Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I began the current postings about April 2 or 3 (can't remember). So far either I absolutely do not know how to find my way around OR I have questions that are unanswerable or not of interest. I spend a HUGE amount of time on here looking for any answers or ideas while I'm in a bad spot with IBS and diarrhea (first time in over a year).

I was VERY acute just over one week ago which finally nudged me to post regularly rather than here and there as I did from 2004. (I honestly have never heard from anyone but Heather, and that was in e-mail and one time by phone regarding a purchase.)

I have really, really tried to find out how to use the boards. I do open every topic and subject, and I read and enjoy the posts (and also answer if I think I can help).

But my notes are going unanswered for some reason. If I knew why I could correct whatever I'm doing wrong.

So, the only thing I can think of is to suggest maybe someone might e-mail me and help me figure out what is wrong with my posts or the way I use the boards. I'm starting to look for other IBS support groups at this point, but I hate to give up here. I have Heather's book and I've purchased the fiber several times. I thought I found "the answer" by using soluble fibers until I got "hit" with this last diarrhea and cannot eat anything I cannot see through plus the fiber doesn't work just now. I'm seeing my doctor, and he has ordered a stool test (may be some "bug" from doctors giving me too many antibiotics over the years...grrrr).

We will know next week. I may see a gastroenterologist. Not sure there will be help there. I've tried too long without much help for years. This man I see as my personal physician is very sharp, thorough, speaks on my level (I studied and worked in medicine for many years so I do a LOT of research. Right now it's IBS, infection, diarrhea, even the surgeries I had for an infection from old sutures and/or "bug" causing necrosis.) If mentioning surgery is why I'm not answered, let that part go. I HAVE IBS. I've had it for probably 40-odd years. The problems are separate! I mention this in the hope of finding someone who has had similar experiences to mine. (I'm against hysterectomies if at all possible in view of what I have gone through! Especially I'd never have another vaginal hysterectomy! Check out the H.E.R.S. Foundation for more info on this.)

I just really need to find a few people to chat with. I'm isolated because of the above. I rarely speak to a soul. No one comes by as old friends and family have either died (i.e., parents, sister, aunts/uncles/cousins) or just moved away from area and are too busy to keep in touch. The risks of being single are raining down upon me. People do not give much anymore I find (used to be we helped each other, and in my family we all took care of each other...I'm the youngest, I was my parents' caregiver for years, my sister's nanny a lot of the time as she was older, and a whole lot more. My children have too many problems to care so I'm really alone). I handle all of this very well all things considered. I love to walk, take photographs (have a website with my photos), work at home WHEN I can find people who need my specialities. Amazing how I do manage alone. I just do. You do what you have to do. But lately I KNOW I need to "push" for new friends. First place I can even try is here since I can't count on my gut to be out much.

Anyway, that's what's going on. I'll wait and check back here and there and hope I get a bit of instruction from e-mail since I'm lost I think (I wrote to the contact e-mail in support area too).

I've mentioned it in other notes, and I love the idea, that most places where I chat (not IBS but other things including computer stuff) always send an e-mail the instant I am answered. This is WAY cool, and I'd urge the "powers that be" to investigate this method here. It saves checking every hour 24:7 and you know exactly where to go as the link is in the e-mail.

You're all doing a GREAT job!! Keep it up. Many people are getting a lot of support here. I'd just like to join in if at all possible.

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