Trouble Eating with My Condition: Is This Normal?

Sorry I’m commenting a little late. I really struggle with eating too and was diagnosed with IBS. I can be hungry and grab food and it’s no longer appetizing or just never being hungry. Im not sure if it’s “normal” as my doctor never really got into it with me, but I experience it too.

So crazy one of you mentioned onion and garlic being an issue, they are a huge issue for me! I just tested positive for SIBO the second time, not sure if the first time it went away or if it has come back. I’m finishing my 2 week round of Xifaxin tomorrow and now I’m not sure what happens. Does anyone relate? Still have a super distended abdomen.

That is really helpful, and I’m glad to know my symptoms are normal because I was scared that it was related to a stomach problem and that I was neglecting it. I’ve been taking Metamucil and it has honestly helped a lot, but I will def keep that medication in mind if things don’t work out for me

Let me tell you my experience. I had ibs-d and I kind of ignored it for around a year till I ended up going to the bathroom with diarrhea 4-5times a day minimum and bloating and the feeling of fullness even thoughI didn't eat. I tried a trial and error to see if it's a food related thing and I honestly couldn't figure it out. When I saw the doctor she and I (I'm a nurse) tried to narrow down what it could be. We assumed it was ibs but might as well test everything else just to make sure. I had a colonscopy done and a bacterial growth breath test done and a stool test done and nothing. After everything came back negative is when I had Xifixan 550mg 3 times a day for two weeks prescribed and now I feel great. It does act up sometimes but I manage with diet and exercise. The symptoms of IBS are similar to alot of conditions. So doing other tests help figure out how to manage your symptoms. Long post but I hope I helped anyone.

That’s so helpful, tysm! I started having problems in July, and I’ve lost about 13 lbs. it depresses me that this condition affects the way I can eat tho because I miss enjoying eating and not caring about it 😔

I frequently have a hard time eating. Personally, I find that starting with even a couple bites of something really really light ex. gluten free toast (without honey!) and a little bit of soy free vegan butter will help me start feeling like I can eat a little again. If you can’t stomach that, even a little bit of homemade chicken broth (store ones almost always have garlic and onion) just to make sure you’re getting a few calories really helps. I lost 18lbs in July because I wasn’t able to eat. And I’d 100% agree that Zofran is a life saver for me.

Omg the stomach screaming too is so concerning and then I just have to keep telling myself it’s normal 😭

Oh definitely. My trouble is that a lot of foods make my GI tract upset. Really annoying trying to eat healthy or eat anything and feel discomfort and hear stomach screaming. Lactose intolerant on top of that

What’s an IBS flare? Sorry I’m very new to having IBS and my doctor never really explained what symptoms I could have

I’m having an IBS flare caused by a gluten exposure, so this might be a little different. I’m so nauseous in the morning, even drinking water upsets my stomach. Honestly zofran is amazing

Ok I’m glad to hear it’s not just me, and I’m glad I could somewhat help. If you don’t mind me asking, when you ask your doc do you think you could tell me what he says about those symptoms? I don’t see my doctor until 3 months from now. Also if you don’t mind me asking, were the endoscopies related to IBS?

I totally get it. I go through that too. Like something finally sounds good, and then I just don't really want to eat. I kind of forgot about those issues, and I'm glad you mentioned it. I think it would be good to bring up to my doctor. I've had two endoscopies. They weren't bad at all. But I can definitely understand not wanting to undergo unnecessary procedures.

Like I’ve noticed that I’ll feel hungry and then when I eat I suddenly don’t really feel like eating. Or even sometimes I just don’t feel like eating. Sometimes I think it might just be I don’t like the food that might be the problem but idk. I just wanted to see if this was a normal symptom because I was considering doing an endoscopy but I don’t wanna do it if it’s not necessary

What kind of trouble are you having? Sometimes I struggle with being hungry at all. And sometimes I feel like I can't get full. I also just don't want to eat sometimes because, when I do, it often just goes right through me. It's miserable when that happens.