Hi Roberta,I have the alternating kind of IBS, sometimes C and Sometimes D. My IBS is at it's worst late in the day or sometimes in the afternoon, always after I eat. An IBS attack for me starts with cramping and then several visits to the bathroom until I can finally go. I don't have it every day, but it seems to last several days in a row when I do have an attack. After all these years, I am still not sure what foods trigger it(except eggs, I know that I have a problem with those). I have tried all kinds of diet changes, but I don't have any answers. I just eat what I feel like and if I have an IBS attack, I do. I have learned to live with and accept my IBS problem. I think that has helped me deal with it better. My appetite isn't usually affected unless I am having a really hard time. I have gained weight over the years especially since menopause. I don't take many medications except for Donnatal for bad attacks and Imodium when I need it. I use Imodium only if the D is really bad or if I have to go out. Before you ask, yes I have pain most days, sometimes bad, sometimes not. I can't really give into my IBS at all because of the fact that I have to care for my husband and do most everything in our household. I really think that is why I have managed to put my IBS on "the back burner". There is no one else to do what needs to be done around this household, so I have no choice. I do what I have to, IBS or not. I try not to feel sorry for myself, there are so many things worse than IBS. I keep telling myself that even on really bad days.