I have had IBS all my life just didn't know there was a name for it. I have had many tests over the years and everything looks "great" and "normal" but I sure didn't feel great or normal. When the GI dr diagnosed me with IBS (officially) he basically said to me "you ave IBS and have to find a way to live with it". Well I had been living with it and some of the flares last for weeks sometimes even months. I have been experiencing a flareup for going on 8 months now and am on the verge of depression again. I am on a new medication (Prevacid) being also treated for GERD. I have been on antidepressants in the past and none of those helped at all.......anti spasmotics were no help either. It just seems to come and go with no rhyme or reason at times. Sometimes a stressful event will bring it on for like just a few days. I have been looking into more alternative therapy like I just started taking a Probiotic (research shows that it has been of grat help to those of us with IBS) but I am only a week in taking those; I also am looking into meditation. Even though I have some to see that there are MANY of us that suffer from IBS it feels like such a lonely illness because so many people won't talk about it. And so many medical professionals don't care enough to truly try to help their patients suffering. The worry we suffer compounds our symptoms. I suffer from IBS with constipation mostly but when I get a bad flare it turns to diarrhea for weeks sometimes months like this current flare, along with upset stomach, nausea, gas and bloating. Makes trying to get through day to day totally miserable. I am looking for a penpal or 2 for comfort and support with one another. Prayer helps and deep breathing does too but for me talking helps more. If I could afford on going counseling i would be in it. It would be nice to talk with someone who suffers that same as I do and we could provide a sympathetic ear to each other.

By: sjbowden