New here - I have IBS?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-15-2003
New here - I have IBS?
4
Thu, 08-24-2006 - 4:16pm

Hi everyone!

I have had diarrhea for 2-3 years now, on average 3 times a week. It got a lot worst when I was pregnant. I even missed work! I talked about it to a doctor (mine was on vacation at the time) and she said that it's probably IBS as I don't have diarrhea all the time. At my post-partum checkup, I talked about it to my regular doctor. She printed me a sheet about colitis. She doesn't seem alarmed though. From what I read on that sheet, it's IBS, but is it really? Are colitis and IBS the same?

I live in a small town in the middle of nowhere and unless you are pregnant, it is impossible to see a doctor. I've been trying to get an appointment since April! I would like to get tested to see what the problem is, but unless I'm dying, I have the impression that will never happen.

I'm sick of running to the bathroom all the time, being scared of pooping in my pants every time there is no toilet close. Because when I have to go, I really have to go. There is no warning. Going on trips is a PITA! I have the impression everything I eat triggers an attack.

Do you know of a good website or a good book about IBS. Most of the information I found talked about constipation and beleive me, that's not my case!

TIA!



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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2006
Thu, 08-24-2006 - 7:56pm

Hi Marie and

 PPCLSIG.jpg picture by CalyD44

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2006
Fri, 08-25-2006 - 11:37am

Hi Marie!

Check out www.helpforibs.com

The woman who started the website also has some good books out there that talk about things you can do to help control your IBS.

My situation is similar to yours. I got so tired of having cramps and diarrhea that I finally went to a doctor. He did give me a med that "calmed" my system but I've also made some dietary changes like cutting back on dairy and also adding herbal teas that seems to have helped. I am doing much better and haven't had an upset stomach in several weeks.

Is there a larger town nearby where you could see a doctor? That's certainly the best place to start is with a doctor. But you also have to do your own research and take control yourself.

Hope this helps!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-15-2003
Sat, 08-26-2006 - 9:00am

Thank your for the information! The web site www.helpforibs.com is great! I ordered the 2 books.

Unfortunately, the closest larger city is an 8 hour drive away. Like I said, I live in the middle of nowhere. Hopefully, with the information I got, I'll be able to control IBS, instead of IBS taking over my life.



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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Tue, 08-29-2006 - 8:48am

Welcome Marie, you've received some great info already.


Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing and visit any time!

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