IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums - IBSgroup.org: IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums - IBSgroup.org

Welcome!

This is the place to start if you would like to learn more about our support groups.

Along with introductions and questions answered for new members, this forum also contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions about illnesses, forums, and the website.

• Yesterday, 06:13 PM
• In: Website Help Needed
• By: Kathleen M. 

Announcements

Announcements, website changes and updates. This forum also includes Posting Guidelines and our Medical Advisory Board and Moderator Team's Bio's.

• 31 January 2012 - 06:37 PM
• In: Nominate me for a Health Ac...
• By: Jeffrey Roberts 

Website Help

Ask technical questions here about how to use the features of the website. This includes the forums, blogs, and chat rooms. If you are having trouble registering, please contact us.

• 27 January 2012 - 10:21 PM
• In: How Do You Get A Post Pinned
• By: BQ 

General Discussion

Use this general forum to ask a question or discuss your symptoms and how you cope with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This forum will help you find answers to commonly asked questions for new members. Post and discuss information that may be helpful to others who suffer from IBS.

• Yesterday, 11:01 PM
• In: Symptoms after colonoscopy.
• By: iamkinghenry 

IBS Diarrhea (IBS-D)

Use this forum to discuss issues related to IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D). Also Diarrhea Prescription Medications forum.

• Yesterday, 09:18 PM
• In: probiotics
• By: maitland 

IBS Constipation (IBS-C) and Chronic Constipation

Use this forum to discuss issues related to IBS with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation. Also Constipation Prescription Medications forum.

• Yesterday, 09:42 PM
• In: FODMAP question... peanuts ...
• By: gazorpa 

Abdominal Pain

Use this forum to discuss any issues about abdominal pain.

• Yesterday, 09:55 PM
• In: Possible inexpensive, non m...
• By: sick2much 

Gas / Flatulence / Bloating / Incontinence / Fecal Body Odor

Use this forum to discuss any issues about gas, flatulence, bloating, incontinence or fecal body odor.

• Yesterday, 10:57 PM
• In: Leaky Gas/Fecal Body Odor C...
• By: cristhmart 

Your Story

Tell your IBS Story perhaps about how you are living day-to-day with IBS, how you were diagnosed or perhaps how supportive, or unsupportive, your family and friends are.

• Yesterday, 10:24 PM
• In: Mom to a daughter (10) newl...
• By: mom2ibs 

Women's Health Issues

This forum is used for support and information for IBS-related women's health issues such as menstruation, hormones, pregnancy, etc..

• 03 February 2012 - 11:35 PM
• In: IBS is making me a total hy...
• By: EllaGuru 

Young Adult's Issues

This forum is used for support and information that are specific to college student's and young adult's IBS-related issues from ages 18-30 years old. Notice: The topics and posts in this forum are involved in a research study.

• Yesterday, 12:14 PM
• In: Gas in class
• By: leeniepie 

Teens and Children's Issues

This forum is used for support and information that are specific to teens aged 13-17 and children's (pediatric) IBS-related issues.

Subforums:

1. Parent's discussion

• 29 January 2012 - 12:33 PM
• In: 17 year old male, IBS suffe...
• By: JordanK03 

Diet

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) find that eating prompts symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea (or, sometimes, alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea), and bloating. Making adjustments to your diet may provide relief.

Limit or eliminate foods that may make your symptoms worse, including caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, gas-producing foods (such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli), foods high in fructose (such as soda pop, and citrus fruits) and the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol (often used in sugarless gum and sugarless candy).

The low FODMAP diet eliminates more complex sugars, and has demonstrated a greater relief of IBS symptoms and is now accepted and recommended as one of the most effective dietary therapies for IBS. The low FODMAP diet is best managed through an educated dietician. A worldwide registry of Dietitian's who can administer a low FODMAP diet has been established here >>.

Keep a Personal Symptom Journal of what you eat and whether you experience symptoms after eating and discuss this with your physician.

Use this forum to post and talk about food, food triggers, comfort food, nutrition, the low FODMAP diet or recipes.

• Yesterday, 02:06 PM
• In: Violent reaction to low-FOD...
• By: whiterose1713 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hypnotherapy

There is research evidence that IBS symptoms respond favorably to other therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy. As IBS is a chronic condition, with an ongoing fluctuating course, these treatments may help the individual to develop skills for managing the condition over the long haul. Many people with IBS also have a co-existing anxiety or depressive disorder, the symptoms of which also benefit from these types of treatments.

