Hi, I am new to this board, but am glad to find others who seem to suffer similar symptoms.I have been to the Dr many times in the UK, but each time they fob me off rather than taking tests or referring me to specialists. One did suggest it might be IBS, but gave me no further information about how to deal with it.I am just not sure if its IBS, because if I stick to a regular diet each day, e.g. bran flakes in the morning, salad/sandwich for lunch and then chicken and maybe a bit or pasta or soup in the evening I seem to have regular bowel movements and less stomach cramps.However, I have had severe reactions to Chinese food 3 times, and have given up eating it (I've been told its an intolerance to Mono-sodium glutamate). The first time I suffered a bad reaction to Chinese food was in October 2004, and since then, whenever I eat out or eat something out of my usual diet gives me terrible, terrible cramping, bloating, and in many cases either severe C or D- there was one time I didn’t use the bathroom for 7 days. Not to mention the strange gurgling noises from my stomach.Thankfully I have a very understanding fiancé, who has agreed to take me to a specialist once I move out to the US, as UK NHS Drs seem to be a waste of time.But I wonder, in the mean time, what you guys think this sounds like, I've had various ideas thrown to me by friends and family including – Celiac, gluten intolerance, IBS, mono-sodium glutamate intolerance, stress, etc.I’m getting more and more depressed about this, because the ‘attacks’ seem to be coming on more frequently. I have a very good job that requires going out to lunches, drinks, etc, but I am worried that one day I will suffer a severe attack at work, and I’ll have to resign!!! It just seems so unfair.I'd be so greatful to hear your opinions, and whether or not its possible to have IBS and other food intolerances at the same time?Also, for those who live in the UK, how expensive is it to go private and get tests done? Can you recommend any OTC medicines that will relieve my syptoms?Sorry for all the questions, but I have so many!