Arlene finds a lifesaver for anxiety related IBS - peppermint oil capsules!
"Heather, You are an Angel of Mercy. The things I have learned from reading the first few pages of your book are incredibly helpful. This weekend I am going to try the banana bread. Already the peppermint tea and some of the quick foods you mentioned have made a difference. Thank you so much for sharing your diet experience with the rest of us. Godspeed,"
Kevin Wells, IBS and diverticulosis sufferer
"Hi, your book is wonderful. It has helped me immensely in the fast few months. I have had IBS for about 10 years undiagnosed, of course! I went to another doctor about 6 months ago and described my symptoms and right away he told me what he thought it to be. He directed me to the internet and suggested further testing to confirm his diagnosis. I found your site and got your book right away. Needless to say I am feeling much better."
Vida Edwards, IBS sufferer
"I just want to thank you for all the wonderful information that is on your site. It has changed my life!! I used to be afraid to basically leave the house. I have struggled and not known what my real problem was until I discovered your website. I am so grateful and could go on forever about all the benefits I have enjoyed since I have "learned how to eat to live"! That is what it feels like to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Phyllis
"Dear Heather, If I only had the adequate words to express my feelings for you and what you've done for me. You did not give me my life back. You GAVE me A LIFE.......a life I've never, ever known. Sick is a word that cannot encompass my world of torment and pain. I've been afflicted with this problem since I was 5 years old (IBS-D), I am now in my 40's
My entire life, sometimes up to 3 times a week, suffering with crippling spasms for never ending hours upon hours. The excruciating spasms are what I find the most horrifying thing I have to live with. Vomiting from pain, pouring sweat, trying endlessly to get home as soon as I feel the very first inkling of a spasm. I honest to God, have always felt like I was going to die. I would simply dread every occasion, holiday, or even planning a vacation a year from now. I cannot live where I'd like to because any distance at all from my job, is too far when an attack is coming over me. My best case scenario would have been setting up a cot next to my desk. I can't even imagine how I still have a job. The humiliation of explaining my situation to every boss, boyfriend/husband and girlfriend is something I just can't seem to get used to because no one gets it. Basically they all have that same uncomfortable expression on their face (like, are we finished talking about this freaky subject yet?) Occasionally, some people would even say to me "Oh yea, I get cramps too when I have to go to the bathroom." I would become infuriated saying, NO, that is not what this is! I feel like I'm in labor pain! I'd say, "How would you like to feel like you're having a baby every week? I don't know, it all just feels so much worse then those three letters... I-B-S.
To top it off, I have a form of endometriosis. This is a very grim picture of a life. So.... in a constant state of depression, the doctors, who by the way, all acknowledged that it was IBS, told me it was nerves, nerves, nerves. That was the cause, period, amen. It's true. My whole family are totally nervous worriers and we all have the same condition although mine is the most severe of all of us (is this inherited?), so I really never thought for a minute, that the food I ate was antagonizing an already chronically inflamed colon.
I didn't want to write you until I really felt absolutely certain of myself. It's been an extraordinary, unbelievable, incredible, UNTHINKABLE 7 months since my last attack!!! I feel like I'm dreaming. I keep standing in front of my calendar, counting, counting. I'm obsessed with counting the days. This can't be happening - - - can it??? My family keeps calling me asking, Still, STILL???
Doctor, after test, after pill and along comes Heather and Acacia. You should win the noble prize for that alone! I would scream it out to the entire world if I could, Acacia, Acacia, Acacia. There is no other word for it but... Miracle. You are my miracle. Finding you, is the single best thing that will ever happen to me in my entire life and I thank God for you.
I now walk up and down my floor at work, watching people, listening to them talking, ordering food, laughing, smiling, all with no hint of worry or trace of fear and I say..... My God..... so this is what it feels like? A way of life and a feeling of peace I've never known before. A life that people take for granted.
I make your delicious breads and eat it everyday for breakfast but quite honestly, I only eat turkey for lunch at work right now because it really agrees with me and I'm still fearful but I'm sure that very soon, as I become more confident I will be branching out. Aside from the 3 tablespoons of the Acacia everyday, I also take your peppermint caps and one probiotic, recommended by a friend's Doctor. Maybe you can advise me if it's even worth taking. I'm still working on acquiring a taste for the fennel tea.
Heather, I'll love you with all my heart until the day I die. ( I can't have any children but I swear, my next kitty is going to be called "Heather") I'm Serious! If I didn't think it would traumatize my little Mia, I'd rename her now. (teehee)
All My Love and Forever Grateful,"
Deborah Pipi - Casamasino, Nutley, New Jersey
"Dear Heather: this morning, I went to see my gastroenterologist, Dr. Dean Rider from UCSF (University of CA, San Francisco). He has always been nice and supportive, but he was pretty helpless regarding my horrible IBS symptoms.
I always thought my IBS is psychosomatic myself but when I was so happy last year and my stomach was convulsing I finally had enough. That's when I did a search and found your website.
I wanted to talk to Dr. Rider in person: I told him (as you know from my previous e-mail) how much better I am and that after 2 days using your diet my symptoms went from a constant 7 (scale from 1-10) with outbreaks on top of it and waking up during the night to a constant 2-3. AFTER 2 DAYS!!! He could not believe it. So I told him he needs to tell all his IBS patients about your website. And he has lots of them because he is a gastroenterologist. And they drive him nuts because he doesn't know what to do with them. He told me when he does colonoscopies he can tell whether someone has IBS because their guts spasm like crazy upon touch.
The office assistant told me she has "crying IBS patients" that ask her what to eat all the time and she doesn't know what to say. She urged me to send her a fax today because of a particular patient that came in crying yesterday that she could not help.
