It is what it is, so enjoy IT!

I've never tried meds such as the ones you've described. I have tried meds for D but overall I find that what I eat, how much I eat and when I eat it, is what helps me regulate my IBS symptoms. As I stated in another thread, to the outside world I fake it. I carry on as if I am the most normal colon-wise person on the planet. When inside I am a mess (physically I mean, emotionally I think I manage fine). People think I am just dandy - LOL! So you know what, I let them think all of these things. I used to think people observed my eating habits or IBS symptoms (sudden urges to use a bathroom, loud and rumbling noises, offensive gas) to a great extent. I've come to realize that for so many people these days, they are completely absorbed in their own worlds - work, play, home, their kids, their spouses, what they'll make for dinner, how will they juggle all they have on their calendar, etc. I am a mere blip on their radar screen.

So once I did realize that I was incorrect, my perception of others observing me struggle with IBS wasn't accurate, at all, I managed my IBS in a more positive way.

I'm not saying that others don't care about us in general, they just don't seem to want the details, they have nothing to compare what we go thru to in their own lives, especially people who can eat anything they want and then lead extremely busy social lives. That's just not how I roll now.

This is my new attitude - faking it to the rest of the world, to my immediate family, they know what I go thru. And even then, I often wonder - do they really understand what it's like to poop all day long? Of course not. They try to understand and I give them credit for trying.

But mostly I just take each day as it comes, put a smile on my face and well, deal with it.

I try to enjoy things in life I might not have before cancer/IBS - petting my dog, walking my dog, sitting alone in my house without the TV on - it's heaven! LOL Or sewing, reading, even pulling weeds (sounds wacky but I do find yardwork therapudic).

This is of course how I handle my struggles.

Normal - I am sorry that you have other health issues to manage on top of IBS. That has to be very difficult to manage, at times. But I do admire your spirit!

Hang in there.......