Hi I'm new here!

I'm new on here but I'm glad that I have found this place.  I was diagnosed with IBS a couple of years ago, but have never had any problems.  The worst was a few stomach cramps.

The last 2 weeks have been hell for me and I have been left confused and frustrated by my doctor.  I have been having really bad cramps to the point where I feel like I could throw up from the pain, I can't seem to stay of the toilet and I generally feel really unwell.  I've even been going to bed any spare chance I get because I just want to curl up and forget about it.

I was prescribed some anti-biotics  a few weeks ago, which could have started this all off, so when i went back to my doctor yesterday I explained the problems I was having and was told it was just a side effect of the tablets and I would have to just ride it out basically.  I may be wrong, but I think this is more than that but my doctor wouldn't do anything.  the thing that also worries me is my father had bowel cancer, which he is thankfully recovered from, but if this is in the family somewhere it makes me a little concerned.

I have been looking on the internet for any information to try and find out how I can help myself.  I;m certainly not stressed - in fact quite the opposite - but I'm desperate to make this more bearable if I can't stop it.

I would be grateful if anyone could point me in the direction of where I could get some information, or if anyone can offer any tips?

Thank you all for your welcomes and information!

Lil, I have seen adverts for the yoghurts wth probiotics - is that the same type of thing?  My doctor is actually really rubbish.  I can't see the same doctor every time I go, you can only see who is available on teh day, so the level of care and attention you get can vary.

When I was diagnosed with IBS, I had been going to the doctors for months because I was complaining of mucus in my stools and stomach pain.  No tests were done, I was just told that is what it probably was and was given Buscopan to try and relive the pain.  I wasa fine for ages after that, and its just recently it has come back again.  I have tried the same tablets, as they are now available without prescription but they didn't work.

I will try what you have suggested though, as I am willing to try anything to make me spend less time in the bathroom!

When you talk about probiotics, am i able to buy those in those health food shops or is there somewhere I should go to get these?  I've been told to eat more fibre, so I'm really making the effort with my diet.  I'm just that fed up now and I'm getting tired of feeling so crap I will give anything a try!

I will let you know how I get on - but thank you all for your brilliant help!