Kendra, Bless you. Do you have IBS-C or IBS-D?

I have IBS-C. I take Linzess 72 mcg every night and I take Magnesium Glycinate during the day, 200 mg.

I had a stomach virus one time and that got the IBS flared up and it stayed flared up for a long time. COVID caused a flare up.

What helps me the most:

1) Staying away from dairy
2) Eating fruits & vegetables
3) Taking Milk of Magnesia when I'm in a bad way
4) Eating bland foods like rice, baked potato or bananas
5) Staying hydrated with water and tea

My symptoms:

1) I hurt in my sides....it's painful. I take Bentyl (Prescription) for spasms. It helps tremendously.
2) I get extremely bloated during a flare up.
3) I am extremely tired when I have a flare up.
4) If my GERD (Acid Reflux) is flared up.....my IBS-C is flared up and vice-versa. The Gastro doctor said these two go together.

Things that do not help:

1) Miralax was very hard to get the dosage regulated (no pun in tended. LOL).
2) Extra fiber is not my friend in oatmeal, high fiber cereals, prunes, dates, etc.,....it makes it worse. Psyllium Husk or any natural fiber makes it worse as well.
3) I cannot eat many salads & broccoli or sweet potato in the same meal or I will be miserable.
4) The FODMAP diet did not work for me.

When I was diagnosed years ago, the doctor explained that when your colon gets uptight and into spasms, it takes it a while to calm down. I went to the ER with the first episode thinking I had appendicitis I was in so much pain. I had IBS-D at that time. Years later it reappeared and is now IBS-C.

Do something that helps you relax. Extra added stress makes IBS worse or causes flare ups. Sometimes, I can't put a finger on what causes a flareup.

Praying for you right now as IBS is no fun.