You are right that IBS is a horrible and difficult condition. I give you a lot of credit. You have been working really hard to take great care of your body. I am sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time, but know that you are never alone and anytime you need to talk, someone will be here. I hope things turn around for you and you find some relief soon. Best wishes always.

I hear you. I've only had IBS, or had this flare up since May this year. I'm so over it but am slowly seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm trying a new herbal tonic called Iberogast, made in Germany and it is helping with the pains. Maybe google it and see what you think.

Thank you so much. That means a lot. What kinds of struggles are u having w/IBS?

Can't manage to get my diet straight because of work/stress. Daily ups and downs and no time to take care of myself properly while I continue to try to expand on what I am able to eat. Trying to find time to get into some strength training, etc. Really it is all a time issue but it ties into my emotions, which can make the IBS difficult.

My greates struggle with IBS is its changeability. What works one day may not work the next and then it works again the next week. I can eat rice bread at any time of the day but breakfast now for some reason. Probably in a few months that will change. I have gastritis also and once i safely regain a food its set in concrete. With IBS it shifts like sand on the beach.
I'm coming to terms with that but without these support groups I know I wouldn't be. Wonderful people here offer genuine support and advice.
Cas

I too know your frustration. Do you suffer from IBS-D or C?

I have had IBS-D for over 25 years. And, let me tell you: you will never master it or control it.
My sister has IBS-C and she is eating a Raw Foods Lifestyle. I refuse to change my eating habits, because it just doesn't matter, but for her, it helps.
My mother has IBS-D, and sometimes she 'poops' her pants in public (no joke), because she can't make it to a bathroom.
I guess, out of the 3 of us, I'm the lucky one, even though I'm on three medications, and I have been hospitalized for this.

My horrible advice is: don't stress it, and eat numerous small meals a day, instead of large meals.

That's my story. Good luck to us all.........

I have had IBS-D for a few years. My triggers are usually lack of sleep and iceberg lettuce, believe it or not. Good thing I do not like salads. However, lately it is worse and I think it is because I have a huge amount of stress in my life right now. I have cramps every day but I think I have the D part under control with Imodium. I am not sure that this is a long term fix, nor whether it is good for you in the longterm but for right now, I will take it. :)

I have IBS extreme D. I've done the whole no gluten, dairy, and my doc/natural path (I'm switching docs) wanted me to go off fruits and veggies as well. And yeast and along list of other things that I paid 300 bucks to tell me I am sensative to. But guess what, nothing helped. I lost alot of weight. I also found out that I have Hashimotos, so I went to an endo thinking maybe this was what was wrong, nope. My levels are finally normal and I still have freakin issues. I can totally relate to your mom, for JULY and AUG I didn't leave my house because I was scared I was going to poop my pants and I was in pain every day and I was taking immodium everyday and it wasn't working. Finally the GI specialist gave me elavil, it has helped some. Finally the immodium is doing it's job and I only get flare ups about every 5 days. I go back in next month, he might need to up it, because I'm still having really bad bouts of it. I finally started eating normal foods again because I got tired of the weight loss and feeling sick all the time. I gained the weight back, but I still have issues. It's insane and I can't beleive people live this way. I don't know of anyone personally that deals with this, but on here it seems like sooo many deal with this. I feel like the government needs to create a job we can do from home, because we are pretty much living like we have crohns disease. It sucks!

To all, you know, maybe this might help others...first, I want you to know I pray for all of you daily...know that although we might never meet...i care about your pain & suffering....2nd, something that works a lot for me (but the problem come & goes) is well, I'd like to say it's probiotics...but not sure....i have a box of about 25 vitamins i take daily....so i get afraid to stop taking any & focus just one one to try to pinpoint which one works....but i'm guessing that the probiotics work...

I am new here I have to say this has been going on way to long for me 2 years for me IBS C its awful days and days don't go then go days and days I am now trying to really get a handle cirtucil with fiber peppermint pills alot more water aloe pills . I have had cat can now seeing a new gastro so we will see but I have to say I hate this illness its makes you feel crazy Im scared to go places were there is no BR around scared to drive on highway due to I know if I do have to go Im screwed ruining pans over all of it its just depressing.. Im glad I found this site.. I am 36 and feel like an invalid at times

I have had ibs for 4.5 years now and have the same struggles. Sometimes I can eat things and be ok, sometimes not.. I've tried tons of medicine and nothings helped. I would not suggest orange juice, that has tons of acid and tends to upset my stomach immediately. It's pretty much a guessing game with mine, but when it comes, it sure does not stop. I've spent times in the car driving and could not make it home in time to the bathroom, and it makes me so upset because you literally have no control.. If anyone has found good diets/solutions let me know too! I'm STILL looking for one!

OK... since the responses are all women, I have to know if any of you have this problem... I poop myself while in moments of intimacy. Kind of awkward and not very nice. Does this happen to anyone else and if so, were you able to find some type of remedy? An understanding partner helps but it is sooooo embarassing.

I have had IBS for so long I can't remember when it started. I the past few months it was really bad. I used to go out to eat with my brother and his wife but I got to the point I was afraid to go any place due to having IBS D. I have had many embarrassing times when I can't get to a bathroom in time. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat. One time I can eat something and I am fine, the next time diarrhea. I did notice stress makes it worse. I finally went to a doctor that deals with this condition and I am taking Bentyl 15 mins before I eat. I finally went out to eat with my brother yesterday and I was ok. But you never know when it is going to hit you. Every thing I have read on the internet says there is no cure for IBS. Sometimes I take Lomotil with the Bentyl before I go out just in case. I feel for all of you because I know how horrible IBS can be. I just found this support group tonight and I am thankful I did. If anyone finds something that works please let us know.

Have you tried the FODMAP diet?