Thank you for the response. No I have not had a colonoscopy…I suppose this may be a test that the GI Spec. does in Feb ’04. My GP Doc. did blood tests, stool analysis (3 diff. ones), fecal blood tests, and an abdominal ultra sound…all came back normal. My Doc put me on Zelnorm at the start of all of this at the beg. of Sept…this was horrible and made me so much worse. I lasted 6 weeks on Zelnorm then had to stop because the side effects were very bad (headaches, extreme dizziness and nausia, diarrhea). I was so sick and lost 12 lbs during this time. After I quit Zelnorm I was a bit better and gained all the weight back. . But the attacks continue and normally start with a really swollen feeling in my belly, very tender to touch (my intestines feel like they are inflamed and swollen). I started with constipation but now after taking Metamucil daily I am having daily BM. During my attacks in addition to the swollen and tender belly I have a lot of clear mucus BM ( I’ve even noticed red flecks in this mucus that could be blood) and rumbling in my intestines. Each morning I awake to me intestines feeling tight and sore, then after a BM very tender and swollen. This is when the pain starts. A deep throbbing and tender pain that aches and aches and aches. Tylenol 3 is the only thing so far to get rid of the pain but again it leaves me sleepy and feeling exhausted. The pain often returns after the meds wear off. Once I have the lap surgery I suppose that I will at least know whats up in there as you are right this could be causing me pain. But they are not doing the surgery for the pain they are doing it for fertility…the pain and IBS began after seeing the Fertility Spec. and after my lap surgery was already booked (there was a long wait list…I saw the Fertility Doc way back in July 03 and won’t have my surgery until early Dec 03). My IBS started late August 03. I almost hope that they do find something and that they can fix it. I am getting so tired of this day after day for 3 months it is wearing me down both mentally and physically. I can’t believe that I have to wait 3 months to see a GI specialist! Thank god for my family and an understanding work place…I pray every day to get better. I used to be such a healthy and positive person. Someone that others would come to for help and advice…now I am on the other side and desperately searching for help for my own problems. Sorry to complain and go on like this. This board has been a life line for me. Reading it over the past 3 months has given me hope and courage. Thank you for listening. I promise when I am feeling better and able to I will offer my advice and assistance to others who suffer from IBS but for now I need your shoulders to lean on. Thank you for listening. It really does help to know there are others out there who may understand and have sympathy! Thank you!