← Return to Gastritis, Esophagitis, GERD , small Hiatal hernia , diverticulosis

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Has anyone else felt like they’ve done everything right for months… and their gut still won’t cooperate? :(I’m 41, an expat living in China for the past 16 years, and I’ve been on a deep gut healing journey for the last 4-5 months. After receiving a DNA test focusing on gut health and immunity, I discovered I have fructose malabsorption, multiple food intolerances, and allergies to dairy, oats, peanuts, dust, and grass (seriously?!). Honestly, after years of living with daily gut issues—likely worsened by China’s air quality and environmental stress—I finally committed to a total reset.Since then, I’ve overhauled my life:- No eating out- Super clean, unprocessed, anti-inflammatory diet- Over an hour a day spent de-stressing through breathwork, yoga, mindfulness, and journaling- No sugar, alcohol, or caffeineNot a single shortcut—truly doing the work!And yet... I’m still being teased with moments of progress (a half decent poop), followed by the dreaded return of muddy, broken, floating stools—like The Empire Strikes Back, but in my toilet. 💩It’s been one of the hardest journeys of my life.And I’m so so so tired of it!I’d love your help and insight if you’ve been in similar shoes:- What could be going on when muddy stool keeps returning despite strict lifestyle changes?- How did you know when you were dealing with leaky gut vs. IBS vs. possible histamine intolerance?- Have you found a rhythm with reintroducing foods safely—or does your gut just “decide” when it’s going to turn?- How did you stay mentally strong when healing felt like one step forward, two steps back?I’m open, committed, and still hopeful—but it’s getting harder to hang onto that hope alone.Thanks for reading this and holding space. Just knowing someone else gets it helps more than you know! 🙏

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Replies to "Has anyone else felt like they’ve done everything right for months… and their gut still won’t..."

Yes, I am on Creon, a LOW FODMAP diet, 6 small meals a day, no alcohol. My gut issues pretty much destroyed a lot of my self-esteem and my financial life, romantic opportunities, and I also lived abroad a long time, with hopes of returning. With the incredible expense of Creon, the US economy has seemingly only worsened over the last 6 years (for my field, and I work across three interrelated fields), it is depressing. I really do get it.

Actually I just finished with the webinar. Basically Dr. Pimental states that almost all IBS D or C are caused by SIBO. And a lot of that is caused by having food poisoning at some time that started the whole process. Actually I did have food poisoning in France in the early 70s and I have had this problem for years and years. He also gives all of his patients breath tests and antibody tests. He does send out the latest papers he wrote free of charge. I don't exactly know how you go about getting them. But I imagine online somewhere.

I was diagnosed with IBS years ago (25?). I went from doc to doc, had the procedures twice and no help. I was close to suicidal when I found the FODMAP diet which changed my life. This was developed by a university in Australia after deep research into IBS. It's not a cure and doesn't claim to be but it has really made my life bearable.

I would Google it and also if they have an 800 number I would call that. Usually on the website it will give you the details but definitely try again.

Of the various chronic diseases I deal with the gut has been the cause of my Darkest days, worse depression battles, and hopelessness. You are certainly not alone. Even when you take all the prescribed medications, eat all the right foods, get the right type of exercise etc etc etc , one very tiny misstep or change or some little something you don't even know what it was can cause major chronic pain and other problems. By God's grace and a devoted wife who has a background in nutrition has kept me from giving up.

I totally get this. First episode at 4. 69 years of this life- disrupting
problem. Stress makes it worse. Hormones make it worse. It gets worse for no apparent reason.
My 7 year-old grandson was just diagnosed with Crohn’s. So glad they caught it early and will start him on a biologic. I do jot have Crohn’s. I have a very spastic and tortuous colon. Makes adventure photography trips, hiking etc challenging. It may be time to buy a rocking chair.

Hello Lee
I feel your pain. Dx with IBS, lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity 15 years ago, i went on a low fodmap diet but did not help. It is somewhat boring so after 10 years, I slowly introduced gluten and dairy and much more satisfied.
Eating out is a big problem because I cannot have black pepper because of gastritis. Most chefs cook with salt and pepper.
Even being careful and eating at home, i still get discomfort, muddy stools, nausea etc.
Many times want to give up. Get depressed because of low quality of life.
It is difficult living with GI and pulmonary conditions. Both are necessary to sustain life.
I get sad especially because I am doing everything right to keep my lungs funtioning.
This has been a difficult journey.
Hang in there and live every day to the fullest.
Marie
xo

Hi, I read your post and I can so relate. I have been dealing with gut issues for the last five years, after I had my gallbladder removed. My subsequent back surgery caused colon angulation and I was recently diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and a misplaced cecum (now located behind my liver.) I feel like I have the flu every single day and I’ve tried multiple medications to calm my stomach down and keep my digestive track moving. The depression that’s come with it, is truly overwhelming. Know that you’re not alone in your struggles. I think gastrointestinal issues are some of the most difficult to diagnose and treat. I am scheduled to meet with a surgeon next week in hopes of getting some relief. I pray that you can find some answers and get relief soon. 🤗