I haven't been back to this site for years!

But a friend's wife is experiencing a nasty period of IBS symptoms right now and it reminded me how lucky I am to be in recovery.

I was in very bad shape about 5 years ago, after a life of on and off symptoms. I was experiencing food poisoning-like attacks weekly at it's worst. And then I read about SSRIs and the serotonin/gut connection. So I actually demanded my doctor put me on some. And I am sure he did because he thought I was losing it mentally rather than in any hope it would help the IBS. But it did. The symptoms resolved over three weeks, getting better and better. My doctor warned me of the side effects. Nausea and diarrhea being the worst. I laughed and said how would I know any different from what I'm living with NOW!

Oddly enough I COULD tell the difference between the nausea from the drug. It was far less "bilious", more sharp. But it didn't last past the first week or so and wasn't bad.

Since then I have been not cured, but pretty darn close! I still can't push the fatty foods like cream and avocado, but pizza and burgers are fine. I can still have mild symptoms of gas, bloating, and minor pain. Compared to before though? It's nothing!

I still put more energy into thinking about my digestive system than non-IBS'ers but the fear is mostly gone.

Basically, if I can live the rest of my life at this level I will be ecstatic.

By: soundie