Slippery Elm Suggestions?

A little background:

For over ten years I've had IBS -- or at least that is what the doctors told me I have -- and colitis. Over the past few years, I've gotten things under control. My biggest problem was tons of gas (with no smell) and diarrhea maybe once a month or so. But I was eating pretty normal. Everyday I was grateful to wake up and not have stomach issues! I especially loved being able to eat out with friends.

Then a doctor at an ER two months ago gave me a horrible antibiotic -- Clindamycin -- and I haven't been able to get back to normal. I was only on it for three days but everything has been out of whack since. I am back to full blown colitis/IBS, whatever it is. Thankfully, I tested negative for C. Diff and parasites. My primary doctor is saying it will take time for my colon to repair and for the colitis to calm down.

I've gone almost two weeks feeling better -- with the food combination (anyone heard of great taste, no pain?) diet -- thought I was in the clear. But I've had runny stools/diarrhea/cramping since 8/9 -- no blood, fever or rash. It has been over two months (I've lost 10 pounds), not much has improved and it has limited my life. I am so mad at the ER for giving me that medication. I told them I didn't want to take it but they were afraid I had an eye infection. Even my GI doctor said it was a bad call on their part.

Now, I am trying slippery elm powder (the "now" brand, only one I could find) and I am hoping it will help. My question is - should I take it before or after meals? I took my first dose (one full tablespoon with 8 oz hot water, let it sit for 20 minutes) immediately after dinner. I want to be sure I am taking this the best way possible to get myself back to where I was before that deadly anti-biotic.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Here is the best description of it:

"When taken, slippery elm is easy on the digestive system. Slippery elm is said to be good for both diarrhea and constipation, as it softens and adds smooth bulk to the stool. Slippery elm also calms irritation as it gently coats the lining of the intestinal system.

Slippery elm is frequently used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In response to this popular use, a study was done to assess the antioxidant qualities of slippery elm and other herbal preparations, as antioxidants are thought to play a role in reducing inflammation. In the lab, slippery elm did display the antioxidant qualities that the study was assessing, resulting in the conclusion that slippery elm appears promising and should be further evaluated as a potential remedy for IBD. No such studies appear to be available as yet for IBS, though one can hope."

http://ibs.about.com/od/treatmentofibs/a/slipperyelm.htm