Randomness...

If there's one thing i hate about ibs, it's the random, unpredicatablity of it

I've been keeping a poop diary for the last few weeks because i'm trying DA, so thought it'd be usefull to note any changes i might be having

Now i would call myself ibs-D even though i only usually go about twice a day - because when i do go it is usually loose, gassy and not of 'normal' shape - plus sometimes a bit painfull with all the trapped gas. Also wierdly if i only go once a day, i feel a bit C - probably just the trapped air.

anyway, i havn't noticed any changes in my overall condition, but the diary has shown me just how varied i can be! Aside form different poop consistency, in terms of frequency the last week, per day it has been..

1x

2x

4x

1x

2x

4x

1x  

Come to think of it, looks like i'm starting to get a bit of a pattern going lol , but does the random nature of ibs bother anyone else? - i mean funnily enough today's been a reasonable day - small victories eh?

roadtrip

 I thoroughly agree that the "fun" part is not knowing when or how much or how urgent!  I could eat the same meals three days in a row and have no less than 7-9 stools on a good day and 10-12 on bad ones.  Frequency for me is not controlled by diet or activity, it is controlled by paying attention to my body's signals and getting to a bathroom BEFORE it is urgent.  If I wait that long, I only have a 25% chance on making it.  Hope you are never this severe.  Chesswoman

I was hoping for better news with the DA since you had to jump so many hoops for that stuff. What is on your list to try next? probiotics maybe? :)

Well IMO only... I would definitely give the fiber a try first. Fiber is a natural supplement anyway and it won't hurt you actually fiber is important anyway so you may want to give that a try first and then the antidepressants (you do have to weight the benefits vs. the side effects - VERY IMPORTANT)

thanks dbab, yeah i think i will give the fibre a go first

chesswoman- DA = Digestive Advantage IBS, its a dietary supplement for ibs whcih is basucally good bacteria and enzymes i think, it helps with all ibs symptoms and a lot of people find it helps them - although it hasn't really worked for mw, but it could for you!

good luck trying to get hold of them if you don't live in the US

roadtrip 

no haven't tried Calcium yet

might give at a go tho if fibre or the antidepressants don't work...