Managing with Ulcerative colitis and IBS?

Hello,

I have been on the UC board since I was diagnosed in 2016. I had an appointment today with my GI for a UC flare I've been having for a few years. My last colonoscopy in June said my inflammation was mild inflammation in the last 12 in of my digestive system (rectum and end of the colon).

My symptoms are mild urgency, a good bit of cramping/stomach pain, and loose stools. I also feel I am not moving my bowels completely when I go. These symptoms are greatly improved from the early parts of my flare. My GI thinks there is a decent chance that the medication I'm on to treat the inflammation has healed the inflammation and from a UC perspective, I am in remission. He thinks the remaining symptoms I am having are from IBS where UC & IBS frequently cross paths. He gave me Dicyclomine to take 1 pill every morning when I wake up. He is hopeful that a maintenance schedule of this medication will help get IBS symptoms under control and I can live in remission from the UC.

My question is I am wondering more about IBS. I understand it can happen for a good bit of UCers like myself. My doctor explained the symptoms, but I guess I am a bit confused about longer term. I understand this disease is chronic like my UC so it isn't a question of getting rid of it. Does that mean that ideally this medication removes my symptoms and I live normally? With my UC remission, I should be able to eat anything I want and not get a UC flare. Is that the case from IBS or could eating something that doesnt sit well bring the symptoms back regardless of my medications? I guess I am a bit confused about what sets off IBS symptoms and how to keep them under control?

Thanks!