Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Embarrassing topic - but

Hey everyone. As y'all know - I'm struggling to get my IBS under control while living in Japan. I'm having a tough time but taking things slow. About 2 or 3 times a month, the same situation occurs and leaves me sick from head to toe, moaning and incapacitated in bed. I'm hoping that after reading my story - you might be able to shed some light on the matter.

-> Ok, so I'm wondering if I have IBS-C that when its bad - brings on "D". This is what happens to me around 2 or 3 times a month. I'll end up in the bathroom doubled over with severe cramping, pain, etc due to constipation. While I'm in there (usually a long time) I go through several stages of ummm ridding myself of the problem. I go from severe Constipation and then end up with severe "D" (I can't spell that word!). It's a cycle.

So what I need to know is - does the constipation activate the "D"??? Is it possible that after being constipated for so long that the most recent 'stuff' gets processed as "D"?

Another thing I need to know is - on average, how long does it take for your body to react to something bad? I ask this because yesterday I didn't eat anything that has affected me in the past - yet I went through hell and back again last night! Yesterday afternoon, I was teaching at a Japanese home. My host (and employer) made me lunch. I was lucky enough to subtly move our conversation over to the foods I am "allergic" to hence not having to consume sandwiches with Tuna Curry spread or Hot Dijon Mustard. (because if I hadn't been able to tell her - I would have been forced to eat them! You don't mess with Japanese hospitality!!)

So my sandwiches had sliced tomato, lettuce, cucumber (not usually a prob when sliced thin -which they were), a bit of mayo, and a piece of sliced ham (not usually a problem when thin) or a piece of sliced egg (not usually a problem). I was drinking only bottled water all day and night. I ate at approx 2pm and got sick at about 9:30pm. Was it the sandwiches or something in my dinner?

I know this is a long one! But hopefully someone can help me out!

Thanks in advance!!

Kim

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