Hi everyone,
I'm new to this message board but you have NO idea how much of a relief it is to know that there are other people out there that suffer from this annoying, frustrating syndrome. I am a 20 year old female and have been diagnosed with IBS after having blood tests, sonograms, and a colonoscopy. I feel like I am always stressed & I do seek helpto try to get it under control because I am very aware that stress can be a big factor leading to discomfort. I try to cut out certain foods that I know will irritate me. I am a very nervous person and I'm very worried about my health because I have lost a lot of weight in the past several months and I am NOT happy with the way I look. Everyone I come into contact with has a comment about my weight loss, which doesn't help because it's like a constant reminder--which stresses me out even more. I am on medication to help my bowel movements, but still I always feel uncomfortable. I am afraid to eat out, and afraid to go far from home because I'm afraid of an "ATTACK." It's hard to talk to people about this condition unless they TRULY feel and understand what you are going through. I would appreciate any tips, advice, or suggestions. I apologize that it is lengthly, but I just needed to get some of my frustrations out. Thanks in advance!

Hello,
I am a 22 year old female. Reading your message sounds just like myself.I was diagnosed with IBS at age 20. I lost 25 pounds due to not eating enough because I felt so bad. I went from 119 pounds to 94 pounds. I was very skinny. I felt very sad because everyone would comment about how skinny I was. I looked like death. I felt like death. I know what you are going through. I tried eating baby food for 2 weeks to see if my tummy felt better. It didn't. I have been to the best of the best of Doctors and no help. It's been 2 years for me and I got my weight up to 110. That was a huge accomplishment for me and is still a daily struggle. I have constant nausea and stomach aches/pain. But I am still here. Don't worry if you are. IBS isn't life threatening. The majority of people who have it don't have severe symptoms like myself. If you have questions or just need someone to talk to about this you can e-mail me at kristi9101@cs.com Hope to hear from you.

Hi, I just thought I'd mention something which helped me. By switching from using pads to using tampons during menstruation, I am now completely IBS free. I am not saying that this will help every female, but it's worth a try.

Yeast (candida)is a main cause of IBS. Yeast is naturally present in the bowels. I believe that when pads are attached to underwear, they cover the back passage, producing ideal conditions for the yeast to flourish and get out of control and so cause IBS.

The same comments would also apply to panty-liners. So, I would advise anyone who suffers from IBS to first avoid using any panty-liners or menstruation pads. Do not expect immediate results, though, it took two months for my bowels to settle down to normal.

Hope you try it, good luck!

Linda

I just wanted to thank you both for answering my message. It's so amazing to know that there are others like myself out there that know what I go through. I know it's not life threatening, but it is such an annoyance. I went for a colonoscopy last weekend, and that was when I was diagnosed with IBS, and since then, it hasn't been tooo bad. Maybe the stress if not knowing what my problem was in the first place was making my situation worse! But thank god I am feeling better, (not gaining weight though-which is my BIGGEST obstacle to overcome) but I guess I have to take it day by day. Thank you for your replies!

~ Liz