OP, I totally hear you. I’ve dealt with IBS for 30 years and it is no fun and impacts day to day living.

Things that have helped:
strictly monitor my fiber intake. FODMAP was not effective for me. With trial and error I’ve identified triggers and learned to work around them. Bran cereals are a huge trigger— apples cause constipation. If I eat a full salad I will have cramping and urgency the next day.

Fiber capsules were a game changer for me. I take Metamucil 4 capsules each morning. This slowed down the frequent trips to the bathroom. Oddly enough, Citrucel did not work for me.

IBgard and peppermint tablets. They Help with bloating, spasms and cramping.

My PCP prescribed different antispasmodics over the years but they worked TOO well, IYKWIM.

There are GE doctors who specialize in IBS and I hope they will help you too.

I'm not this will help, but Will Bulsiewicz is a GI doctor who's written some great books: https://theguthealthmd.com/ .

Anonymous wrote:After 20 years of dealing with this, I started taking an Imodium every other night before bed about 18 months ago and I feel like I have my life back. I can drive morning carpool, go to morning church without worrying, go into work without worrying, etc..
I know it’s not an ideal solution, but my doctor told me it’s safe since there’s nothing else wrong with me. I honestly just think that I have an overactive digestive system, and Imodium’s slows it down until it functions at a regular speed. It doesn’t make me constipated, it makes me normal.

hm GLPs do this too. I wonder by OP wouldn't try it just to try it? She's tried everything else....

After 20 years of dealing with this, I started taking an Imodium every other night before bed about 18 months ago and I feel like I have my life back. I can drive morning carpool, go to morning church without worrying, go into work without worrying, etc..
I know it’s not an ideal solution, but my doctor told me it’s safe since there’s nothing else wrong with me. I honestly just think that I have an overactive digestive system, and Imodium’s slows it down until it functions at a regular speed. It doesn’t make me constipated, it makes me normal.

I suspect you have bile acid diarrhea and not IBS. See if you can get a doctor to try you on Questran.

There is really no pharmaceutical intervention for something this disruptive to your life?

OP here with other factors: My gall bladder was removed 10 years ago and I had a total hysterectomy five years ago.

Anonymous wrote:How often do you eat apples and bananas? Serious question

2-3 apples and bananas a week and berries daily. Just cut out apples and blackberries because I’m preparing for a low-FODMAP elimination diet. I thought bananas are okay. No?

Anonymous wrote:"I’ve never had a solid poop, I’m always bloated and uncomfortable"

Longtime, LONG TIME, IBS sufferer here this is what I recommend. Citrucel powder mixed with water, drink lots of water. When your bloated do you take extra strength gas-x? Plain yogurt for good gut bacteria DAILY. You need to try this for 12 weeks. Does Lexapro have stomach stuff listed as a side effect?

Thanks! I tried Citrucel for a couple weeks but didn’t notice a difference. How long does it take? I can’t eat yogurt (dairy) but would Kombucha work as well? I like Kombucha. I take Gas-X when pain is intolerable but will try more often. Not sure about Lexapro but treating my anxiety helps my symptoms.

How often do you eat apples and bananas? Serious question

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GLP 1

NO.

Lots of people with IBS are finding relief.

Anonymous wrote:GLP 1

NO.

"I’ve never had a solid poop, I’m always bloated and uncomfortable"

Longtime, LONG TIME, IBS sufferer here this is what I recommend. Citrucel powder mixed with water, drink lots of water. When your bloated do you take extra strength gas-x? Plain yogurt for good gut bacteria DAILY. You need to try this for 12 weeks. Does Lexapro have stomach stuff listed as a side effect?

GLP 1

I’ve had IBS since my 20s. I’ve cut out all dairy, alcohol, and sugar. Tried going gluten free but it didn’t make a difference so I added it back. I’ve been on elimination diets on and off for 30 years including low-FODMAP to no avail. But I suspect I haven’t been rigid enough and because my condition is such a part of me, I’m not objective anymore about my symptoms. I’ve never had a solid poop, I’m always bloated and uncomfortable, and I can’t schedule morning activities due to bathroom issues. My Vitamin D levels are dangerously low (11-12) despite supplementation and osteoporosis is looming.

I’ve had colonoscopies, endoscopies, and CTs out the wazoo. I’m on Lexapro for anxiety. I’ve got a referral for a new GI doc specializing in IBS. I think I could use a good dietician and I’m about to start another elimination diet. What else can I do???

If you have managed IBS successfully, what helped you? Any dietician recommendations?