Tillie, did your doctors give you an IBS diagnosis then? If so, it is really frustrating because IBS does come and go and you can have an attack for no reason. However, at least you know that you don't have a disease or any other problems AND you can manage your symptoms. It will take time to figure out what does and doesn't work for you, but following Heather's guidelines does help. It's not a cure for IBS, which is probably why the one doctor said diet doesn't matter, but what you choose to eat and how you eat can aggravate or minimize your symptoms. The IBS diet is set-up to minimize symptoms and regulate your GI tract.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for IBS, but maybe someday there will be! Right now, all we can do is try to reduce our risk for attacks and manage the pain and anxiety it causes. Yes, this just seems like a Band-Aid, but the diet and other techniques for dealing with IBS can help you regain a sense of control and improve your quality of life.
If you're IBS-D I would recommend taking Imodium as a preventive in the mornings and drinking peppermint tea before or after meals to help with cramping. If you still need help figuring out diet and eating heathily (you're also trying to get your cholesterol down, right?), you might consider posting what you're eating on the IBS Fitness Board. We might be able to point out anything that might be triggering attacks or keeping you from getting stable.
How much Benefiber are you taking? Did your doctors talk to you about medications, such as anti-spasmodics or anti-depressants?
Please know you're not alone! I've been exactly where you are - afraid to eat, hungry, in pain, and desperate - but I'm doing so much better now!
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Re: At wits end and need help.
