Arnie, Thank you for your reply. What is Citrucel and what is it intended to do? Is it available over the counter or by prescription. With regard to Olestra, I tried it and found it to create terrible bloating and gas. I can't say it helped with constipation. Even normal people tend to get some IBS type symptoms with Olestra. Seamus,I want to avoid the "drugged" feeling at all costs. The thing I liked about the Novartis drug was that it completely eliminated all of my IBS symptoms -- bloating, gas, cramping, AND constipation. In fact, when I received the first dose at the doctor's office, I couldn't leave the bathroom. The nurse said, "Well, I guess YOU didn't get the placebo!" The only side effects I had were blurry vision (which went away after two weeks) and dry mouth. I don't know when or if this product will go on the market or what it will be called. I know other drug companies have products for IBS in the works (probably for D-type, but who knows) that operate via the nerve transmission centers in the intestines. These drugs are able to target the intenstine nerves without causing overall systemic effects, which is why they don't leave people feeling drugged. Prior to taking the medication, I wasn't able to work or make social plans. I was in pain most of the time and never knew when I would need to use the bathroom. When I did I could be there for hours. So I was basically an invalid. With the medication, I was able to do some consulting and have a social life -- a normal life like other people. That's why I say it changed my life. Now it's like Cinderella, I'm home from the ball and the coach has turned into a pumpkin. I have a job interview Thursday, that's why I'm trying desperately to find something to replace the clinical trial drug. I'm out of money and need to hold down a job. It's good for me to meet another C-type, too. By the way, that clinical drug trial was only for C-type, so I guess we can't be too rare.