@sherry59 @hopeful33250 I To am a longtime sufferer of chronic constipation which I think affects mood, back pain, and our nutrition.

I took a breath test for SIBO and it came back off the chart methane level. (I hope I’m saying this correctly) I was given antibiotics and that helped for a short while but I didn’t follow up with the FODMAP diet. I got so sick I snapped and got on the diet and the results were good. Now my challenge is to stick with 5 small meals a day. I set a timer on my phone and earnestly adhere.

It’s not easy but it works. I’ve had to make changes in my habits. That’s the difficult part. If I don’t snack often enough then I get hungry and want to eat more than my stomach can handle.

My stomach empties very slowly and I can’t eat the way I used to (or want to.) so I’ve had to adapt.

On the bright side, I’m an introvert, live alone with my darling rescue dog and we can do whatever we like. I’m also a writer and enjoy our quiet time.

That said, I do have family and events coming up that will surely challenge my balance. I’m full of apprehension because my son and his fiancée are community activists and have planned a 3 day wedding event in a national park with guests sleeping over in bunk houses. There will be a catered barbecue and ceremony and guided trail hikes and fishing events, and moderate drinking (really). And it will be hugely memorable (especially if it rains) and I know I’ll love it when it’s over. But right now not so much.

But to finish what I started here, maintaining my balance will be challenged if not upended, but I will survive. Please continue with this discussion. It’s not often we find this topic conversational, but Connect has a way of helping us all feel more normal about our issues.
Best, Suzanne