Has anyone else been diagnosed with CFS and IBS?

Brain and nerves
1

I'm a 62 year-old woman and was recently diagnosed with IBS and CFS after years of symptoms and every test known to man.wink I was very active and in great health until I got a nasty stomach flu @5 years ago.  I was down for a week and have never been the same since.  The exhaustion and nausea/diarrhea never really went away.  What I know now to be flares, I thought were another illness.  My flares have gone from every 3 months or so and I would take a couple of days off work for the worst part and then just dealt with the nausea and exhaustion that hung around.  Presently I'm in bed because of a particularly bad flare and my last was only a month ago.  I was given a promotion at work that begins next week and I'm afraid that, if I don't get this under some kind of control, I may be unemployed.  I've lost 30 lbs in the last 3 months due to the bowel probs and being too exhausted to even eat.  That probably sounds a bit weird but just chewing the food is sometimes too much.  Has anyone else been diagnosed with this double whammy? Does anyone have any advice on a diet that would be okay for both conditions?  I just joined this board but I've learned a lot in the past few months just reading the posts and hope maybe someone can help me figure out how to deal. Thanks in advance for any advice.

2

Hi this seems a very common thing,lots of ME sufferers find they get stomach problems. I struggle to eat properly myself, though i've gained a lot of weight. Have you tried any live culture foods or drinks such as live natural yoghurt, or Actimel style drinks. Getting your gut culture right seems to help a lot of people, both with IBS and M.E. Best of luck

3

Thanks so much Debi.  I haven’t tried any live culture drunks but I’ll try them next (If I can get up the energy .   This forum is great and full of so many people who want to help.  Thanks again!

4

Hi

Yes my gp says I have both but research says the two are closely linked anyway.Im trying a low carb diet at the moment which seems to be helping with both conditions.its tough but try to keep your carb intake under 50 g a day.Bonus is I’ve lost 7lbs in a week as your body sheds stored water during low carb.Drink plenty of fluids and see how it works for you.All the best Keano