I'm not sure what to eat anymore?

[Zepora]

I am 56 years old and have been diagnosed with IC, IBS with steatorrhea, severe osteoporosis, have had L4 laminectomy, L4,L5, S1 discectomies, I now have Spinal Stenosis and live in constant pain. I have had Hep C, type1 for over 30 years. I've had a total hysterectomy which was botched and  they had to remove a portion of my colon that they had stapled through. I have had multiple traumatic surgeries. I take HM Contin 12 mg, twice a day, which is probably one of the reasons why I have no appetite, but I just feel nausea everytime I think about eating. I have been living on "Boost". When I have an IC flare it seems to trigger my "spastic colon" and after years of using Belladonna alkaloids I now balance control of my bowels using Dilaudid 2mg. I know this isn't the best answer, but I've had too many bad results with Lomotil, Buscopan, etc.I'm not sure what to eat any more, if I follow my IC diet, it sets off my IBS and if I follow the IBS diet it seems to set of another IC flare. I take Probiotics, Fosomax, Multi-vitamins/minerals/Calcium supplements. I have hydrodistensions of the bladder done every 6 months for IC.

[Renee Radenberg]

Have you been tested for Celiac disease? There are some things that will help both conditions. Eating 5-6 small meals a day. Take the 3 large meals and break them into half so you are eating food every 2-3 hours during the day. This keeps your body be in a constant rhyme and does not become 'overloaded' 3 times a day with heavy meals. Eating lower fat foods will help too. For your IC you do have to restrict drinking alcohol, caffeinated & citrus drinks, high acids foods, chocolate, tomatoes, and artificial sweeteners. For IBS staying away from dairy foods would help, eat high fiber foods to help with constipation, and drink 6-8 cups of water a day. Suggest eating low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat soy cheese & pasta), substitute dairy products (low fat soy milk/soy yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits (except tomatoes and high acid fruits) and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). Hope that helps you.

[Zepora]

Been there and done that, but it's no fun to eat anymore it was always my favourite pastime! My husband refuses to eat any of this "diet" food, wants to eat normally, and he can. But when I have to worry about 2 different meals, 3 to 6 times a day, I can't come up with much. The only thing we agree upon is oatmeal!!!! We both like it and it works well for our bowels. Thanks for all your help and info.