IBS and Meds for it?

[nycl0ner]

Hi everybody,

I know that there are meds out there to suppress IBS somewhat. However my IBS is not severe and my doctor told me to take Axid. Anyone else uses this drug? Is it even useful?

I quit taking it for some time now and experience little or no problem with IBS. My symptoms kind of subsided. But it does flare up on occassion. I only take the meds when symptoms show up, but I don't think they help me much. Any advice?

Well, you said it, suppression with medication. If you want to solve a problem you will not solve it just by treating the symptoms. To solve something you have to find the cause and treat this instead.

What caused your IBS in the first place and what seems to cause your flare-ups? Think about this and you may well be able to stop these flare-ups from happening.

Have you changed your diet, such as cutting out wheat and dairy if they cause your problems? Do you take Metamucil, Acidophilus caps, calcium supplement for diarrhea or magnesium for constipation?

Do you have too much anxiety in your life and have you found good methods of stress reduction? Stress plays a large part in IBS due to the mind/gut link.

Do you still drink coffee? If so, try cutting this out, it has a dreadful effect on IBS.