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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help and Support Group

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Welcome to the IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums! Membership to the site is FREE and just takes a few minutes to register by clicking on the Register link. If this is your first visit to the forums be sure to visit the Welcome Forums to learn more about our website and forums. You can also read about using the forums by clicking the Help link. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the forums listing below; however, you must register in order to post or reply to messages. You can search for topics by clicking the Search link. If you are a member and want to change your password, email address, personal settings or view your private messages: click the My Controls link. Technical support is provided in the Technical Help Forum at the bottom of the forums.

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General Information

	Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
Welcome to the IBS Self Help and Support Group This is the place to start if you would like to learn more about the IBS Self Help and Support Group. Technical support is located at the bottom of our forums.	144	415	Nov 13 2009, 07:58 PM In: Did anyone participate in Lexi... By: Jeffrey Roberts
Announcements Announcements, website changes and updates. This forum also includes Posting Guidelines and our Medical Advisory Board and Moderator Team's Bio's.	6	6	Yesterday, 10:33 AM In: Medical Advisory Board By: Jeffrey Roberts
Frequently Asked Questions Answers to frequently asked questions about illnesses, forums, the IBSgroup.org website and a Glossary of Terms.	2	0	Jun 18 2009, 03:55 PM In: Frequently Asked Questions By: Jeffrey Roberts

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

	Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
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. Forum Led by: Kathleen M., Nikki, cookies4marilyn	48,885	358,912	Today, 08:25 PM In: walking By: Max0
IBS Diarrhea (IBS-D) Use this forum to discuss issues related to IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D). Forum Led by: BQ	6,137	37,739	Today, 07:19 PM In: Calcium Carbonate By: Cherrie
IBS Constipation (IBS-C) and Chronic Constipation Use this forum to discuss issues related to IBS with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation.	4,932	25,400	Today, 05:51 PM In: fiber capsules - how long? By: Matt007b
Abdominal Pain Use this forum to discuss any issues about abdominal pain.	605	3,568	Yesterday, 10:52 AM In: Severe pain for weeks By: eternalpain
Gas / Flatulence / Bloating / Incontinence / Fecal Body Odor Use this forum to discuss any issues about gas, flatulence, bloating, incontinence or fecal body odor.	4,005	26,631	Today, 07:26 PM In: Pain and Depression By: mimimarquez
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..	2,240	12,121	Yesterday, 03:52 AM In: Stopped contraceptives...feeli... By: TanaG
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. Forum Led by: Nikki	1,560	10,004	Today, 10:32 AM In: IBS + sit ups = good? By: Phoenix684
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. Forum Led by: cookies4marilyn	501	2,543	Nov 16 2009, 12:25 AM In: At a loss By: Geethika
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: Special Events	302	947	Nov 18 2009, 03:28 PM In: An Evening with the Experts By: Jeffrey Roberts
IBS Stories Share your story about Living with IBS. Tell yours or perhaps learn from others.	--	--	Redirected Hits: 2,751
IBS Essays Essays related to IBS and suffering from chronic illness written by the Forum Moderators of the IBS Self Help and Support Group.	--	--	Redirected Hits: 1,138

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatments

	Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
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. Forum Led by: cookies4marilyn	2,158	13,076	Today, 03:34 PM In: Michael Mahoney Explains Emoti... By: Jeffrey Roberts
Diarrhea specific (prescription medication) There is only a single medication that has been approved for diarrhea predominant IBS. 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. LOTRONEX may be right for you if all of these things are true about you: Your doctor has told you that your symptoms are due to IBS. Your IBS bowel problem is diarrhea. Your IBS has lasted for 6 months or longer. You tried other IBS treatments and they didn't give you the relief you need. Your IBS is severe. You MUST do 3 things if you are going to take LOTRONEX (From the FDA Medication Guide): 1) Understand that LOTRONEX has serious risks. 2) Sign a Patient-Physician Agreement with your doctor. 3) Follow the directions in the FDA Medication Guide. If you cannot follow ALL of these, you should not take LOTRONEX. A Co-pay Assistance Savings Program for LOTRONEX® exists from the pharmaceutical.	1,144	5,792	Nov 11 2009, 01:26 PM In: Offer your opinions in an inte... By: Jeffrey Roberts
Constipation specific (prescription medication) 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. AMITIZA is not for everyone. If you know you have a bowel obstruction, do not take AMITIZA. 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.	940	4,236	Nov 5 2009, 03:01 PM In: THERE IS HOPE..M.A.C.E. PROCED... By: annie7
Antidepressants, Antispasmodics, Antidiarrheals (prescription medication) 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.	944	3,994	Yesterday, 02:09 AM In: Elavil/Ranitidine- making you ... By: amberalice
Antibiotics: Bacterial overgrowth specific (prescription medication) 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.	285	2,660	Today, 07:30 AM In: Want to get better ? Read this... By: BQ
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).	274	1,704	Nov 18 2009, 02:27 PM In: Initial promising results - wh... By: IanRamsay
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products There's 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.	491	3,350	Nov 18 2009, 07:10 PM In: Calcium + Sleep? By: one goal
Dietary 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). 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, diet or recipes.	1,303	5,754	Today, 06:21 AM In: Carob Chocolate By: Kathleen M.