• 30 January 2012 - 11:46 PM
• In: EMDR and IBS outcome of tre...
• By: stavros 

Prescription Medications

Lotronex:

LOTRONEX® is a medicine only for some women with severe chronic IBS whose main problem is diarrhea and IBS symptoms have not been helped enough by other treatments. Some patients have developed serious bowel side effects while taking LOTRONEX.

Amitiza:

AMITIZA® is the only prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat adults with IBS-C and Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in women 18 years of age and older. “Idiopathic” simply means the cause of the constipation is not known and not due to an underlying illness or medication.

Zelnorm:

ZELNORM is no longer approved for IBS-C or chronic constipation. In the U.S. access may be available under a special FDA emergency program. More information on this protocol can be found here.

Antidepressants, Antispasmodics, Antidiarrheals:

Although antidepressants were developed to treat depression, research studies have shown that they can also be effective in reducing pain. Antidepressants are, therefore, effective in treating symptoms of IBS and other functional GI disorders. Patients who have taken antidepressants for their IBS symptoms have reported significant improvement in their abdominal pain and reduction in other IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea or urgency. Antispasmodics and Antidiarrheals are helpful in reducing periodic painful episodes of spasms and diarrhea respectively. Patients who have been taking antidepressants should be aware of the possibility of developing Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome, or SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome, upon rapid stopping or tapering the use of antidepressants.

Antibiotics: Bacterial overgrowth specific

While the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is uncertain, there is some research evidence suggesting that it may be caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria in the small intestine, referred to as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). A specific regiment of antibiotics have been investigated to treat this condition.

Subforums:

1. Diarrhea Prescription Medications
2. Constipation Prescription Medications

• 30 January 2012 - 04:23 PM
• In: Serotonin
• By: 6yearswithIBS 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments

There is no single plan for treating irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is different for everyone. With your physician's help, you can find an individual approach that works best for your symptoms. The treatment is focused on controlling, rather than curing, the symptoms of IBS.

Over-the-counter products may be useful, but be sure to check with your doctor first before taking them.

Probiotics:

Probiotics are dietary supplements which contain beneficial or friendly bacteria or yeasts which may strengthen or exert health benefits to the body’s natural digestive system. Probiotics offer a way to restore the natural balance of your digestive system especially if you suffer from anyone of constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, urgency or gas and bloating. Numerous research studies have shown benefits for sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis).

• 31 January 2012 - 09:23 AM
• In: Holland and Barretts probio...
• By: leeniepie 

IBS Support Group Meetups

Use this forum to post and talk about, or organize, your local IBS Meetup, Support Group or IBS Community. Post group announcements about upcoming meetings and about special events.

Subforums:

1. Special Events

• 27 January 2012 - 02:26 PM
• In: Any Victoria BC groups??????
• By: Sergey 

IBS News, Media, Research Results, Discussion or Abstracts

Post any IBS news, media, research results, discussion or abstracts to this forum. You may rate topics in this forum.

• Yesterday, 07:00 PM
• In: ibs and bacteria artricle
• By: maitland 

IBS Reporter NewsFeed

Topics are automatically created in this forum from a mix of newsfeeds. Please be aware that we have no control over the quality or factual representation of these postings. Some may be informational, whereas some may be wholly inaccurate. You may rate topics in this forum.

Always research all options and discuss them with your physician before following any specific directive provided in these articles.

Current feeds are: Google, IBS.about.com, Medical News Today, MedicineNet, Pubmed, SmartBrief

• Yesterday, 10:27 PM
• In: Google- Mike and Kelly'...
• By: Health Reporter 

Managing Anxiety and Depression

This forum is used to discuss anxiety, depression, fear, isolation and social phobia and how it relates to your Digestive illness. Resources: Anxiety Disorders Association of America, National Institute of Mental Health.

Subforums:

1. Mental Health Reporter Newsfeed

• Yesterday, 07:09 AM
• In: Google- No easy fix for peo...
• By: Health Reporter 

Dealing with Relationships

Our thoughts and experiences play a part in how well we feel with an illness. How our partners, spouses, children and extended family members relate and communicate with each other is another factor that can have an effect on illness. Use this forum to discuss how we deal with relationships while having a digestive illness. Resources: Mind-Body Digestive Center.

• 16 January 2012 - 11:06 PM
• In: does anyone elses parents o...
• By: mimi2m 

Traveling with a Health Condition

The changes in schedule and diet when traveling can sometimes cause big digestive problems. Discuss how to plan, manage and minimize GI discomfort while traveling. Share your travel destinations and travel tips in this forum for accessible travel and/or traveling with a disability. Resource: Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)

• 07 January 2012 - 08:45 PM
• In: Gap Years Abroad with IBS-D
• By: Cutty 

Working and Careers

Having a digestive illness is especially hard on people at work. Use this forum to share the ways you cope with work and your career.
. Resources: WebMD.

