It's like everywhere I read most people have diarrhea. Hardly anyone has constipation and severe flatulence. I can't understand it. I really don't think I have IBS. It's not that I'm in denial or anything...I really strongly feel it isn't IBS.

Hi,

You're not the only one, my system stays on the constipated side but can swing pretty quick to diarrhea. IBS is pretty bad and I have all of what you described. The bowels constrict and you can have both with severe flatulence in a short time, lots of pain and swelling too.

Figure out what triggers your problems, diet wise. I have to avoid dairy, spicy foods, chocolate (which was hard, but no longer worth it) and other foods that trigger an episode. Increase your water and fiber intake (insoluble fiber is better for IBS but I do add soluble fiber too) and track your food for a few weeks and you'll notice a pattern.

Check out helpforibs.com and you'll learn alot of thing to help. I even learned that I can have a little chocolate at the end of a large meal. Prohealth also has great products to help you too.

Hope this helps.

Hi ...i suffer with both but since i started using LINSEED ( FLAXSEED ) i have found i hardly suffer with constipation and it has also helped the flatulence as well . I sprinkle 2 dessertspoonfuls on my breakfast cereal everyday .....try it , you may find that it will help you also .....

Thank you for the info.

Can I get flaxseed in a healthstore or I can get it in rite-aid or walgreens? I've seen fishoil in rite-aid so I figure I could get flaxseed in there too. Let me know if I'm right. Also, does it have to be sprinkled on cereal or can it be used in oatmeal? I've started eating oatmeal in the mornings to start my day off because I also drink a glass of water with Miralax in it.

How does the flaxseed help the flatulence? Thanks so much!

For many years I only had the constipation and I would call it fairly severe - certainly painful - that's when I was first diagnosed. It wasn't until many years later that it switched to IBS-D - a totally different kind of pain and to me, much worse.
Since I've been on pain medication, which usually constipates people, I'm finally 'normal' (for the most part) for the first time in 20+ years.

I have it so bad they put me on Miralax, it is great, helps your own bodys water to soften stools and no cramping and no rush to get to bathroom like laxatives.