Are there any IBS sufferers out there?

[RosaLuxembunting]

I have had IBS for a few years, but I can go months without a flare up. In the past I have tried eliminating various stuff to see if it helped, refined wheat and possibly cheese seem to be an issue but it is hard to be sure.
In the middle of an episode now, it has been going on for several days and I am getting fed up. Today hasn't been too bad but have eaten virtually nothing except fruit, veg and chicken.
I would be interested to know how other people deal with IBS and what you have found that helps. I seem to go months and it is fine and then I get a few months where there seem to be a constant stream of three or four day attacks. Is that fairly typical?

My symptoms are similar to yours, Rosa - fine for a while, then they flare up.

Cutting out wheat, dairy and fruit juices help to get me back on track.

I also find it helpful to do my yoga DVDs, as it relaxes me and makes the symptoms less intense.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

Oh, was also prescribed colefac (sp?) by GP, which is helpful when I have a really bad attack.

Thanks guys.
Bette - I have cut out wheat and dairy and I'm hoping that will help. I wish I could find the willpower to cut them out for good though.
Kerrymum - TCM sounds great but not many practitioners around my neck of the woods I fear. I have never had acupuncture - does it hurt a lot?

Rosa - I suffered from it for years until I cut out wheat and tomatoes. Now no more IBS and no more acid reflux either!

Osteopathy can also help with IBS as the shape of the spine is linked to gut function so might be worth checking that out - at least you don't have to drink godawful gunk! Alternatively, reflexology could help (I have managed to successfully improve a few clients' IBS symptoms with reflexology)
Stress is often an initiating factor so the relaxation of reflexology treatments or yoga can help by de-stressing you.