bellyblues

Once you have IBS, it's unlikely it will ever go away. Since you were dx 10 years ago, I would guess you are simply having a reoccurence. The fact that you've been symptom free for 10 years is nothing short of a miracle, in my opinion!

Stress is probably the biggest factor in IBS flare-ups. And though I hate to say this, often symptoms will worsen as we get older. When I think back to what my IBS was like when I was 25, I feel my heart ache to have those days back! And how I used to complain then! If only I knew then what I know now.....

You may have to do some dietary adjustments while you are experiencing these symptoms. Fruit, for me (and many) is the kiss of death and directly responsible for painful gas and bloating. Apples could send me to the hospital! Bananas will bind me for a week. Oranges or citrus of any kind will feel like battery acid going down. Everyone is different but I haven't met an IBS sufferer who can digest raw fruit properly.

Veggies can be pretty dicey too. Without question, they must be cooked to nearly mush for me to eat them. Brocolli, cauliflower, and greens all have to be cooked to death and taken in small doses.

I've found that I do well with winter squash like butternut and spaghetti. Yams are also excellent as well as fennel, parsnips, beets, etc. They do not produce painful gas and I swear by fennel as a natural laxative.

Good luck!