Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi,

I have had IBS-D for about 10 years. Went through all the neccesary tests to rule out other problems. I did have my gall bladder out in 2000 but the D started 5 years before that and still continues. The doctors were not too helpful in the treatment of IBS. In fact after I woke up from my endoscopy to test for celiac disease (which I had because I did possess some of the antibodies for celiac) the doctor said "Good news, we ruled out Celiac so it looks like it is IBS so you can eat whatever you want." Which I did and was quite miserable and lost again. I can't tell you how many new ways of eating that I tried in these past years. I was so thrilled with this website and the books that Heather wrote as finally I felt I was finally being heard and helped which has worked wonders for me. I am now getting organized and starting to follow the diet. I do have some questions though...
First: How soon do you notice an improvement in the D and cramps?( I have spent way too many times hunched over pretending to look at the lowest shelf in the grocery store and then rushing to the bathroom with two kids in tow!)
Second: I found Benefiber but it does say sugar free on it but they did not have one at this store that did not say sugar free. The only ingredient listed is Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum, no mention of artidicial sweeteners on the bottle or on their website). Is this OK?
Third: How is this syndrome affecting mothers out there? I really try to not let it interfere with their lives but they know about it and some activities (those not near a bathroom ) are just not doable for me.

Thanks Heather and all for making me fell as though I can get better!

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