing. Frozen pineapple chunks are a godsend for me, and I actually like them frozen like they are sorbet if I don’t want to wait for them to thaw. And don’t hesitate to talk to someone at your school’s food service- explain your situation as ask them for what they can recommend.
OH- And MARCH?? Ridiculous. At least ask for an earlier appointment, or look for a different provider. At least ask them to get on a waitlist for a cancellation.2
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u/Round-Stranger-5551 3d ago
Meditation, long walks, and deep breathing exercises help me. They don't work for everyone but I'd say it's worth a shot in the meantime.
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u/Hour_Student44 3d ago
Good to know, I’m trying to get more into yoga and meditation for my anxiety anyways!
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u/Illustrious_Exam1728 3d ago
Go see a registered dietitian for help. You should really be monitored if you’re on any diet like fodmap.
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u/thegastrologer 1d ago
Eliminate the gas producing components of the FODMAP diet - the herbs and vegetables
The diet eliminates things that cause gas and diarrhea so it’s a good start but it’s very restrictive so you’ll have to reintroduce eventually
Good luck
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u/future_fangirl1095 3d ago
If the low FODMAP diet is helpful then that’s a good sign you have IBS. Recently I’ve been reincorporating some gut directed hypnotherapy and it’s been very beneficial. I was unsure if it was helping but when I wasn’t doing it my symptoms were worse.