IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome as defined by Google, “is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you’ll need to manage long term.” As defined by Riley, “We don’t know what is wrong with you and why foods make you sick.”
I have had issues with food my whole life. I just say that my stomach hates me. Growing up I just dealt with the pain, cramping, acid reflux, bloating and other symptoms. I just thought it was how everyone felt when eating. I quickly learned that is not the truth. About a year ago, I decided to take my issues seriously and started going to the doctor looking for answers. They suggested the FODMAP Diet. What is this you might ask; well, it is a long list of eat this and not that.
FODMAPS “is an acronym (abbreviation) referring to Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food that can be poorly absorbed by some people.” – Google
To be honest, this list discourages me daily and causes me to have anxiety when grocery shopping or going out to dinner with friends. It’s almost impossible to eat pre-made or non-organic food without ingesting some form of high FODMAP. Then, even organic or vegan foods still have high FODMAP ingredients. Because of this I don’t always take my health seriously in this area and just suffer the consequences. To me it is easier to not be a burden on others in regards to something as simple as food than to present this list and say, “Hey, can you adjust to me?” This leads to me taking unhealthy amounts of Tums, Lactaid, anti-acids or gas-ex as well as occasionally crying over stomach pains.
Before the Race I decided to do a food allergy test. The pricking wasn’t bad but the burning after was excruciating. I found out I was a 3+ out of a 1-3 scale for rice, turkey, eggs, pineapple, cinnamon, onions, shrimp, and cashews. This does not mean I will swell up or stop breathing if I eat these but I will be in extreme pain and experience other physical ailments. Thus, my already restricted diet shriveled.
So, coming out on the race, food was a big concern for my doctor, my parents and me. All in all I have been able to avoid most high FODMAP foods, however it is extremely difficult when onions and garlic are in almost every dish and dressing. Some days I get by with a smile and think, “I did well eating today.” Others, I regret every bite and feel disgustingly sick. Then there are days all bets are off because I want to be a normal person and enjoy normal foods. (These are the days I “overdose” on Tums)
It’s a hard balance and a frustrating daily struggle. I pray every day for healing just so I can eat and not worry about what is in my food. Yes, I should probably stick closer to the FODMAP diet and avoid the foods I am allergic to but I also want to eat like a “normal” person. I would love to enjoy a cheeseburger with all the toppings or a scoop of ice cream on a hot day but I can’t. I would love to eat a simple salad, dressing included but I can’t.
Now, I don’t want this post to seem hopeless because I am alive and do eat out here on the Race. I just have good and bad days, no different from anyone else. I am blessed by an amazing team where everyone is willing to sacrifice and adjust when I cannot eat something and we have had amazing hosts who prepare amazing meals adjusted to our dietary restrictions. (My team has all the food allergy people: one is gluten free, one has Crohns, and one is a vegetarian…then there is me)
My personal desire is to one day be able to eat food normally and not get sick immediately after. I would greatly appreciate prayers in this area as I still have eight months left abroad and do not know how food will look in every country. Please pray for complete healing or that the Lord continues to provide hosts who are kind enough to make sure we all can eat.
God does answer prayers. I just need my prayer warriors 😉
