Any IBS sufferers out there?

[beckms]

I've inherited my dad's sensitive tummy, it seems...every since middle school, I've been dealing with recurring IBS, which, for someone who loves so many different kinds of food, can be pretty difficult! I just eat the stuff anyway and deal with the consequences later...

usually, when I have a bout of IBS, I can look back and realize that I haven't been eating very well lately (lots of sugary cereal and prepared foods). But this is always in hindsight. I'm just curious to know if others out there have certain foods that you try to include in your regular diet to ward off the symptoms? I know it's different for everyone, but it's good to commiserate, right?

[LaraW]

DH was diagnosed with IBS about 5 or 6 years ago. At the time he was just out of college, unemployed/had just started a new job, and was living with his parents. His brother was engaged, and his mother was having separation anxiety and was using him as a vent.

That said, as soon as he moved out, started cooking his own food, got more settled into his job, joined a gym, etc, it went away for the most part.

He seems to have a sensitive tummy when life is REALLY stressful and we are eating yucky food - going out a lot, heavy meals, etc. We try dilligently to eat healthfully during the holidays because that helps tremendously. His symptoms have improved a lot over the last couple of years.

[sal]

I've recently been diagnosed with this - it seems to me that this is a term that describes a broad range of symptoms. Anyway, stress is my major trigger (Thanksgiving and the day after were nightmares). I have meds from the dr to use as needed; I steer clear of any caffeine after my AM coffee which I make really weak and have had to dramatically cut back on certain veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and raw salads. I also take a 1/2 dose of a fiber pill, trying to get my body back on track (dr suggestion). When I have a bad bout, I resort to the brat diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast for a few days. I'm determined to get control of this, though. I'd be interested in hearing anyone else's suggestions. sal

[Laura B]

I have never been diagnosed with this, but I am wondering if I may have a mild case of IBS. I get uspet stomachs during stressful times. Not sure if that counts as IBS or just stress! When I was in middle school/high school I used to get a stomach ache every time I babysat. Very embarrasing. I would have to go lock myself in the bathroom a few times a night. I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time this year and I got five stomach aches in the afternoon and evening after we ate. No one else had an upset stomach, so it was not the food. Of course, I did not feel stressed once it was all over. Maybe my body was reacting to all of the stress I had had all week and did not have time to deal with. Who knows.

What are the signs that you may have IBS versus just stress tummy?