Graphophiliac

Hello from a newbie! I've had GI problems my whole life. I thought it was normal to wake up with gas, bloating, nausea, heartburn (GERD?), and/or diarrhea every day, until my family members told me differently. Thus followed the lactose-free diet, the gluten-free diet, the mycotoxin-free diet, multiple tests (all negative), and a couple of "oscopies," which indicated that I was normal. I went through three regimens of antibiotics for SIBO and they made me feel worse. I was finally diagnosed with IBS, which to me has exactly the same definition as Margiebee stated: "Your stomach has problems and we don't know what other category to put you in." I honestly think my GI doctor wanted a better answer, but he didn't know what else to say. Since that diagnosis, I've discovered a lot of other symptoms that I think point me toward dysautonomia (joint pain, facial flushing, dizziness, itching, unpredictable weird symptoms, etc.), which makes me want to check into mast cell issues, but my main symptoms are still GI related. When you tell people you have stomach problems, they only see that you look okay. They don't realize how debilitating it can be and how much it affects you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I can clearly remember one Thanksgiving that I spent in the fetal position in a corner. I can also remember another day when I went for a walk and came back after a quarter of an hour because my stomach was so painful I couldn't stand up. Trigger foods? That's a mystery. When plain water makes you sick or bloat up, it's hard to believe you'll ever find out your triggers. Or you can eat a cup of something one day and be fine, and eat a teaspoon of the same thing another day and be on the couch in agony. Go figure. Some things that help me: eating smaller, more frequent meals; sleeping on a wedge pillow; avoiding spicy or fermented foods; avoiding too much fiber; drinking enough (but nothing too cold or too hot, since temperature extremes cause problems); long moderate exercise like walking or jogging... I'm looking for more answers, but it sure takes a long time. I'm sorry that so many of you have such awful GI issues, but I'm also really glad to find a community with others who understand, because a lot of people don't seem to realize that GI problems are so intrusive in every day life. Hang in there, everyone!