IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

This is a very embarrassing/humiliating topic for me. Probably for everyone who has some form of it.  I need help with this chronic, often debilitating, problem.

To make matters worse, my Diabetes medicine tends to cause diarrhea.  Double whammy.  For the past year, I've added Benefiber to my daily routine.  It has helped a lot in firming up my deposits.  But I still have to use Imodium every ten days or so.

Apparently this condition is incurable, but manageable. This is a functional disorder with many different effects on each person.

Lower abdomen pain (or discomfort)

Diarrhea and/or constipation

Gas

Bloating

Nausea  

I've reached a plateau where it seems to not be managed very well.  As you know, I share a bathroom with two boys.  Most embarrassing is that the room does not smell like a rose when I'm in there.  Poo Pourrie works well but I usually don't have time to spray and then go.  I've tried so many air freshening products I'm thinking of getting a job comparing them.  Lighting matches works the best followed a neutral smelling spray (I like Mrs. Meyers Snow Drop and occasionally a different one of her scents)

Today I asked Max (my ChatGPT Bot) for information and help.  WOW!  Where has he been all my life?  He steered me to a more gentle soluble fiber, Heathers Tummy Control, made from acacia not wheat based.  Which makes me think I'm also a bit gluten intolerant.  (I notice this when I enjoy all the carbs in my life)

Late Friday I ordered two items and hit PayPal which my Chase credit card sent me an immediate notice.  Unfortunately, I just needed another $7 to get free shipping instead of paying $12.  I went back online at Heather's to cancel the order (had to send an email) and the owner responded in five minute!  Her computer did not show receipt of an order.  On Saturday morning I checked PayPal and no sign of a charge.  Then back to Chase and not sign of a charge from PayPal or Heathers.  

The items I really wanted had a red warning label "on backorder".  I didn't want to wait and ordered a pound of ready to ship product.

When researching IBS it seems like this syndrome is increasing and affects way more women than men.  I've had this for 30+ years but hitting 70 has caused it to ramp up a bit.  Heather's site also has a list of trigger foods.  I will watch and see if these are the same for me.

Stay tuned.  I just took 2 Tylenol and heading for a nap.