I think IBS is simply a complicated way to say "I have sensitive bowels because I eat like crap". IBS is epidemic in this country because people eat so much junk. Worse, the more chemicals that are added to our food in recent years, the more people have IBS. It's not your bowels, people, it's what you put into them!

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I was a category five! Category five, I tell you! Get it right or I'll be back to PROVE IT!!!!- Katrina

No, TSV, it isn't. IBS is a real condition; I have had it in the past, and I think I'm going through it now. My diet has not changed appreciably for years, yet now I am having fairly sudden, extremely urgent diarrhea attacks at work--in the middle of class. This started late last week, stopped over the weekend, and began again yesterday. So far, I have been able to hold off the necessary blowout until a break; but at some point I may have to excuse myself from the class I am teaching. That has happened in the past.

What caused my IBS in the past was stress, and I think that's what's doing it now. I am under a very compressed schedule and teaching at least one class for which I feel somewhat unprepared, so I know where the stress is coming from.

Last time I dealt with IBS by going to the doctor and taking the medicine he prescribed for me. This time I can't yet go to the doctor because my Medicare Part B card has not arrived, and (of course) I have no other health insurance. I could, if necessary, pay the doctor bill ($76 as opposed to the usual $20 copay), but if he runs tests, those could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, which I would have to pay, and can't. So I shall wait.

QUESTION: Do you out there know of over-the-counter medications that would help calm the nerves and settle the digestive tract? Until my card comes, I would appreciate being able to use OTC means.

Pepto Bismol, oh what a relief it is...
God love the aconymphomaniacs out there, the "issue" is real, I have it, so does my Mom and Sister. Yep, I think it's food borne (duh) and my guess is you don't eat enough fiber or drink enough water to ease your spastic bowels. Give the Pepto a try...

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Sealed, for your protection...

IBS and anxiety are closely related and i've got both. It can ruin plans, make you miss out on fun times or even seeing friends.

Why can't she just use her super powers to solidify her shit?

Ahmen to yuck.

I used to be a singer, ($2000 a night), butt every performance was marred, if only slightly, by the cramps, and quick breaks I had to take.

Butt yes, anxiety is very much related.

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Did I just fart?.... Oh shit! NO!!

For $2000 a night, I'd pay for a porta potty on stage.

Update: After 3 days of the IBS-style attacks, I'm back to normal stools at convenient times, including a quite solid one last night at church before choir. I hope they stay that way.

I'm happy for you, and the choir.

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Did I just fart?.... Oh shit! NO!!

TSV...IBS is a real condition. I have it, and it was NOT brought on by the way I eat. It was actually brought on by the myriad of medications that I am on for my heart condition, and as a result, my GI tract is messed up because of it. I can get anything from constipation, diarrhea, incomplete evacuation and a lot more. The condition is worsened when I am under immense stress. When I am under such stress, I must always be near a toilet. So far, I have not shit myself, but have had many close calls. IBS IS REAL!!!.

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In search of the ever evasive BM

SB, I can vouch for that, I have however shitmyself, on a number of occasions, I've crapped in gardens, yards, car parks. when you gotta go, you GOTTA GO!_______
Did I just fart?.... Oh shit! NO!!

Um, no. IBS is not just an excuse to eat crap food. I find that really offensive because I suffer from this condition and I eat very healthfully. I've even had to go to the hospital to get morphine because the pain was so bad. It really does disrupt your life just like Carter says. It's really cruel to belittle people who suffer with this.

It must be rough trying to sing and suffer from that. I know I wouldnt eat anything dookie producing OR GAS producing for that matter before a show. She probably follows a special diet. She is still damn sexy in my eyes thats for sure!!
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AHHHHHEMMMMMMMMMM JUST CLEARING MY THROAT!! ;)