Hi Heather26 and co, I thought I'd follow your lead and introduce myself as well as I am also a newcomer to the group. Although I have not been diagnosed with IBS as yet, I decided to join this site for information (and hopefully some support)as I strongly suspect I also have it. I concluded this following an embarrassing incident that occured today (which I may indulge in further under another chatroom heading). I have always had a fairly anxious disposition and this would interpret itself in early life as regularly needing to do a runner from assembly or class at school to 'give the brownies their swimming badge.' (I am only using euphemistic phrases because I am new to discussing the issue and a bit reticent, rather than not taking the subject seriously). In any case, off and on I have felt like a victim to the whims of my bowel movements. I have looked at my diet and realised I do not respond well to certain things and have cut these out as a result. However, the problem has remained. I decided to take action because I have become aware that this problem has, for a long time, been taking its toll on me running a normal life. I have found myself becoming increasingly socially isolated due to anxiety at 'needing to go' at the wrong times / places, and I am aware that I am continuing to cut down my options. There seems to be a direct link between my gut and my overdeveloped nervous state. I would appreciate any constructive feedback from similarly anxious types (aside from telling me to chill out and go and see a doctor). Thanks.