Georgette

I find that my IBS changes a lot. I'll go two weeks straight being okay, then I'll go two or three weeks with diarrhea/loose stools every movement. I'll go for two weeks having a movement first thing in the morning only like clockwork, then I'll go two weeks having to go in the afternoon only. My longest "remission" period was last spring. I had just gone through a really bad time - in addition to stomach pain and diarrhea, for about three weeks I had constant nausea, no appetite, weight loss of about 10lbs, constant fatigue and weakness. Then it lifted and I was okay for about two or three months. But then I went back to cycles of bad and good. It sucks because we all know stress makes it worse, but a lot of the stress I experience is from the condition itself. Who wouldn't be stressed about the fear of having an accident in public?

I agree with the idea of visualization techniques. My drive to work is about 1/2 an hour, which can be an eternity when my stomach is hurting. A simple trick that usually works for me: I try to focus on anything green - street signs, cars, traffic lights, etc. As we drive along, I focus my energy on finding and staring at green things. By the way, I am the passenger - I don't recommend doing this if you are the driver!

Take care,
Georgette