Hey SaraLou, I have to firstly say that you write so well and so eloquently (sp?) Is that your profession Anyway, I understand what you mean about the pain being enough to give it up. When I see people who are still trying to starve themselves, etc, I wish you could show them how it could possibly be for them down the line. That's cool that you lived in Canada before, did you go to school there or in Maryland? I don't know if I mentioned this already but I'm ibs-c too and I am 18 (but 19 in 3 months! ) Thanks for your great post.