Question re: Heather's diet

**Fen** · 04-13-2008, 12:26 PM

Ok, I've been messing with my diet for quite some time now, and keeping a journal of what I've eaten and my symptoms. My bloating seems to be a constant, chronic condition which I hope will ease up after my doctor begins to treat me for the IC he suspects (I have a PST on Thursday, which he is fairly certain will be positive).

After much elimination and testing, I've discovered that I feel best on a low-residue diet (also known as Heather's diet). When I eat, for instance, a salad or a raw, unpeeled apple, I get the most painful gnawing, tearing sensations in my intestines. When I eat bagels, they are calm. I'm prone to constipation, so I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I can't eat really fibrous foods.

So I eat mostly low-residue foods that are also bland, to avoid irritating my bladder. I guess my question is this: Is is really healthy to eat mainly oatmeal, plain bagels, graham crackers, chicken, rice, and canned pears long term? Does anybody have any tips for how I can add in other "healthier" foods? Has anyone had any luck adding in more fibrous foods once their IC is in remission??

**Sally939** · 04-13-2008, 12:31 PM

I have IC not IBS so I follow the IC diet. For me, as my meds had time to work I have been abe to add a lot of foods back in.

**Fen** · 04-13-2008, 12:32 PM

That was fast! Did you have any negative side effects from the Elavil or the Elmiron? I see that you're currently on both - that's the route my doctor wants to take with me if/when the PST is positive.

**Sally939** · 04-13-2008, 01:06 PM

Kinda, I kept loosing more hair than normal. That is a side effect of elmiron. Then I decreased my dose for a week and then when back to my normal does. By doing that my hair loss stopped. I have been on my normal dose since that for a few months. Elavil can cause weight gain. It has not in me. If ot starts I will switch to an alternative. Good luck with the meds. We are all difeerent as side effect bother some of us and other do not get them. So give the meds a good chance.

**leelee88** · 04-13-2008, 01:35 PM

I know in the beginning I ate things like you described then when I got on the meds that helped me control my IC I started adding things back. But I do have IBS-D and find that fiber food does bloat me, so I can only eat small amounts..