Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have the more rare version where my body cannot eliminate, rather than the common version where it does too often. During my pregnancy, it was like I was almost cured. I hardly had any issues at all. It was wonderful. And it lasted until just recently.
I don't know if this means that I'm finally back to normal, hormonally, from when I was pregnant, but I don't like it. It robs me of energy, makes me uncomfortable all the time, and makes me feel sick constantly.
On the fourth, we went to a bbq. One of the guests there was eating very differently than the rest. When asked about it, she offered that she had been diagnosed with an intestinal yeast infection. When I looked up the symptoms, I was shocked to feel like I was reading about myself: bloating, cramping, intestinal pain, joint pain, stomach upset, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, depression, confusion, "fogginess", difficulty concentrating, acid reflux, etc...
I will go to the doctor on Wednesday to try to determine if this might be the key to making me feel better. I feel like I have to try. There's no cure or good treatment for IBS, so it'll be a huge improvement if this is actually the cause. I'm hoping that it is.
The other good thing? With the extreme dietary restrictions, I will have to cut out most of my problem foods (the ones that I tend to binge on) and will probably lose the last 10 pounds to reach my goal weight. Feeling better AND looking hot? Awesome.
I hate writing about this stuff. I'm embarrassed about it. I feel really gross. But I do it because a lot more people suffer from this than know it, and maybe it will help you or someone you know. Consider this my public service announcement.
*******The More You Know...
