That's funny. I always attribute feeling better on vacations to stress relief as well.
An episode lasts a while for me too. I am IBS-C. It is very hard to isolate anything. But let me know if you think you figure anything out.
Sometimes I wonder if the crunches are the real key to a flat stomach too. Sometimes I do a ton w/o noticing much of an effect. Then I'll slack a little and my stomach will feel flat. I think it's more related to what I'm eating and hormones. I'm not ready to give up my crunches yet...I've been an addict since about 9th grade! But maybe I'll have to cut down if it will help the IBS.
-------------------- ~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.