I've been there! IBS was so bad I didn't work for a while, and didn't even leave the house for weeks at a time
I used the antispomdics and they helped a little. Relaxation techniques, change in diet, etc. All helped some. My symptoms went into almost complete remission after I took steps to identify the issues I was having. I went to a therapist to help me face some emotional distress I had been ignoring in my life for quite some time. After I came clean with myself and took steps to reslove the duress, the symptoms improved almost immediately. I did two courses of SSRI's for 8 months each, ate healthier foods including more soluble fiber (at least 3 slices of oat bran bread a day). Slowly over time the symptoms waned, became less frequent, and less intense. Now, I very rarely effected (funny, today I'm feeling it a little, but that could be the large pepperoni pizza I ate last night..LOL). I also fought! Forced myself to confront the fears of going out, slowly at first, then more aggressively. Please know you're not alone, and that you can beat this thing!
