Irritable bowel syndrome

# 76

Posted: 12/06/2012 15:31

# 75

Posted: 02/05/2012 14:34

Hi

I have been suffering from Chronic IBS which has got progressively worse over the last 5 years.  I have tried everything busupan, colpermin, digestive aids, drinking lots of water, lots of fruit and veg.  gym, swimming, walking, yoga and the rest.  I have been under a lot of financial, emotional and other stress most of my life and have just found out I have a congenial problem with my kidney that is causing ongoing UTI's since the birth of my second child I am on a waiting list for a consultant since Sept.  the doc. just say well you have lived with this all your life now, so I can hold on longer now.  

My life has not been normal for a number of years because this IBS is getting in the way so much. The doctors do not care at all, your family just get annoyed after a while, and still you have to try to work, be a mom to 3 small children and all this while under the most severe pain which at times drops me to the floor.  I have all the classic symptoms bloating, cramps, pains and all the tests too.

I dont know why the medical profession just ignore this and why its not acknowledged, if you have any other Illness, the docs treat the patient with suitable medication and empathy but not for IBS, Its seen as a mental health issue?  even if stress/anxiety is the major cause, the pain suffered is no less than anyone else with any other medical illness, so why then are we not only suffering pain physically and the depression it causes, are we made feel like this by doctors and even family member?  

I would love to hear from anyone suffering like this and share helpful tips?  I think its important to feel like you are not the only one! 

Looking forward to hearing back from someone soon please!

# 74

Posted: 19/04/2011 17:05

I was diagnosed with IBS about 5 years ago but it was actually an ovarian cyst! This was only found after countless scans etc so make sure it's double checked as any stomach complaint seems to be diagnosed as this and it's not always the case!

But, a few friends of mine do suffer from it and one in particular suffers so badly with it especially when she gets stressed, she's changed her diet and tried everything even slippery elm. I recommended an Aloe Vera Gel (very superior to anything in the health stores) and although it hasn't cured her IBS it has cured all the symptoms that she used to suffer with, mind it did take about 7 weeks for this to happen, said it to my other friends who suffered from it now they all take it and all have had a relief of symptoms. Feel free to email me on emmakevinbutler@eircom.net

# 73

Posted: 11/01/2010 21:25

I have sucessfully treated people with ibs, and all symptoms... bloating, piles, pain, stress.. the list goes on... try a course of acupuncture treatments which can help with the discomfort and can help regulate the stools. Acupuncture also reduces stress and can lessen the chance of a flare up. Best of luck

# 72

Posted: 06/11/2009 16:48

Im 25 and have had IBS since i was 9. It was managable up until about 5 years ago, when it seemed to deteroriate a bit. Leaving me worried to go out with my friends due to me worrying about having to use the toilet whilst out, and the usual bad stomach pains that came with it after. I also had a accident whilst out with a friend some years back that did not help matters. Although i didn't let on to my friend what had happened, i was always wary after that. Then 3 years ago, i fell over some pipes and broke my kneecap. I should probably first explain that i suffer from a muscular condition that makes me experience pain in my legs anyway. It effects my balance. But this accident ironically had nothing to do with this condition and was just a result of the company that were operating the pipes (one of them moved and caught my ankle). Ever since then, i have been having panic-attacks when i go out and very rarely leave my house as i saw it as my safe-zone. 3 months ago though, i got a agonising bout of diarrhea which had the result of me using the toilet with the consistency of a running tap. It had me in a cold sweat and exhausted, and i almost passed out on a couple of occasions. This lasted for around about 2 weeks. Ever since then i improved my diet cutting gluten and lactose out of my diet altogether and although the diarrhea ceased i still experience a feeling of bad acid in my stomach like it is eating my guts up, gas and spontanious (able to get to the toilet but still...) bowel movements throughout the day. The soreness can be so bad sometimes that i literally have to sit out the day in bed! My social life is non-existent and my love live is non-existent. When in such bad condition you can't help that wonder whether you are being a burden to the people you love around you. :( Anywho, the other day i went to a local GP to see if anything could be done about it. He prescribed me Colocac (Mebeverine) 135mg's tablets, it's a anti spasmodic. For the first 24 hours it seemed to help. The pain was vastly reduced, however my bowel movements stopped altogether and were replaced with what i call 'empty bowl movements', just basically gas. The bloating feels less, but is still there. Constipation for 3 days led to my first bowel movement this morning categorised as 'Type 2' Stool on the 'Bristol Stool Chart'. This funnily enough an hour before i was due a blood test at my GP's to which i went too, and they have tested me for a number of things including 'Coeliac disease'. I am now sat here waiting for a result mid way through next week. Hoping their will be a positive to one of the tests so at least i can be treated. I need to get some level of normality back in my life. PRAYING that i can have a normal Christmas. Oh well i hope this at least helps or sounds similar in some other case on here. So take care people. Thanks for the read in people with similar problems! Thomas

