I wanted to respond this morning but DH was hovering and I couldn't get my thoughts together. It is not uncommon for men especially to have the symptoms you do. There seems to be a sort of 'MOnday morning' IBS men get with serious D and work-related stress. I really think tryings a-ds will help. I know the side-effects can be irritating, but I think you have to work at finding one you like. Definitely. Also you have to follow Heather's diet to the letter, especially at first. The diet is very good at controlling D and Ders can have immediate results when sticking to it.
I haven't had the sort of anxiety you have but I think all IBSers can relate to the feelings of wanting to stay home. I certainly have that. I think getting the D under control will definitely help the anxiety.
I am going to level with you though about relationships. I have been with my husband since 16 and he is supportive about IBS, but I have learned that you do need that spark and both partners need it. You also cannot force it. And the real way to show love for someone is by being unselfish. Life is too short to struggle with unsupportive people. I think you should spend some time by yourself, like would it be possible to camp/hike on your own? and meditate about your needs. The only way to get yourself back on track is to concentrate on making yourself feel better and knowing everything else will come along with that. You can tell me I'm whacked and that is fine but since IBS is lifelong (although very controllable with Heather's diet and medication) you have to have someone who will understand and want to support you unselfishly. I maybe cynical (for a romance novelist) but that is how I see it. Good luck with everything! and tell us how the a.d. search goes.
-------------------- IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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