I've had IBS for many years. I've taken different meds in the past, but the last five years I've stopped taking prescription meds and daily eat the following: 1 serving of probiotic yogurt mixed into 1/2 cup fiber cereal in the morning, and five 0.52 GM caps of psyllium before bedtime. I use to have frequent bouts of diarrhea, and have reduced episodes greatly. My doctor hasn't needed to prescribe any meds for me, and though I still have periods of pain associated with IBS, at least I don't have to deal with the diarrhea issues like I once did. I don't know that this will be helpful for your particular case of IBS, but perhaps something to discuss with your doctor as a possible option to try.

I have had IBS-D for over 20 years, I have had tests after test and they still diagnose me with IBS, I am taking Atropine 0.025/ Diphenoxylate 2.5 mgs. which has helped, but only for so long. I spent last Tuesday night in the hospital with severe diarrhea. I was of course dehydrated, and my potassium was very low from loss of electrolytes. It has been an on going battle, I use adult disposable pull ups, and that at least gives me a little security when going out. I like to wear my own under wear over top, it just makes it feel better. Stress plays a major roll in IBS-D as well as the foods we eat, however, as for me the type of foods I eat really makes no difference, I can eat 1/2 a peanut butter sandwich and I am headed for the bathroom. I do know that fruit and vegetables seem to trigger it most. I have found personally that if I take my usual medication for awhile then switch to something else for awhile then back to my usual, that seems to help also. But for the most part, finding what works for you is the only way to deal with this stuff. If you get the pull ups, I have found that Food lion has a brand called Healthy Accents that are very good and very reasonable in price. The truth is there is no cure for IBS, all you can do is treat the symptoms. Find what works for you, and use the pull ups for more protection. It wouldn't hurt to avoid stress as much as possible and be aware of what your triggers are. As for your back problems, I too have back problems but the two are not related. Having back problems does not cause IBS and vise versa. I wish you all the luck in the world, you CAN learn to live with IBS.

Have you been tested for c-dif

This is not a test it is a surgical procedure. The patient has an ostomy bag after where the stool is diverted to rather than the rectum. You can google the procedure and get a more in depth description and so on. Hope this helps

Has you ever thought about an ileostomy?

Are you sure you don't have H -pylori?<br><br>

srobison I also have IBS=D and it really was out of control. After my first meal within an hour of going outside I would get diarrhea and it was bad. So when I finally went to a gastroenterologist he gave me amitriptoline, dyclomine and Put me on over the counter fiber like Metamucil and yogurt which I take daily. This combo seems to be working. I rarely get diarrhea and if I do I take something over the counter. These combos are still working for me. I hope this was helpful

I understand your problems--I also have suffered with IBS for years. Used Alosetron for a year and for some reason it quit working. Dr. switched me to Viberzi I had severe cramps and was throwing up--Dr. said try to stick with it--I am looking for a second opinion. Anyone have a diet suggestion?

Interesting how the system works. I heard from
DrBerg.com that the pancreas produces some hormons that digest vegetables. He doesn't have the ability to digest broccoli. I am very fortunate that it helps me and don't react to it. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder work together. Stress impacts them and the medication for stress is exercise. Also the splin have a lot to do with such problems. There are tests to check each organ. My experience have been a clean liver gives you all the health and removes many symptoms. If the pancreas is not working properly a doctor can guide you to heal it properly. I also heard from nutritionist that coloidal or certain minerals help rebuild the pancreas. Check with Dr Wallach he has a book on "Dead Doctors Don't Lie" there are a lot of websites that sell items, but your interest is your specific problem. Have you gone to Mayo Clinic for examination? What did they recommend? They are the best in the world. I hope soon they will combine nutrition with drugs to help heal us.
For me flaxseed is making my intestines work properly. It it is a fiber item that will react with you. Have you taken any stress management class? It maybe the source of your symptoms. Under stress the organs don't work properly. Since I was able to put Crohn's in remission I have a good understanding how the system is operating. The doctor setup my next appointment four months from now. I have not resolve my inflammation problem that I had for many years but now I have it isolated and responds to vegetables. But I do eat items out of diet and get the pain. My best wishes to you.

Thank you and everyone for all the words of wisdom...