It sounds like you’re on the right track, and I hope both the IBS and your recovery from the shock you mentioned goes more smoothly from going forward.

Looks like you’ve received a lot of great tips. Just wanted to add that if you have trouble with OTC fiber supplements, I’ve had good luck with Sunfiber (there are cheaper generic brands available). It’s been clinically tested for all types of IBS, has no taste, and is unlikely to cause bloating or cramping like other fiber supplements might for people with IBS.

Since you’ve narrowed down the cause to be stress-related, really anything you can do to call your nervous system, that gets you breathing deeply and into a relaxed state, whether it’s actual breath practice, prayer, meditation, reading a book, gardening, stretching or yoga, all those things help. If you can do it at least a little bit a day, it may not be a cure but it usually would help.

As was mentioned, CBT and gut directed hypnotherapy (much like guided meditation) can be really effective. Current research shows it can help up to 70% of people with IBS. Dr. Megan Riehl and Kate Scarlata have a podcast about the mind-gut connection and you can find guided meditations or breathing techniques easily online.

I’m wishing you all the best.