The pain of the bloating forced me to the GI MD (this was when my Zelnorm was still working and the constipation, at least then, wasn't the main issue). I either would release gas literally 75-100X or more, after eating (over about 2 hours)...amazing but true. Drove my wife crazy as she had to use a hanky to cover her nose. But then, all of a sudden, I couldn't get the get out! That was much worse, because now I had this full belly of gas...and no relief. I tried some Yoga position and was able to get some gas out here and there, but it was never enough. In sum, I was put on RIFAXIMIN (1200mgs daily) for what they call SIBO (small intenstinal bacterial overgrowth). And you know what...by the 3-5th day, I began to see relief. It was really getting better. Unfortunately, the experiment w/Rifaximin got somewhat confounded, as suddenly my Zelnorm stopped working after 2 1/2 months and couldn't go NO Matter What, even though I severely felt as though I had to go. I was forced to use Fleet Enemas, which BLEW UP my belly, as well as all the stress and straing, which can kick in inflammation response and bring water to the stomach area. Anyway, I'm now on Amitiza 8 days...and things are normalizing (Thank Heaven) w/the Constipation...and I still notice about a 50%-70% reduction in bloating. Hard to explain but, while I"m eating and afterwards, just releasing a little bit of gas (normal gas release)...and basically, I find I'm no longer rubbing my belly, and can focus on other things around me.So...I don't know, what works for one person may not work for another. The Rifaximin doesn't help for all the other symptoms of IBS/C...all the Studies have shown the main effect is on the bloating/distension pain scale. Take good care and I pray for you, that things will work out for the best. It's a day-to-day type Syndrome, this IBS/C...and so, things change sometimes for the worst, and occassionally, sometimes (albeit rare) for the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jay