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Lynn,The best therapeutic outcomes (highest degree of symptom remission) are achieved by an integrated disease managment program whih contains at least (3) distinct modalities, each one of which must be implemented in a coordinated fashion by a practitioner or team which has established a strong empathetic relationship with the patient.Single-modal therapeutic protocols will produce less relief than multimodal protocols since the body systems involved are inextricably linked. So while one can attenuate, for xample, the symptoms precipitated by activation of the bowel immune system and/or endocrine system via behavioral therapies to a greater or lesser degree, if the provoking agents continue to be ingested only partial relief is possible. You are fighting an uphill battle as proinglammatory mediators are being released while you are attmepting to attenuate their effects after the fact and as they continue to be reintroduced. Its like trying to pump the bilge while tyhe hole in the hull is still open. Often, then, more pharmacotherapy must be applied with its potential side effects.Likewise a person with significant psychosocial behavioral dysfuntion linked to the consequences of and adaptation to suffering from severe symptoms for a protracted period of time will show remission to a certain degree by isolating and removing agents which provoke an immunocyte response (thus eliminatig a gut-locus of inflammtory response and direct symptomologic consequences of that), certain symptoms can and do persist as a result of learned behaviors that need to be unlearned to achieve maximum remission.In addition to what has been suggested I also recommend to add this book to your study list, and read it:FOOD ALLERGIES AND FOOD INTOLERANCE: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THEIR IDENTIFICTION AND TREATMENT", Professor Jonathan Brostoff (M.D.. Allergy, Immunology and Environmental Medicine, Kings' College, London) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/089...6487508-3420903 ...and seek out someone who is ascribes to the integrative therapy approach, and understands the priciples outolined in that book, as well as the benefits of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapies. This will give you your best chance at achieving maximum remission by having a disease management protocol developed which fits your needs, and includes1. specific dietary modification based upon careful assessment of your relationships between diet and symptom set beyond that rudimentary dietary therapy associated with "food allergy" assessment methods2. specific behavioral therapy, where indicated, to help attenuate the CSN contribution to symptoms and behavioral consequences of livign with the symptoms.3. specific pharmacotherapy administered as an ADJUNCT and supportive therapy, with the intent of achieving maximum remission with the first (2) strategies so as to minimze your dependence on pharmacotherapy long term.Tis approach will produce the best net outcomes in any populatio suffering IBS symptoms, if applied with skill and patientce compared to any single mode therapeutic regimen.MNL
