Hi, Looking for Advice Options

[CAdream]

Hi All, I am in my early 20's, dx with IBS about 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure it came on after a trip to Egypt, I got sick upon my return, was fine for a few weeks, then got sick again and have never been the same. I mostly alternate between c and d, with the d being what bothers me the most. I have yet to find something that works well (or even a little), and I'm about ready to jump off a cliff because of it. I'm supposed to be starting law school next year and I just don't know how to do it unless my health improves. The IBS has given me anxiety problems, which definitely now exacerbate my symptoms (anxiety=d for me), and this is really getting me down too. I don't have health insurance either so my options are limited to whatever is relatively affordable.

So far I've tried:
imodium-works to stop d quickly but then i cycle back to c, so i don't like taking it if necessary. also only really helps after the problems have already started
desipramine-an antidepressant my doc first prescribed, in very low doses, sort of helped with slowing down my digestion but sometimes slowed it down too much. i stopped taking it because i felt it wasn't giving me enough benefit
gluten free- I've been gluten free for about 45 days, it hasn't helped one bit. I was tested negative for celiac a while ago but I thought I'd try it anyways. unfortunately lately i feel like my symptoms are even somewhat worse. I just cut sugar out of my diet a few days ago.

I am seeing my GI doctor next week and was wondering if anyone could suggest some other things I might try / ask about. Hypnotherapy, CBT? Other medications? Anti anxiety drugs? Should I try cutting corn, soy, and all dairy/casein out for 2 weeks each to see if that helps?? Any and all suggestions welcome. I've had tests for celiac, a sigmoidoscopy, an upper GI barium test, parasite testing...the only thing abnormal that ever showed up were some WBCs in one of my parasite tests a long time ago.

I'm really at the end of my rope and feeling really depressing about this whole situation. I can't function the way I want to and it's killing me.

[overitnow]

I have controlled my D for over 10 years with a flavonoid supplement. While it was developed to control cholesterol buildup, there are anti-inflammatory properties which seem to be useful for the IBS and GERD. If the problem you picked up in Egypt could have led to inflammation, then this may work as well for you. (In my case, once the damage was done, then I began to develop all sorts of triggers.) Ask your doctor about possibilities for inflammation.

Cheers,

Mark

[Patman75]

These are some healing programs that I have read, and some used and have helped.

Candida diet. Even if you dont have Candida issues it is a good diet and will help rebalance your gut flora. there are other candida sites but I followed this one and it was very helpful.
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/

"Listen to your Gut" by Jini Patel Thompson. I'm currently using some of the healing protocals and they seem to be working good. Many diets depending on what your issues are. Helped me get through a flare in less than a week.
http://www.listen2yourgut.com/
http://www.jptwellnesscircle.com

Restoring your Digestive health.
http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Your-Diges...3323&sr=1-2

Down load the free PDF from this site. You can buy book too. My Nutrionist put me on a similar plan when I started. It helped very much.
http://www.drdahlman.com/

If you have any questions please let me know.

[CAdream]

I have controlled my D for over 10 years with a flavonoid supplement. While it was developed to control cholesterol buildup, there are anti-inflammatory properties which seem to be useful for the IBS and GERD. If the problem you picked up in Egypt could have led to inflammation, then this may work as well for you. (In my case, once the damage was done, then I began to develop all sorts of triggers.) Ask your doctor about possibilities for inflammation.

Cheers,

Mark

do you know what to look for in a good flavonoid supplement? this seems possible, although i am sure anxiety is a big trigger for me too, i suspect there is some kind of inflammation going on.