Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I came across your site searching for information on IBS.

I have been suffering from stomach issues for over 4 years now ( I just turned 30). Mainly constipation (don't go for sometimes 1 - 2 weeks), gas/trapped air in the intestines you can't pass/pains/cramping, trapped air and pain in my chest.

The first gastro dr told me I had IBS and acid reflux and that there was nothing she could do for me besides tell me to stay away from caffeine, booze, chocolate and carbonated beverages. She prescribed me acid reflux medication.

Then I saw a 2nd gastro dr for a 2nd opinion. I have had test after test done (scopes, empty stomach studies, manometries, blood tests, ultrasound on my gallbladder) on me and I still do not feel satisfied with the answers I am getting "nothing is wrong". They found out I have a weak esophagus lower specter which is why I keep getting trapped air in my chest, occasional heart burn and am unable to burp. They put me on a low gas diet (no dairy, no carbonated beverages, no milk chocolate, garlic, onions, beans, celery, carrots, prunes , etc, etc) that seemed to help this out a lot. But then my other issues with the constipation were not solved because well low gas means low in fiber! They even had me see a physical therapist to see if I had pelvic floor dysfunction and tried to treat me for that saying I don't know how to relax my muscles to go to the bathroom which is the cause of the constipation. They then put me on a high fiber diet. It started off with me just eating All Bran cereal in the morning every day and lowering my Miralax to � capful ( I have taken 2 capfuls every day and still not gone). So between the cereal, the Miralax and the kegels I started to finally go to the bathroom. So now they tell me increase the fiber some more and take away more of the Miralax�..but now I am right back where I started.. constipated, in pain/cramping/gas.. it's terrible.

I figured maybe it is IBS after all.. or maybe IBS is partially to blame and I have a combination of various things wrong with me. I am trying to research things to bring with me to my follow dr visit next month.

I ordered and received Heather's book, the fennel tea, the soluble fiber and the peppermint capsules. I noticed with the cheat sheet you mention insoluble fiber. Which are the fibers my drs have been telling me to eat to relieve my constipation.. so now I am thinking that might be why I am in so much pain. So I have been reading your info about the soluble fiber and now I am hopeful!!!

I started to follow your book/site because it just made so much sense to me. My stomach aches are less frequent and some days I dont have any!!!

I take the peppermint capsules first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and when I have had an upset stomach and I can not believe how much better they make me feel.

I just started using the soluble fiber supplement mixed in with my food/drinks.. I have started off slow with one tablespoon a day. I am hoping I can stop doing Miralax altogether and just start using this supplement instead. I would much rather have an organic natural supplement in my system instead of a laxative like Miralax (no matter how safe they tell me it is).

I also am very happy with how well the book, site and cheat sheet is helping me to follow these diet changes. It's definitely not that hard.. you just have to really think before you eat.

I am hoping some of my constipation issues start to subside again before I see the dr so I can tell her about my success with this plan and possibly get some more answers.

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