• 02 February 2012 - 07:38 PM
• In: If you are working what kin...
• By: yololife 

Going to school

Living with a digestive condition presents certain limitations that are likely not understood by teachers or professors in the classroom. Use this forum to discuss what it's like, what are the challenges and how do you cope when you go to school or college with a digestive illness. Resources: Chronic Kids.

• 03 February 2012 - 10:49 PM
• In: social life
• By: 8024310 

Research Studies

Research subjects are needed for the following posted studies.

Medical researchers are continuously searching for new or better ways to treat illness or disease. If they discover something that may be helpful, it cannot be put into general use until years of careful testing has been done. Research studies are what enable medical research for a drug to, in turn, become available to physicians and patients. Research studies may also be referred to as clinical studies, clinical trials, drug trials or drug studies. Read Understanding Research Studies for further information.

If you are the Primary Investigator and have a research study that you would like posted, please contact us.

• 13 December 2011 - 03:29 PM
• In: Diarrhea-predominant IBS wi...
• By: Betty Poop 

Apps and Media

Use this forum to discuss GI and health related apps or media for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android or BlackBerry device . Provide advice by writing a new review or commenting on another.

• 15 May 2011 - 11:43 AM
• In: IBS Symptom Tracker
• By: em_t 

GI and Health Related Books and Literature

Use this forum to discuss GI and health related literature, namely books and electronic books (Kindle, Nook, iPad), booklets, periodicals, magazines, and e-mailed newsletters. Provide advice by writing a new review or commenting on another.

• 03 January 2012 - 12:03 PM
• In: IBS and the MAP bacteria
• By: guillaume 

GI-related Diagnostic Tests

Discuss what to expect or how you feel about medical procedures such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, endoscopy, barium enema, GI series (barium swallow).

• 12 January 2012 - 08:31 AM
• In: Anyone has experience with ...
• By: henrifromparis 

Websites or Services

Use this forum for posting about other websites or services. Under no circumstances are advertising of products allowed. If you would like to advertise a product on this website please refer to our Advertising page. Thank you for your understanding.

• 20 January 2012 - 02:14 PM
• In: Looking For a Dietitian?
• By: myibsdietitian 

Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Use this forum to discuss Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Post your questions and/or other information that may be helpful to others.

• 31 January 2012 - 05:30 PM
• In: :-(
• By: Diana63 

Fibromyalgia Reporter Newsfeed

Topics are automatically created in this forum from a mix of newsfeeds. Please be aware that we have no control over the quality or factual representation of these postings. Some may be informational, whereas some may be wholly inaccurate. You may rate topics in this forum.

Always research all options and discuss them with your physician before following any specific directive provided in these articles.

Current feeds are: Google, Medical News Today, Pubmed

• Yesterday, 11:56 AM
• In: Google- Schiff Elementary S...
• By: Health Reporter 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Use this forum to discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Heartburn. Post your questions and/or other information that may be helpful to others.

• 02 February 2012 - 07:46 PM
• In: I've had it
• By: yololife 

GERD Reporter Newsfeed

Topics are automatically created in this forum from a mix of newsfeeds. Please be aware that we have no control over the quality or factual representation of these postings. Some may be informational, whereas some may be wholly inaccurate. You may rate topics in this forum.

Always research all options and discuss them with your physician before following any specific directive provided in these articles.

Current feeds are: Google, Pubmed

• Yesterday, 07:50 AM
• In: Pubmed- Outcome Following M...
• By: Health Reporter 

The Lounge

Use this forum to write about any and all things related to, or not related, to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Please note: Controversial posts such as religion, politics, race, sex, etc. may be closed or removed without notice. Discussion postings are purged every 30 days.

• 01 February 2012 - 12:27 PM
• In: WE'VE JUST ACCEPTED AN ...
• By: overitnow 

The Lighter Side

Use this forum to talk about the lighter side of things. Post stories, jokes, comics, pictures, videos, etc... Even the challenges of living with a chronic illness presents lighter moments. Have fun!

Please note: Controversial posts such as religion, politics, race, sex, etc. may be closed or removed without notice.

• Yesterday, 09:51 PM
• In: Funny toilet paper commercial
• By: John 

In Memoriam

Over the years we have all made many friends here. Sadly some of them have passed on. In this forum we will keep their memory alive.

• 16 January 2012 - 01:42 AM
• In: Sue V
• By: BQ