# 71

Posted: 21/09/2009 21:42

Hi Caroline82,

I got much the response from my GP. He did give some medication about two years ago as I was in a bad way, with bloating and constipation, but to be honest they didn't really help.

Now I just keep track of what I eat, this way I can see what triggers my IBS. Mine is mostly stress related and has been quite bad the last few days. I usually go to the chemist or my local health shop to see if they have any thing new. I was there today and got Colpermin as I hae been very bloated and constipated the last few days, with tiredness and headaches to boot.

Most doctors will say there is no cure for IBS but it can be managed by cutting out certain foods. But if you are that unhappy with your GP maybe asking for a second opinion might be an option.

Hope this helps.

# 70

Posted: 10/09/2009 11:19

The Morning Show with Sybil and Martin, TV3We are looking for some of our viewers to get involved in the show, and turn your life around!Patrick Holford, Nutrition expert, will be coming onto the Morning Show this Friday! We are looking for people who suffer from at least TWO of the following complaints.

-IBS- overweight- tiredness- PMT- lethargic- bloated after foodWe would like to film candidates taking us through their cupboard and dietary habits as well as coming in to discuss their diet and health.As a consequence they would get a free consultation on/off air with leading nutrition expert Patrick Holford.If you know anyone who is looking to lose weight, has regular headaches, has IBS, PMT or is constantly tired and lethargic please put them in touch with us.paultv3@gmail.comor call me on 01 4193374Paul,The Morning Show with Sybil and Martin, TV3.

# 69

Posted: 11/02/2009 16:15

I've had severe cramping, diarrhoea then constipation and almost constant flatulence for the last two months. I'm exhausted and miserable, and all my doctor has to say is that its "probably" IBS and nothing can be done, i'll just have to live with it. She dismissed any possibility that it could be anything else, and i'm not having any tests done. I've been there three times now and am getting nowhere.

Can anyone advise me as to a specialist who might be actually interested in helping me? I dont qualify for a medical card but i'm suffering serious financial difficulties and I cant afford to keep paying so called medical professionals to do nothing. I really want to get a proper diagnosis and find out what i can do to feel better.

# 68

Posted: 04/12/2008 17:24

I had diverticulitus and the symptons are not unlike IBS so some of the people posting could be suffering from that. I had terrible agonising stomach pain, shooting pains in the groin and the backside, exhaustion and diaorrea. Two abdominal ultrasounds didn't find it and it was only when I was admitted to hospital earlier this year and had a CT scan that they found it. I had to have surgery to have a huge mass on my bowel removed. I now have a temporary colostomy and it had also damaged my bladder so I had to have a part of it removed as well, so any sufferers of bowel complaints should investigate whether they may have that.

# 67

Posted: 02/12/2008 09:00

Hi emma, my friend was pregnant (with twins) and had IBS. It was not harmful to the babies - the only thing she found was that especially in the beginning, she wasn't sure if the pains/cramps she had were the IBS or sth to do with the baby. If this is your first pregnancy, it may be hard to distinguish between the two but your doc should be able to advise you and as always with a pregnancy, if you have any concerns, just go to your maternity hospital to be checked out.

# 66

Posted: 02/12/2008 00:55

i just found out im pregnant and i have ibs, is it harmful?

# 65

Posted: 07/11/2008 17:16

hi aka
yes i suufer with IBS , my gp told me that its from stress, also he has prescribed me a latulos, i have been on this for a number of years, i get bloated and me inside are like they want to explode, i dont go for days and i have to take this stuff, but its woth taking, now for a person taking this for the first time it takes three days to work, but believe me it works, that other stuff that u mentioned, i was on that, i didnt find that any good, this stuff im on is great and it cost about 5 euros, r if u have a medical card u can get it on that. also some medician , if u r on meds can stop u going to the toilet. also make sure you eat plenty of vegatables and fruit and plenty of fluids, eat a raw carrot, i find that sweet corn help me go. hope you get good rusults, also ihad to have scope put inside me to see what my problem was, but that was due to stress, i still have IBS , i dont go regulary, but if i cant go i take my meds.

