Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

hi you are not alone, i'm also having constant flare ups, i get constipated quite easily lately, even by little food but i think it's not good to stay without food, i think i will soon need laxatives and fibre; i hate to use laxatives but i am so bloated especially after a meal. sometimes i feel uncomfortable when i sit down (full feeling), i empty only small amounts, (rabbit poo) there are days when i don;t go, but i am eating less.... i hate it when doctors say this is chronic. i cannot seem to accept it. i believe stress can cause ibs, coz when i got this problem i was under stress...then obviously you have to say goodbye to favorite foods once you are diagnosed. so no you are not alone, i went to many docs, all say i'm mad or need a psychiatrist, but the gyn doc was too helpful and even the gi doc, gave me some meds for my ibs... i take dufalac it's a mild laxative as no probiotics are available in my country, also i take probiotic yoghourts (lactivia) i hea\rd it takes time for it to work.... i am on my second week on it, so far little or no improvement.

hi i have noticed if i cut out dairy this helps a lot . i still swear by soya , and my doc has no problems me being on it , even though i am on thyroxine , i only use alpro . sam

You might want to try Heather's Help for IBS "tummy fibre". It's made from acacia, it's soluble fibre, and it should improve your bowel movements 200%, and it doesn't cause any cramping like non-soluble fibre (like psyllium) or laxatives. It has really really helped me a lot with my IBS.
All the best,
karen

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give that other kind of fiber a try.

hi. im new to this site and just had to reply. like you my ibs is never ending!! mine's been a four year flare up!!! its not helped as i have crohns disease aswell so not going to the toilet is one problem i dont have.. cramping pain so tired bloating feeling sick dizzy no energy ect ect!!! thats just some that take up my week. (im having a bad time at moment, can you tell! ) constent trips to doctors that say theres nothing they can do. and family and friends that dont understand why you dont go out and are miserable!! im learning to take day at a time, if i get a few good days im lucky before im washed out and back to square one!! sorry , im moaning. do have a sense of humour but been up all night in pain!!! fed up.....

ohh i feel like iam always having a flare up.. bloating, cant sit still, crampy. I also get nashaus and realy consipated. i drink hot tea and go on a light diet ( i call it the old people diet).. toast, tea, apple sauce, crackers etc..
try a heating pad..

iam trying to see my doctor ASAP.

I had the same thing. Have you tried Bentyl for the cramping? My doctor prescribed that. I also take Lexapro everyday which has helped tremendously and I take Metamucil Caps every night, even during a flare up. I used to have it everyday too unitl I started the Metamucil. I have Ibs-d. It was horrible after I had my second son, but it is finally getting better as long as I stay on the Metamucil.

Try adding "soluble fibre" and probiotics at least 2X each. They have made a world of difference for me.
Check out this website for life changing help:
www.helpforibs.com