My doctor thinks I might have irritable Bowel syndrom and his office said they would send me some information in the mail 6 weeks ago. So as usuall they've said they'd dod something and diddn't deliver yet I have no clue exactly what I have or how to treat it so if anyone knows any good source of info I really need it.

Hi ---What are your symptoms??? Maybe the people that write here can help.

God Bless---Harry

Don't worry this condition is more of a nusance than a health risk...i have IBS, it comes on all of a sudden, with out warning..and hopefull u r close to a bathroom when it does...u lose weight with this, then gain then lose, me i am losing all the time, i can eat and eat and won't gain a pound, it just seems that food just won't stay in your system... i am including some info 4 u to read....

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large and small intestines. It causes abdominal pain that is usually cramping. The pain may occur alone or with bowel movements. Bloating, passing mucus in the stools, or a sense that you have not completely emptied your bowels after passing a stool are also common. Changes in your bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the frequency of bowel movements may also occur.

Many people with IBS alternate between periods of constipation and diarrhea, but usually one problem or the other is more common. A given episode may be milder or more severe than the one before it, but the disorder itself does not get worse over time. Irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to more serious diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder. This means that the movement of the digestive tract is impaired, but doctors can find no change in the physical structure of the gut, such as inflammation or tumors, when they do tests that examine the intestines. The symptoms of IBS are thought to be related to abnormal muscle contractions in any part of the intestines.

IBS is one of the most common intestinal disorders. Most people's symptoms are so mild that they never visit a doctor. However, some people can have symptoms that are quite troublesome, especially abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term (chronic) but manageable condition. A person's active involvement in treatment is very important for successfully managing the condition. Treatment will be adapted to fit each person's specific needs. Drug therapy is reserved for treating symptoms that do not respond to changes in diet and lifestyle.

Here's more information on IBS:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/irritablebowelsyndrome.html

If you're interested in herbal remedies for this condition, these are usually taken as teas: allspice, alum root, anise, dill and fennel.


[This message has been edited by Jay Tor (edited 07-23-2002).]

Thanks for the link Jay Tor!