Other Disorders

	Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Use this forum to discuss Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Post and discuss information that may be helpful to others who suffer from these illnesses. Subforums: Fistula Support Forum Led by: IBD/IBS Author	3,493	22,969	Today, 06:39 PM In: Fistula Friends Meet Here! By: paininthearse
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. Forum Led by: M&M	2,488	11,014	Oct 31 2009, 08:24 PM In: shoulder/arm pain By: M&M
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Use this forum to discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Post your questions and/or other information that may be helpful to others.	856	3,237	Today, 12:39 AM In: Is rooibos tea safe for those ... By: madge
Chronic Pain / Pain Management The MediBoard Network: Use this forum to discuss help for chronic pain and pain management. *This forum requires a separate login to post messages.*	--	--	Redirected Hits: 2,024

Information Forums

	Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
News, Media, Research Results, Discussion or Abstracts Post any news, media, research results, discussion or abstracts to this forum. You may rate topics in this forum.	1,721	3,034	Yesterday, 10:33 AM In: Medical Advisory Board By: Jeffrey Roberts
IBSGroupster 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, Yahoo	4,543	9	Today, 08:15 PM In: Google- Could These Be Symptom... By: IBSGroupster
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.	19	1	Nov 13 2009, 04:11 PM In: Fecal Incontinence in Children... By: Jeffrey Roberts
GI and Health Related Books and Literature Use this forum to discuss GI and health related literature, namely books, booklets, periodicals, magazines, and e-mailed newsletters. Provide advice by writing a new review or commenting on another.	168	351	Oct 16 2009, 05:52 PM In: Health Tips By: danielclark
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).	1,089	4,618	Nov 18 2009, 05:04 AM In: gastroscopy and flexi sigmoido... By: lucyinthesky7
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 Sponsorship page. Thank you for your understanding.	256	972	Oct 24 2009, 01:47 PM In: IBS Safe Mango Cheesecake Reci... By: bellss

Social Issues with Digestive Health Conditions

	Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
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. Forum Led by: Cherrie	83	642	Nov 17 2009, 12:18 PM In: gas/bloating/anxiety attacks! ... By: Cherrie
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.	59	418	Yesterday, 04:42 PM In: Have you been successful in co... By: BQ
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. Forum Led by: Nikki, Jeffrey Roberts	12	90	Nov 9 2009, 10:25 PM In: If I can do it then so can you By: Brian0003
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. Forum Led by: cookies4marilyn	1,126	7,579	Today, 08:41 PM In: Feeling so low By: cookies4marilyn

Talk Amongst Ourselves

	Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
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.	3,341	32,716	Today, 07:58 PM In: Terracotta Soldiers of China 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.	116	378	Nov 9 2009, 11:13 AM In: Just thought this was funny - ... By: overitnow
Twitter Hey we're Tweeting on Twitter. Are you? No worries. We'll be follow'ing ibsgroup@Twitter in this forum. Find us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ibsgroup.	8,499	3	Today, 09:35 PM In: Elmowgli: bed times soon :)xx By: IBSGroupster
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.	8	372	Jul 23 2009, 03:56 PM In: Remembering Calida By: Cherrie

Technical Support

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	Technical Help Ask technical questions here about how to use the features of the site. This includes the forums, blogs, and chat rooms. If you are having trouble registering, please email ibsbb@ibsgroup.org. Forum Led by: Ashers86	15	43	Oct 13 2009, 04:56 PM In: Why are replies to posts now s... By: riddick

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Forum		Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
	Parkview Publishing Archive This is an archive of the IBS Discussion forum from Parkview Publishing. This forum is READ ONLY. You will not be able to post or reply to messages in this forum.	6,589	32,816	Aug 14 2000, 12:37 PM In: Goodbye! By: Guest_thiel2_*