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if you don't mind. First of all my mom died just last November 1st, so it hasn't been very long.

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. The one year anniversary is especially tough. You might want to post on the Living Room board about it to get some virtual hugs and support, sweetie.

You mentioned Xanax for anxiety. Did you have anxiety before IBS or do you think because you have IBS you have anxiety? The reason I'm asking is I didn't have trouble with being anxious. I started having D attacks and then became anxious about going out or wondering when my next one would be. (far away from a bathroom!) So for me, it was brought on by my condition and now I fight to keep it under control. Being anxious about having an attack can actually bring on the attack! I'm sure you are aware of that!

Well, my anxiety didn't get real bad until my fibromyalgia flared up so much. But I don't think it really matters which came first. Xanax or other anti-anxiety meds will help no matter what the source of the problem.

My doctor didn't offer any other medications besides the one to take after an attack. IT's not an anti-spasmadotic. To me, that would make more sense. Something to prevent one not treat one.

Well, I don't know. I'm not a doctor and don't know your whole medical history. He may have had a reason for it. You can always ask him.

Have you ever heard of the herb Valerian root for IBS? It's supposed to be an anti spasm thing and able to relax you.

I have heard of Valerian root, but I'm not very knowledgable about it. The best natural anti-spasmodic is Heather's peppermint caps. I can't take them because I have GERD but they really help a lot of people here, including Heather herself!

Well that's about it. I'm glad you are stable and doing well. I'll get there I'm sure. Like I've said, it's not the D, it's just going so much. I took an immodium yesterday and haven't gone at all today. There are times I'd have that cup of coffee just so I'd go in the morning and get it over with. But sometimes, it would just continue. I guess I have to see how it goes without it and hopefully I'll get into a routine. Do you know if packaged hot cocoa is safe? My kids drink chocolate soy milk so I can use that for hot chocolate. But I like the convenience of having the packaged stuff at work and such.

As Casey said, the packaged mixes contain dairy. Could you take a single serving pak of the chocolate soy milk to work and heat it up in a cup in the microwave?

Sorry for all the rambling!
Sandy

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