Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I've recently been diagnosed with IBS (at least that is what the doctor thinks). I'm 55 and have never had a problem with this before. So my question is, "Why now?" What caused me to go from an iron gut (for 55 years), to a cramping gut?

I was on a 5 month road trip and noticed some constipation - and assumed this had to do with too much "road food". Then I noticed some bloating. And I gained about 8 pounds on the trip. Then a trip to the doctor for a physical. He prescribed Prilosec OTC because I mentioned bloating and some heart burn. Within 4 days, my bowels loosened. By the eighth day I began to have cramps. I stopped taking the Prilosec. I returned to the doctor and at that point was diagnosed with IBS. I've been cramping ever since (about three weeks now).

Note: Before I found this website, I searched desparately for something to do to stop the cramping. I found the Atkins (not a popular guy around here) Vitanutrient book and began using his recommended supplements. They provided immediate relief. Now I'm trying to make sense of the Heather vs. Adkins approach.

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