IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums - IBSgroup.org (Powered by Invision Power Board)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help and Support Group

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

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.

Latest Poll: Do you recall experiencing abdominal pain during your childhood?

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums - IBSgroup.org

Welcome back; your last visit was: Today, 01:20 AM

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.	60	182	Jul 2 2009, 08:09 PM In: new here! By: TicoTico
Announcements Announcements, website changes and updates. This forum also includes Posting Guidelines and our Moderator Team's Bio's.	5	4	Jul 2 2009, 05:05 PM In: Change in Terms of Service 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: SophieUK, Kathleen M., Nikki, cookies4marilyn	48,260	355,838	Today, 12:38 AM In: I do not know if I have it. bu... By: BQ
IBS Diarrhea (IBS-D) Use this forum to discuss issues related to IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D).	5,781	35,262	Today, 12:02 AM In: Malabsorption By: BQ
IBS Constipation (IBS-C) and Chronic Constipation Use this forum to discuss issues related to IBS with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation.	4,791	24,568	Yesterday, 08:52 PM In: Chronic constipation? Have you... By: sickofit2
Abdominal Pain Use this forum to discuss any issues about abdominal pain.	535	3,057	Yesterday, 04:38 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.	3,912	26,118	Yesterday, 11:11 PM In: Alright im going to give it al... By: Motive
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..	2,185	11,904	Yesterday, 01:23 PM In: afraid of MRI for uterine fibr... By: hope*
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	1,519	9,838	Yesterday, 03:54 PM In: Fatigue/Weakness By: cortex_toom
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	485	2,493	Jun 24 2009, 12:04 AM In: Bad Times By: Katie_ann
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	293	898	Jun 30 2009, 09:21 AM In: "Evening with the Experts" Cha... By: Jeffrey Roberts
IBS Stories Share your story about Living with IBS. Tell yours or perhaps learn from others.	--	--	Redirected Hits: 1,425
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: 520

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	2,135	13,015	Jun 30 2009, 01:58 PM In: We need your help - share good... By: cookies4marilyn
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.	1,130	5,746	Jun 25 2009, 03:14 PM In: Starting Lotronex By: vickieibsd
Constipation specific (prescription medication) There is only a single medication that has been approved for constipation predominant IBS. ZELNORM® is approved for use in women with IBS where constipation is the predominant bowel symptom; however, a recent analysis of clinical trial data identified a small imbalance that was statistically significant in the number of cardiovascular ischemic events in patients taking Zelnorm. These events included heart attack, stroke and unstable angina. The events occurred in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and/or cardiovascular risk factors. There is no demonstrated causal relationship between Zelnorm and these events. Currently ZELNORM is only approved for use in women with IBS-C or chronic constipation under the age of 55 in the U.S. under a limited access protocol. More information on this protocol can be found here. AMITIZA® is the only prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat adults with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation including those over 65. “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.	937	4,221	Jun 29 2009, 07:26 PM In: credit card fraud By: NicholasJr
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.	923	3,920	Jul 2 2009, 06:42 PM In: Time for nortriptyline to kick... By: Kathleen M.
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.	248	2,500	Yesterday, 08:43 PM In: c-diff side effect of xifaxan? By: Matty
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).	239	1,566	Yesterday, 01:58 PM In: Probiotic--Align By: cfro
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.	482	3,301	Jun 29 2009, 12:10 PM In: peppermint By: dystopic
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.	1,280	5,644	Jun 30 2009, 12:42 PM In: Mango SOrbet Recipe - IBS Safe... By: Jricken

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	3,430	22,574	Yesterday, 08:34 PM In: stomach cramps By: Matty
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	2,471	10,972	Jun 18 2009, 12:54 PM In: 5 top Fibromyalgia myths buste... 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.	830	3,167	Jul 2 2009, 04:08 PM In: Heartburn By: beagleface
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: 1,355

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.	1,703	3,012	Jun 22 2009, 09:32 AM In: Antibiotics Take Toll on Benef... 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	2,794	6	Yesterday, 09:43 PM In: Yahoo- Just how friendly are t... 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 have a research study that you would like posted, please contact us.	13	0	May 12 2009, 09:14 AM In: Social Support, Treatment Adhe... 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.	166	347	Jun 9 2009, 11:16 PM In: What the Drug Companies Won... By: overitnow
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).	1,078	4,564	Jul 1 2009, 08:58 AM In: FAiled colonoscopy, screamed i... By: Kathleen M.
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.	238	962	Jun 3 2009, 12:02 PM In: Support IBS causes by searchin... By: journ3

Social Issues with Chronic 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 chronic illness. Resources: Mind-Body Digestive Center. Forum Led by: Cherrie	74	614	Jun 21 2009, 11:20 PM In: Anyone else single with IBS? By: Brian0003
Working and Careers Having a chronic illness is especially hard on people at work. Use this forum to share the ways you cope with work and your career. . Resources: WebMD.	50	364	Jun 24 2009, 02:12 AM In: Unable to hold down a "normal"... By: Matsu
Going to school Living with a chronic 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 chronic illness. Resources: Chronic Kids. Forum Led by: Nikki, Jeffrey Roberts	12	84	Yesterday, 08:52 PM In: should I give up going to scho... By: smileb
Managing Anxiety and Depression This forum is used to discuss anxiety, depression, fear, isolation and social phobia. Resources: Anxiety Disorders Association of America, National Institute of Mental Health. Forum Led by: cookies4marilyn	1,106	7,393	Jun 28 2009, 01:20 PM In: Anxiety still. By: SueV

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.	3,238	31,994	Today, 12:19 AM In: Red as a Beetroot By: BQ
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.	105	355	Yesterday, 11:24 AM In: "The Achievements Thread" By: overitnow
Facebook The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help and Support Group is now on Facebook. If you already have an account on Facebook, drop by our Group.	0	0	-- In: ---- By: ----
Twitter Hey we're Tweeting on Twitter. Are you? No worries. We'll be follow'ing ibsgroup@Twitter in this forum. Follow us directly on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ibsgroup and we'll follow you...	4,243	2	Yesterday, 08:01 PM In: MPfennighaus: The new Whole Fo... 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.	7	366	Jan 7 2009, 01:10 AM In: Judy (Persistance) has passed ... By: BQ

Technical Support

Forum		Topics	Replies	Last Post Info
	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	11	39	Jun 20 2009, 08:07 AM In: Is this site working properly? By: idkwia

Today's active topics · The moderating team · Today's top 20 posters · Overall top 20 posters
34 user(s) active in the past 15 minutes
	28 guests, 5 members, 1 anonymous members rychar30, workinghard, mshotzu, Macaroni, Jeni Show detailed by: Last Click, Member Name
Today's Birthdays
	25 members are celebrating their birthday today splat(31), Christylove(38), Aron(23), Shirl1(46), Kazzy(33), Dave Curtis(50), KASSU(28), John(55), naomi_floss(24), kindredspirit(32), L(49), catfish(40), arrow(41), marcus from calgary(40), hyacynth26(34), CynthiaWA(53), jdm(23), Phyllis33(81), TDM(63), Tom Crystal(29), D.McLean(44), simon robson(58), BenGar(37), NYCIBS(32), Emily2007(31)
Forthcoming Calendar Events within the next 5 days
	There are no forthcoming calendar events
Board Statistics
	Our members have made a total of 744,722 posts We have 33,227 registered members The newest member is UCSoundGuy Most users concurrently online was 280 on Jun 3 2008, 06:17 PM

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_*