Iodine supplements (Iodoral) completely put my IBS symptoms into remission. It's sort of a miracle. I have no idea why it works - my gastroenterologist had never heard of Iodine making such a difference - but if I don't take them for a day or two, the loose stools come back with a vengeance. Worth a try.

Probiotics are also excellent.

I had a similar problem for almost a year. I saw a gastroenterologist who ran a bunch of tests, including a colonoscopy, which all came back normal. Started probiotics and everything went back to normal within days. For a couple months things went haywire if I stopped the probiotics, but now (about two years later) I don't seem to need them. I also found that many multi-vitamins give me diarrhea after a couple days of taking them.

Anonymous wrote:That's a lot of fiber in dinner OP. Sounds like it could be celiac disease.

What are you going on about? This is why OP needs to see a doctor.

I had similar issues for year. Every test known to man and the doctors couldn't give me any answers. I finally started really listening to my body after meals and saw certain patterns. I absolutely could not tolerate white, processed flour (although whole wheat products did not bother me), no red meat, and no dairy. These foods are big producers of chronic inflammation in the body which is a precursor to a whole host of illnesses. In any event, I eliminated those foods altogether and by problems went away. Years later, I added probiotics which are beneficial even if you don't have issues.

Anonymous wrote:PP, so how do you take pepto? Like a vitamin type routine in the morning or before bed? Or as needed? I guess if it takes a few hours to take affect you wouldn't take it after you eat something that might upset you? very helpful advice, thank you.

Yes, I take 2 Pepto tablets every morning and then again about 12 hours later in the evening. I have been doing this for years under the direction of a doctor and it has controlled my symptoms. I should also add that I am dairy free as well because it gives me allergy symptoms (which are not intestinal, but actual congestion and itchy eyes).

Anonymous wrote:Taking Align probiotics really helped me but I went to a GI doctor first.

+1 on the probiotics.

I used to have the exact problem, OP. Almost after every lunch (it was usually lunch). It could be IBS; it could also be hormonal. Looking back, during this time, my hormones were going insane, and I was also breaking out with cystic acne.

Taking Align probiotics really helped me but I went to a GI doctor first.

That's a lot of fiber in dinner OP. Sounds like it could be celiac disease.

Anonymous wrote:This has been going on for years and you haven't even asked your primary care doctor about it? Start there.

Yes OP please see your doctor ASAP. It may be a very simple cure. Don't start elimination diets or weird fasts. Good luck to you!

PP, so how do you take pepto? Like a vitamin type routine in the morning or before bed? Or as needed? I guess if it takes a few hours to take affect you wouldn't take it after you eat something that might upset you? very helpful advice, thank you.

Pepto Bismol does wonders in relieving the gas and it will completely eliminate the smell. It does take 8-12 hours to take effect (has to work through your system) and then it lasts about 8-12 hours. It comes in liquid, chewables, and tablets. I recommend the tablets.

When I told a gastroenterologist that Pepto Bismol did a lot to relieve my symptoms (very similar to yours), he said that I either had celiac disease or microscopic colitis. After a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, tests showed that I had both of those conditions. So now I loyally follow a gluten-free diet and I was actually told to increase the amount of Pepto Bismol I was taking. It turns out I was already taking the common treatment for the condition anyway.

This has been going on for years and you haven't even asked your primary care doctor about it? Start there.

I would try quitting gluten right away. You might find that is all you need to do. It takes about 6 weeks to know for sure.

Have you had any food allergy testing? Definitely see a phyisican who specializes in GI. Could be IBS, could be allergies.

Trying to keep this as not-gross as possible: For basically years now, I rarely am able to pass anything solid and I often have bathroom emergencies where I have to run to the bathroom. I also often have incredibly bad gas. I know some things trigger my issues, like dairy, but sometimes I eat dairy and then nothing happens, so I haven't cut it out entirely.

Have you had issues like this that you ultimately solved? I don't know if its allergies or IBS. One reason I haven't tackled this is that a harsh elimination diet seems so daunting. But I guess I should just bite the bullet. Did you see a regular doctor? A homeopath? A nutritionist? Are there any over the counter meds out there that have helped you? I just got sick right after dinner tonight, and we had chicken, qinuoa, peppers, and black beans. Seems like such a normal meal!