# 64

Posted: 07/11/2008 14:01

hi i am at present waiting to go into hospital as my gp is querying ibs, i have suffered long bouts of constipation followed by agony when eventually my bowels move,i am constantly bloated and suffer with horendous cramping and have two weeks ago brought to casualty and had to go on a drip and could not eat for nearly a week with hte pain,what are the symptons of ibs a sthis si something i ve never needed to look intom , i am on fybrogel sachets times a day and if i dont take them i dont go or else after a couple of days i can gop any amount up to times in the day ,i never know from day to day if i will get through the day with out this pain which starts just under my boobs and shootds right out my back ,i am booked into hospital next month for investigations and would like to hear from anyone who has suffered like me ,tks

# 63

Posted: 07/11/2008 13:48

hi just found this site and am at moment being investigated for my bowels ,the dr is querying IBS??? as i dont go only maybe 3 times a week and then i can go up to 3 times a day ,i am permanentely bloated,i look like i am about 7 months pregnant and none of my clothes can fit me i have to take fybrogel sachets 3 times a day to try keep me going but if i dont take them i dont go,.HAS ANYONE ELSE SUFFERED LIKE THIS

# 62

Posted: 14/10/2008 18:44

hi
i suffer with IBS. i have suffered with this for years. yes its true, stress can relate to this. and yes, the brain does send signals.. i get very bloated if i dont go, but i take my laxative, if i am really bad, also i take motilium now and then and that really helps.

# 61

Posted: 13/10/2008 11:33

A friend of mine has IBS and was told that nine times out of ten IBS is connected with stress and tiredness. The brain is closely connected to the bowels and when your overtired or stressed out like so many are now days the brain sends messages to the bowels and triggers many of the above symptoms. Also the more you think about it the worse it will get. Did you ever hear the saying "it scared the shit out of me" Or if your going to an interview or doing something you feel uneasy about your goin to the toilet every minute. Do you see the connection. So everyone relax more if possible. While this may not help everyone I hope it will help some.

# 60

Posted: 06/10/2008 10:47

Hi everyone

A few months ago I had a bleed when I opened my bowels, I nearly died with fright!! It continued for a week or so just small amounts. I have had piles in the past but knew this wasn't it. I also had pain in my bottom/rectum and was like I'm sure anyone would, was thinking the big C! Went do my GP and got referred to a consultant. He did a left colonoscopy which was clear but the pain in that general area was still there so eventually I got a full colonoscopy done and it was clear also. He did diagnose me with IBS. However, he suggested I have an ultersound of my tummy done also and bloods. The Doctor doing it immediately discovered a tumour on my ovary! It was very large and he referred me on to a gynae consultant. The mri showed it was pushing on my rectum and this was causing the pain. I had it removed and am recovering now however 3 weeks on I still have pain in my rectum! Just a piece of advice get an ultrasound done particularly if you're a woman. I just turned 40 and a womans body changes a lot over the years.

# 59

Posted: 03/10/2008 09:12

HI,
I have only glanced at the comments as yet, but will read in full later.
however as I feel nearly an Expert, on IBS at this stage, not through any book learning but from having it over 25 years, there are one or two vital points which I Hope will help somebody.
firstly drink plenty of water, especially if Constipated(I dont know if about the other ailment, or type of IBS namely, Diarrhoea, as I was always chronically consipated, but I have done a York Test, (see website, its done in York in England) and further from that I went to a guy called John Doran who was BRILLIANT, couldnt recommend him high enough. Anyway Wheat and Dairy ARE the biggest Factors in overcoming the problem, with me anyway.
I used to be so Bloated that I too looked like I was Pregnant for 25 years!!!. NOW I've lost over a stone and a half and I've had so many compliments about HOW I Look, that I say I must have looked awful. I Hope this helps someone. I HAVE A NEW LIFE and my brain even has come back to life. best of Luck. M

# 58

Posted: 02/10/2008 17:19

Many people who suffer from IBS also report a history of childhood sexual or physical abuse. I wonder if many of the sufferers have made the connection between their physical feelings and a traumatic event in their childhood or a chronically hostile and critical parent?

