Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: IBS-C newbie needs support!

Hey Jewels,

I just posted a message yesterday morning titled "It's official! I'm an IBSer!" - 'cause I'm in the same boat as you.

I just went through ALL of the myriads of tests (and geez, some of them aren't pleasant)...all tests were normal. Thus, we're at the IBS-C diagnosis now. In fact, I have my followup appt. with my GI doc today. **NOTE: One thing I've had hammered into me is the importance of going through ALL of those tests- even the nasty ones that include collecting your poop (!!), drinking barium and/or other contrast agents. Truly - it can be unpleasant, but then at least you know there's no other disease lurking in you that you DON'T want to miss.

I've been "lurking" on this site & the boards, posting occasionally, over the last few months. This site has helped TREMENDOUSLY. I can totally understand why you'd feel lost on the boards though.

What I did to get started was read the general info that is posted here about IBS, what it is, the different treatment options, etc. In actuality, most of that info is a duplicate (excerpts) from Heather's book "The First Year: IBS", which I just bought today. It's great & would really help you get a handle on the disorder & what you can do to regain control. Most all of your questions from your post are answered on this site in the "general info"/non-message-board portion. Or in the book. Or thru doing a "Search" for those things.

In terms of finding what you're looking for within the actual message boards, I used the "Search" option a lot - it's in that light green "menu bar" along the top of the page. That helped me focus in on what I really wanted to know at that time. Other times I'll just peruse the different posts, learning from other folks' experiences. And asking followup questions when necessary.

One thing that I've learned is important to a lot of folks here is that you do a search on a subject before asking a question. Not that you would be ignored if you asked a repeat question, but it sure helps if people look for the already-posted answers. That way you DEFINITELY won't get passed over 'cause someone doesn't want to repeat themselves, ya know?

On a side note - I gotta say, after reading some of the the experiences of others here, I think if I had to choose either the D-predominant or the C-predominant IBS (as crazy uncomfortable as the C is, I know!), I think C is a little easier to handle on a practical, every-day level - no need to stress out about bathroom locations and the like. So I've found a LITTLE encouragement there...but believe me, I'm not discounting C discomfort/pain at all...I know you're suffering as well. 'Cause so am I, and it sucks. But congrats on wanting to take control & turn things around.

Oops. I see this got kinda long. Sorry! If you need any other help, just let me know.

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East Palo Alto, CA (San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley)

IBS-C, pain, nausea

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