Stomach and intestinal problems seem to be common amongst us on the spectrum. I have IBS, and a kink in my bowel. Stress does increase the problems, and yes, this can all lead to diarrhea and/or constipation. Popping stomach meds can lead to a "bounce back" effect, leading to more stomach irritation, and the taking of more meds to make it feel better for a while. Also, Nemorosa is correct. You should try to figure out what foods may be aggravating your condition, and eliminate, or at least cut down on them. I have always had an acid stomach, and was taking meds for it from child hood on. I also was given frequent enemas as a small child to deal with constipation. Although my IBS and kinked bowel are a big part of my problem, I found out that stress was also a big factor, along with fried foods. Some years ago I almost eliminated fried foods from my diet. I still get breaded chicken and fish, but cook them in the toaster oven. I rarely fry things at home, but will occasionally buy fried foods at restaurants. Not long after I minimized fried food in my diet, I noticed a reduction in my stomach acid, and was able to reduce my intake of stomach meds. As for my stress, several years ago my living situation improved, and my stress levels went way down, and my excess stomach went down even more. Now I rarely take any stomach aids. This inspite of taking some meds that do cause stomach upset. I take them with meals, so the level of discomfort is only slight, and I am able to manage without the stomach meds.
You should cut down on, or eliminate fried foods from your diet to see if that helps. You should also be tested for an intolerance to gluten, and to dairy products. These can cause stomach and intestinal distress. If you have either a gluten or a dairy problem there are still plenty of foods you can eat.
Another part of my problem is, like many other people, I don't eat enough fruits and veggies. I am sensitive to some of them--citrus fruits upset my stomach, and I can't stand the smell or taste of bananas, for example. Others I would probably have liked if I had not first encountered them through my mother's cooking. She had a tendency to destroy the edibility of foods, including veggies. She would cook veggies into a state of tasteless mush. Meats she would cook into a dry, dessicated state. I always preferred to eat restaurant chicken, because hers was so dried out. She was very fond of fried foods, which became saturated with Crisco, which she bought in giant tubs. The walls and ceilings of the living room/dining room/kitchen area of the house also became saturated. It was a real fire hazard. I remember when my father finally wanted to repaint that area, it took him a long time to scrub all the thick coating of grease off the walls and ceiling. He wasn't happy about all that extra work. Fortunately, when my mother became elderly, us grown kids found out about oven fries. The ones from the store already have a thin layer of oil or grease on them to keep them from clumping together. This is enough to cook them with in the oven, spread out on a tray. It is also safer and less fatty than the old way. I managed to get my mother to switch to oven fries. The old way tastes better, but oven fries are less work, so she was willing to switch. If you are unable to give up fries at home, consider switching to oven fries, and do consider cutting down on all fried foods.
Good luck in your search for relief. And remember, we on the spectrum are all:
A Different Drummer
If a man does not keep pace with his companions,
Perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step to the music which he hears,
However measured or far away.
--Henry David Thoreau
07 Jan 2012, 4:42 pm