# 57

Posted: 30/09/2008 21:58

hi i have ibs and im 20. I bloat like a balloon in a matter of seconds and have been asked since i was 15 if im pregnant which is very embaressin. i suffer from excrucitating pains and running 2 da loo half ways threw meals its so bad i never eat out and was only diagnosed 3 weeks ago after complaining wit the last ten years of the same complaints.

# 56

Posted: 06/09/2008 04:34

I take a low dose tricyclic antidepressant (amitriptyline) which helps my IBS (I have diarrhoea-predominant - it helps this and the pain). If you have constipation-predominant it wouldn't suit it.--- People shouldn't forget that IBS can often go with other conditions - I think around 50% of people with ME/CFS and 50% with Fibromyalgia have IBS. I was annoyed with the gastroenterologist I saw that he didn't link my IBS symptoms with my other symptoms - if he reads the literature he should know the connection (as opposed to me who wasn't reading medical literature at the time). If he had diagnosed me earlier, it could have prevented my ME/CFS getting worse. Instead I was treated like somebody who was stressed; but things that are useful to "take it easy" for an normal person with IBS like going for walks, can make people with ME/CFS worse.

# 55

Posted: 29/07/2008 17:54

Maggie I have ibs as a result of of having fms and like you I have soiled my clothes ,including bed clothes I'm supposed to take daily walks to help me with my fms but very often i just can't go outside, the only way I can keep up with cloths is to have at least three new sets of underware in the drawer, as soon as I use one of them I have to replace it as soon as I can I also can have several episodes per day and it's very awkward trying to explain to friends why you won't be going out again tonight, just try to hang in there get support and understanding from your husband and family, I live alone and sometimes I wish there was someone here to help, but I am managing with the help of a neighbour who has the same thing, we help each other and so far thank God we've neer had the problem at the same time, Don't be afraid to take other people into your confidence most people do understand if you here someone saying it's a status symbol and no one had ever heard of it ten years ago just stop talking and leave them with there ideas it's easier than trying to persuade them it's a very real problem thereare plenty of people out there who do understand I had to put up with a lot of friends saying things like you read about it somewhere and decided you'd have it about both the ibsx and the fms it still hurts but after a while I decided I wasn't going to take other peoples ignorance on board I have enough probloems without having to worry about anybody elses opinion. Live for yourself, I know that sounds selfish but stress will only make ibs worse so look after yourself and I know it's very hard but try to relax and you will find you start to feel better. Good Luck

---

jenny

# 54

Posted: 28/07/2008 22:30

Hi there, I am new to this page so please bear with me.
I too suffer from IBS, but it is of the severe kind with me having an episode of up to 3/4 times daily.
The problem that I have is that I seem to be soiling my clothing a lot, and have now run out of my own clothing and I am wearing my husbands along with his boxer shorts.
I have not been outside my home in three week as I have nothing left to wear and the clothes that I did have are too soiled to go outside.
I wish to find out from other readers, how they cope if they have the same problems, as I seem unable to find anyone to help me, I would be very greatful for a response. thanks.

# 53

Posted: 05/05/2008 00:48

I have ibs for two years now. All the usual symptoms. Up until about two months ago I managed very well, even without medication. Two months ago I had a lot of stress in my life and it triggered the ibs. Now its almost constant. I seem to spend my days on the loo! I have started to become very low, im not a depressive person, but can anyone tell me if this is part of ibs? Ive changed my job to a less stressful one, and dealt with most of the other stresses, but im so tired and down lately and the ibs is wearing me out. Anyone out there feel low with ibs? Would love to hear from you.

# 52

Posted: 02/02/2008 15:24

I was diagnosed with IBS in 1991 and since then it has taken me many many years to greatly ease my symptoms. For me it has been cutting out all the things I loved most, mainly dairy and wheat.

I've completely given up anything sweet, (not easy when you have a sweet tooth) that includes sweets, cake, chocolate, biscuits, everything. I used to be a pasta lover but I had to forego that as well. Definitely no bread of any kind. My diet is very boring to say the least but I do eat chicken and not too much red meat as I find that can upset me as well. Really just sticking to the no dairy or wheat for me has changed my life for the better.

Also having had a surgical menopause ten years ago and suffering the dreaded hot flushes I found that cutting out the sugar dramatically eased that problem. One more thing, Fennell tea does wonders for abdominal cramps.

