I hate the uncertainty

[howarddavies]

The worst thing about having this condition is that the majority of times when I have a bad flare up I don't know what has caused it so I don't know how to stop it from happening again

[Laxmik]

It’s the worst feeling. It is like starting everything again you were doing to get better. I am currently also going through a flare up. Started during my periods. Not improving still. The uncertainty is terrible. It’s nice to have somewhere to talk on. People going through the same thing. At least there is good support here.

[howarddavies in reply to Laxmik]

I agree. It's nice to speak to people who understand, because there are so many people out there who really don't, even if they try to

[Scat319]

I have the same issue; however, 2 years ago I had a bad case of cdiff and now I'm unable to take Imodium, and the worst part is that I never know if it is my IBS or a relapse of cdiff (I had 3 relapses all from a dose of Cipro for a UTI). It's a nasty beast to be sure and I can eat one thing one day with no issues and the next time it sends me into a major flare.

[Lactosebitb in reply to Scat319]

immodium use to be my life saver - but it didn't really resolve the issue. I started taking a probiotic 8+ years ago (after an antibiotic wiped out my entire gut flora) - haven't taken immodium since. I found you have to understand which foods cause the problems - for me a probiotic changed my gut flora and improved my ibs immensely. So a probiotic, a food diary and learning how to cope with a flare up (meditation and breathing/relaxation) has improved my 30+ yr condition of ibs. Good luck to you.

[Scat319 in reply to Lactosebitb]

I agree, I'm taking Florastor daily now as well. That was a MUST with c-diff and I've continued to take it.

[Eternity78 in reply to Lactosebitb]

may i ask what's the name of your probiotic ? i'm in search for a good one currently , because it seems nothing is controlling my IBS symptoms in a way that can improve the quality of life ..imodium did lessen the diahrrea but caused severe constipation and huge amounts of Gas !! and did nothing for the "frequency " issue ..so i 'm still stuck in the bathroom for long hours as my active colon can't settle down and can't give me an "Ending " until after hours of suffering !!

[jalapeno1234]

Yep - Im happy/fun/quirky then I turn into a depressed 26 year old and forget who I am - my friends just dont get it..they say "think of something else" i do. Then I have to dash to the bathroom in pain.

[Daisy2191 in reply to jalapeno1234]

You are me! Except I'm 27. Lol. Each day can be so different.

[jalapeno1234 in reply to Daisy2191]

yes! one perfect day....I was drinking all day yesterday and eating snacks then today I woke with bad gas and more d* honestly!

[Lactosebitb]

Its hell - but it can get better. Once you get your gut settled then I suggest trying to calm your mind by learning breathing techniques - I'm not a holistic type but I do find self talk (just relax) and 5 mins of breathing can help get you thru those painful spells. I got my probiotic from Vitamin world in the US - here's a link - vitaminworld.com/probiotic-... I used this one for 8 yrs and then had trouble with citrus so switched to Ultimate Flora Smart 15 billion (got it thru Amazon). Good luck and hang in there.