[zigmissus]

It's the other way around--I blame my stress on IBS. Uncertainty, plus inability to exert control over a situation breed hopelessness and stress. There's uncertainty every time I leave the house about whether an attack of D will unexpectedly strike, and whether there will be a bathroom close enough to make it in time. Lack of control is evidenced not only by not being able to "hold it" for long, but by years and years of prescription medicines, natural supplements, anxiety meds and even counseling that don't seem to help all that much. I agree that stress can make the symptoms worse, and sometimes IBS can be a self-fulfilling prophesy. (I worry I will have an attack; therefore I do.) But any dr. who tells me my IBS is caused by stress immediately loses my vote of confidence.