The suggestions above are solely based on my own condition but I hope that they might be of some help.

# 51

Posted: 27/09/2007 11:00

I'm delighted i found this website, I was diagnosed with IBS about a year and a half ago. I wasn't offered any medical treatment and basically told by my Doctor that IBS is a "Non" disease and i can't do anything about it.
For the past three weeks i've an awful stabbing pain in my lower right hand side just under my ribs and the stomach cramps are the worst i have ever had. I know some food has triggered it off bread spicy food and porridge, but I'm still in agony.
I'm so reluctant to go to my GP with my "Non" complaint i honestly feel like she thinks i'm making it up. I'm so tired at the moment from it and the headaches are pretty bad too but I'll probably just suffer on like the rest of you.
I thought i must have had a bruised rib (by a miracle) or something but could not believe it when i read all the threads with people with the similar pain with IBS.

# 50

Posted: 15/06/2007 21:43

Suffered for over a year now with IBS, had all the invasive tests done. Been prescribed Colpermin, on them a week now, not alot of difference. From morning til lunch time is my worst, very bad diarrorhea, severe cramps. Same story as previous post. Was recommended to try Reiki, does anyone know who provides Reiki in the Clare/Limerick area please?

# 49

Posted: 28/05/2007 14:36

Hi all,
After reading all your comments, i feel normal! i haven't been diagnosed with IBS but convinced i have it. i have been to my gp and had food allergy tests done, all clear! and also had tests for kidney stones. For the past two years, i have had the great annoyance of having to deal with many of the issues that you all talk about. im 28 and went through very stressfull time two years ago and was working too hard to the point that i wasn;t eating well and was run down. so i feel this triggered my symptoms. I have loose stools constantly and have a dull abdomenal pain at times. My stomach seems to be churning after eating and i have really bad flatulence ( which is very embarassing and uncomfortable) it doesn;t smell too good ( is this normal??? anyway i think i have a healthy diet but i do feel sugar and alcohal really dont help at all also if im anxious, i feel i dont get it when im on holidays as much, maybe because im more relaxed im not sure. does this sound like IBS i feel im constantly moaning about it and it gets me down. Any comments Trish
ps i do suffer from lower back pain at times not sever though just mild.

# 48

Posted: 17/05/2007 20:34

HI, was hoping there would be a forum with IBS sufferers that I can ask some questions. I've a recurring pain in my side for a year now, on a number of cases almost crippling pain where i considered going into casualty. A few months back had colonoscopy (I kinda insisted) that was clear. last week i had bloods for coeliac disease- came back negative. Dr also had to give me an injection i was in so much pain. Am guessing he thinks its IBs and that exam stress is adding to it ( maybe it is - but good its making study time difficult)

I have most but not all the symptoms listed by websites - was curious s to see ppl mention close fitting, I am overweight anyways , but had noticed how some days , or even part of days that clothes fit differently
My immediate questions: I see groin pian mentioned sometimes - since last week myleft side pain has mostly gone but all day every day for a week i have a pain in my groin, which i'd other wise think a hernia, but no pain to touch - this is a constant pain like a ball ? would this be IBS?
also have terrible hip pain on the same side, feels bony but wondered.
Also is there other investigations i can ask for to make sure its nothing more serious- hernia, ulcers, crohns, or god forbid tumour? the groin pain means i can't even walk far/exercise (am 39/m) would it be that severe? and constant
am on buscopan, colofac seemed to make no difference.
Also has any one tried Manuka Honey ?

# 47

Posted: 09/05/2007 20:02

Hi everyone. I stumbled upon this website as I was searching the internet for a cause behind all of my symptoms; these include a bloated stomach, wind, and crippling stomach cramps.

From reading all of your messages, i may assume that i too am suffering from IBS, but i have am curious about a few things. Firstly, it would appear that regardless of how well I eat through-out the day, I only get stomach cramps in the evening. Around 6-7pm I have cramps so bad that I must lie down flat with a heat bag (which slightly relives the pain). Secondly, I feel that my symptoms are worse when I eat sweets, chocolate etc. I have had a test for celiac's disease, and that came back negative.

Does this tie in with anyone else's symptoms? I am making an appointment with the doctor next week, but till then i just wanted to get some advice :) Sorry for such a long post.