I faxed the basics from your website (soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, gastrocolic reflex) including the IBS Cheat Sheet over to them. I also gave Dr. Rider the website address, told him about fiber supplements and showed him the peppermint capsules.
I hope it helps that I am a physician (neurologist) so that they listen and lots of people get better.
THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING - YOU ARE AWESOME - AND YOU CHANGED MY LIFE.
Yours sincerely,"
J.N., M.D., Assistant Professor, UCSF
San Francisco, CA
"Hi, I am from England. I am amazed that I have found someone describing me. I got your book yesterday and have not put it down yet. I have suffered since 14 and I am now 43. WELL DONE. Thanks for your time."
Nelson, IBS Sufferer
"Dear Heather, I love your book and my family is really enjoying your recipes. I am looking forward to your cooking show and your holiday cookbook. I've had IBS since December but it seems like forever. I have four children, who I have always put ahead of myself and I haven't been able to take care of them very well since my illness. Your book has taught me that in order for me to take care of my family, I have to take care of myself first. Thank you so much for writing Eating for IBS. I have been to 6 doctors and have been very discouraged. Because of your book, I now am hopeful that it is possible for me to feel normal again. I have already written to the Oprah show and I will write to others. Thanks again and please keep writing new recipes! Sincerely,"
Carole Z. Massachusetts, IBS Sufferer
UPDATE:
"I have been using your recipes from Eating for IBS for almost 2 months now and I am almost completely off medications. I take just a Levsin occasionally. Though I still don't feel like I used to, I am much better than was. Do you have any other books out yet? I am looking forward to learning some "safe" holiday recipes!. I am telling everyone I know about the book!"
Carole Z.
"Hi Heather, This is Barb Lannin again and I just wanted to update you on how I am doing. I recently went on my first business trip since following your bible! I now carry with me a small extra suitcase (on wheels) that I now call my "traveling kitchen". It contains the following: your book, a pot to heat tea and water, instant oatmeal, snacks you recommended, small cans of Lite Fruit cups to add to oatmeal, fortune cookies, pretzels, graham crackers, small bowl, spoons and a sieve. ( I use the sieve to poor the leftover tea into a water bottle to have all day to drink as then it is at room temperature). I have my own breakfast in my room and can relax and take my time. Everyone kids me now about my "rolling kitchen" but its no joke for me because it WORKS! I leave next week again for business and I am re-stocking my "kitchen" tonight for next week. Keep me informed about your cooking show. Let me know! Thanks again,"
Barb Lannin, IBS Sufferer
"I have had IBS for many years and recently have had more trouble with the condition. The prescription medicine I had been on for a year and a half wasn't even working like it did before. I lost 10 pounds in one month (not that I didn't need to lose any) as I was sick so much from the IBS. My husband saw an ad for your book, Eating for IBS. We bought the book and I started the diet immediately, following all of your recommendations. We even found a health food store that carried many of the soy products. Once I figured out the right amount and kind of calcium, etc. I had very little trouble with the IBS. Your book and diet was a "God-send". I have really enjoyed your book. (I have almost worn it out already.) It was packed with very helpful and useful information. I am looking forward to seeing future books that you write. Thank you so much for sharing. IBS no longer controls my life."
Trudy, IBS Sufferer
"Dear Heather, I have just recently found out that I too have been suffering from IBS. For years now I thought that what was happening to me was just in my mind, but when the pain of the stomach cramps and nausea just became unbearable I decided to go to the doctor, and found out the I had IBS, I never even heard of it before. And was thinking that I would have to just give up everything "yummy" in my life. but thanks to you and your book I now know I'm not alone and that there is something out there to help me. Thank you for doing this you have given me the chance to lead a normal healthy life! Sincerely,"
Anneke Wilson, IBS Sufferer
"Just found your site and read everything. I even printed the whole thing out and took it to my doctor today. I hope he reads it and leaves it in the waiting room for the whole world of sufferers to see. I can only hope. You are a Beautiful person, inside and out. I am so anxious to get your book I'll be calling bookstores all over town. I live in Western Montana, so I hope if you come out here I can make it to one of your education programs. I'll be in touch, as are many people I am sure. Blessings, to you and yours. Sincerely,"
Leslie Price, IBS Sufferer
"Hi Heather, I'm 28 years old and have been recently diagnosed with IBS. I have been suffering for the past 10 years with this disorder, never knowing what to do about it. When my doctor told me what I had, I honestly looked at him like he had three heads, I had no idea what it meant. I went on the internet and came across your website and I have to tell you, you are an angel!! Your website is so full of information, I don't feel like I have been left alone to deal with this. My sister has gastritis and deals with similar symptoms. I'm going to encourage her to read your book as well, I know she will only benefit from your knowledge. You are a true inspiration!! It's a difficult disorder to deal with, not to mention embarrassing. Especially for women, society doesn't exactly make it an acceptable disorder to live with. I'm also going to tell my friends about your book and anyone else who will listen, whether they like it or not!! I've been trying your suggestions and tips for eating and I have to say I am feeling better. I even went away over the weekend and I picked out only the foods I knew wouldn't bother me. I have to say, I went the whole weekend without an attack. Thank you!! I would be more than happy to have you quote me on your website. That's how I came to buying the book. The testimonials really sold me. I no longer feel alone and I'm so glad that we have someone like you who really cares!! I will definitely write the shows you told me about, they really need to be aware that this has been an ongoing problem. The more information people have access to, the better. I will absolutely do my best for you, for you have been there for all of us!! Best wishes and be well!! It takes a special person to share their experiences with strangers. Being open and honest has turned those strangers into friends. Keep up the great work and god bless!!"
