I began having IBS just the last summer after a severe flu virus. I'm 35 and have always been able to eat what I wanted when I wnated and how ever much I wanted. Now I can't so I found this wonderful website and great cooks and now I'm doing okay. I was severe D for 2 1/2 months part of being meds the DR.'S gave me that I had a allergic reaction to and the flu virus taking a beating to my gut. I finally stablized after a colonoscopy and Heather's diet helped me tremendously. I believe I been prone to IBS my whole life. It's wasn't severe but when I think back as early as 7th grade. My symptoms would be related to my menstrual every month, but never put it together until I read about it. I feel, I honestly have been a true soldier of God this past year and I'm so grateful I got this under control early. I read all the time that persons don't have any relief for up to 3 years or more. Mine was only 6 months and I took action right away. I didn't wait for the diagnosis, I listened to my body and started taking care of it, as far as changing my diet and getting the IBS in check. As we know some times thats hard to do. My youngest son has signs and symptoms of IBS C. He as been this way since about 10 months old. Now I have the knowledge to help him. He doesn't know mom suffers as well. He has been now linking that milkshakes make him feel yucky and has himself stopped having them. I make sure he gets plenty of fluids and he even likes my Chamomile and peppermint teas. He is now going to 8 and he getting old enough that soon I will tell him that he has IBS. Moderation is the key and it really sucks for kids. Because the schools don't have luch menus that tailor everyones needs. So my son takes lunch. Which I like because I know he won't have a attack at school if he eats something that doesn't agree with him. Well I could go on and on but I won't. It's great you ask this because it reminds us of how important it is to remember we had good days despite some of the bad and like I always tell my kids.. one bad apple doesn't spoil the batch, because all the other good apples make up and succeed the bad apple.