Thanks

# 46

Posted: 09/04/2007 15:22

Hey guys! I left a message some last year on this page with regard IBS. Unfortunatly despite trying diet restrictions I still am suffering. I find that flatuence is my main problem. It could come on really suddenly and I would be unaware of it until it was to late! This is really embarrising as I'm only 21 and I find it a severe issue when socialising. Can anyone please tell me what to do as I'm at my wits end and thinking of moving into a house with 20 cats!!!

# 45

Posted: 01/04/2007 15:55

my doctor thinks i have ibs and im on colofac i get a pain in my lower right side like a stich pain like a dart on and off could it be a rumbling appendix

# 44

Posted: 31/03/2007 11:08

Hi everyone, I suffer with IBS also.Is it not so annoying the way you come to work in the morning and have to use the bathroom numerous times.Actually it is quite embarrassing and i have to come up with ways to pretend I'm not going to the loo again like using my mobile,going for a cig etc.Also I was getting into the habit of holding it as long as possible but that just makes it worse...ie constipation and you feel sick.I am 25 years old and have been suffering since my early teens.i went to the doctor while at college and he did blood tests and they came back clear so the diagnosis was IBS.

Does anyone have tips of what not to eat besides the obvious like spicy foods ,caffeine etc. i wish there was a cure out there for it. Oh & dont mention piles!!!

# 43

Posted: 07/02/2007 16:59

I have IBS & am taking Colofac. I still have the bloatedness and pain. I am only on the tablets 2.5wks, should this still be happening?. I am uncomfortable all the time & I feel like an elephant in my clothes.So awful

# 42

Posted: 17/01/2007 23:14

IBS can have such debilitating effects on ones life. For some, gut-specific hypnotherapy can alleviate IBS symptoms by up to 80%. To find a therapist trained in this method of treatment, check out the website of the UK register of IBS therapists, which includes therapists based in Ireland.

# 41

Posted: 10/01/2007 14:34

Your symptoms sound very similar to what my wife suffered with a number of years ago and very occassionally still does. She manages her IBS with Colonic Irrigation and strict dietary controls. Having seen my wife go down the conventional path and continue suffering it\'s time to make some serious dietary and lifestyle changes.

# 40

Posted: 09/01/2007 12:42

Hi, I too had been diagnosed with IBS, it first came to light not long after my son was born 11 years ago and took about a year to diagnose by the time they did all the blood tests, and ultrasounds.

In the beginning I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel, nothing seemed to work. After trying all the usual things, I found that stress was one of the biggest contributors to my ongoing attacks (and still is), but the biggest change in my life was when I removed SORBITOL from my diet about three years ago. This ingredient is found in most toothpastes and chewing gums. I changed to a baking soda based toothpaste (unfortunately I have just been told that Colgate no longer do this line, but have also found that Macleans "Sensitive" toothpaste appears to be free from this nasty) and within about seven days my symptoms started to subside, I have now gone from living with IBS on a daily basis to having my last major attack over 8 months ago and being able to enjoy those spicy foods again! To help me through the pain when I do have an attack I use Buscopan, and have also tried a product called "IBS Support" from "Ethical Nutrients" Don't know if this will help, but it may be worth a go.

# 39

Posted: 23/11/2006 11:31

Hi

I wonder can anyone have any ideas about this. Ive had stomach & bowel problems now for 3yrs.. i have fibromyalgia also..bummer!! but doing ok..each day & all that. My question is that under my ribcage & headin down to my belly button is very tender at times it comes & goes? also around this area it can feel lumpy & hard? ive had the lap test 2yrs ago & they found nothing.. i also had the barium swollow done .. again nothing.. im concerned at the this stage. Any advise please would be great.
Cheers
Tina

# 38

Posted: 20/10/2006 00:02

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

my doctor says i have it i get sharp pains in my lower right side likes darts of pain then it disappears for months comes and at first i thought it was my appendix but it wasn,t does anyone suffer likes this with Irritable Bowel Syndrome write back and let me know

# 37

Posted: 04/09/2006 17:25

Like others have said, it's comforting to hear of other young people in the same position. I was diagnosed in 2001, aged 21, and put on colofac. Before that I had suffered such chronic diahorrea that I had lost 1 1/2 stone. I have found that I am MUCH worse during my pill-free week, I mean pain that stops me in my tracks. However, for the rest of the month, one cup of herbal tea per day and proper breathing so that my stomach doesn't knot during stressful situatuions, keeps me on track! Thanks, everyone!