hi, i was diagnosed with ibs about 6 months ago because of continued use of antibiotics for about 1 yr of metronidazole, cipro ect... question is does ibs change color and/or consistency of stool? all my doc did was give me citrucel but sometimes when i got the the bathroom it is normal for me , then other times its light colored and a large amount with lots of cramping ect.. especially after i eat. any advice will help me to control this, thanks alot.

I really am not surprised that you have IBS after using both those antibiotics for a whole year. They are strong antibiotics and have probably removed all the good gut flora from your gut. Antibiotics kills of the good and bad bacteria, so you need to start eating some live yogurt or taking some Acidophilus twice daily asap to replace all that you have lost.

I would also continue with Metamucil. This will add fiber and your GI system needs it to function.

Also, if you do not need the antibiotics now, then I would not take them. You could also take some Vitamin C to raise your immune system, as antibiotics for that length of time will decrease your immunity somewhat.

thanks for your reply, should i be using citrucel, or metemucil? doc told me citrucel, but i am not sure. also where can i get those acidopilus pills? I am now taking a multi vitamin every day i hope this helps.
Does it sound like i have ibs??
thanks alot

I also have IBS and have looked into improving the bacteria in the intestinal tract as a way to reduce my symptoms. Acidophilus is only one type of bacteria within your system. I believe, that there are 2 more. Acidophilus, Bifidus, and I can't remember the third one. My neighbor had diarrea related to taking strong antibiotics for a period of several months following surgery. I gave him a homeopathic medicine I brought from Europe. It's called Hylak Forte 100ml. I don't know if you can get it here, but I have brought more for him (I bought it at a pharmacy, but it doesn't require a prescription), and it REALLY helped him. It's a liquid, tastes a little bit like vinegar, and has all the good bacteria that you need. One takes 40-60 drops, I believe it can be taken 3x per day. (He says he hates jogurt!)

Other ways to improve the bacteria in your intestinal tract is to buy pills with Acidophilus, Bifidus and (the third one), which comes combined in one pill. I read in a book about "Probiotics" that it's best to order it online, because if the pills are on the shelf for a long period, the bacteria dies off and is less effective (or not effective).

In Europe, many different types of jogurt contain these good bacteria. In the U.S. you can also find them in jogurt in health food stores. I have not heard of any multivitamins in the U.S. that contain Acidophilus and Bifidus.

I hope you'll get better!