I understand perfectly how you feel, because I'm in the same boat as you are. I've been researching for years for a cure (and have taken numerous pills and supplements) and have come across none. Recently, however, I came across the possibility that a candida yeast infection in the intestine could be the root cause of it. In Malaysia where I am, doctors don't know much about it, but I believe where you are, more research have been done on this condition. You may want to check it out and do keep me updated. Google it for more information. If your symptoms match, it may be candida yeast infection.

Have you tried taking probiotics - ones that are specifically for IBS? (ie not acidophilus) It has helped me a bit.

I have the same problem since I have IBS seems I am always tired I have pain all the time. sometimes it gets slightly better but not sure why but improvement is so small its almost unnoticeable. I feel really bad most times cant eat or sleep unless I want pain. It could be a bacteria or fungus like the other girl said but how do you kill a type of bacteria or fungus in intestines I guess antibiotics. Maybe its some sort of damage to the intestinal tract. Peristaltic waves when there is damage do not work correctly it hurts like the devil. I would think the best thing is to find something that repairs intestinal tract. Humor helps my pain and standing helps rather than sitting helps me. If anyone wants to give me ideas I am all ears.

if it was fungas or yeast infection when they do a colonoscaphy or how ever you spell it (basicially a scope) to test for colan cancer would they not notice the growth of yeast or fungas???

I understand how you feel. When I was in high school, my problems were quite severe, to the point where I was eating nothing but bread and dry chicken or turkey, and some vegetables. Everything seemed to trigger me, and I began to relish the feeling of being hungry, because hey- if I am hungry, I can't feel sick! I think I had a borderline eating disorder because of it, I was very tiny and my ribs stuck out.

After my first year in college, I got put on some anti-anxiety meds that actually calmed my IBS down quite a bit. I would still get horribly sick after going out for chinese food or pizza with my friends, but everyday, healthy foods no longer bothered me. Unfortunately, the meds, combined with eating more, combined with birth control caused me to gain about 20 lbs in 3 years, and I began to feel fat and horrible about myself.

To sum it up, I went off the anxiety meds, and the anxiety and IBS came back full force. Although now I am a bit older and wiser, and able to recognize these things for what they are: chemical/medical problems that have no impact on my self-worth. I have a wonderful boyfriend who is totally understanding when I need to abandon a hike or beach trip because that hot dog simply isn't agreeing with me.

My advice to you: listen to your body, and try to find some foods that you know you can handle. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber. On days you know you'll be close to a bathroom, slowly add new foods until you figure out what works for you and what doesn't. I try to avoid fried/fatty foods, dairy, coffee, dark sodas, and anything with a lot of sugar or aspartame. Those are pretty standard trigger foods for people with IBS.

Lastly- dealing with IBS in high school just plain sucks. Talk to your doctor if you haven't already, and maybe he can help. Otherwise, hang in there!