I agree: Testing sucks, but yes, it is a diagnosis of elimination. I have found through different literature that IBS has a lot to do with diet and lack there of. Books to check out would be: The Yeast Connection, Eating for IBS, IBS: What Your Doctor Won't Tell You, The Candida Cookbook to name a few. Not all of these will pertain to you, but reading them may give you insight as to what food intolerances you do have as to concentrate on a diet lacking your food intolerances. As soon as you do this, I am sure you will start to feel better.
Exercise also helps. For mild discomfort, I drink metamucil & water. The heating pad is GREAT to have at night, while relaxing, and at work (desk job). But, since I have been eating properly, I don't have to drink metamucil or use the heating pad (unless I voluntarily eat one of my forbidden foods. Now, not everyone is the same, but I personally cannot consume anything containing dairy, sugar, gluten, wheat, or yeast. It limits my meals to fresh fruits and vegeables, soy products, grains, fish, low fat meats, etc. I know it sounds boring, but it's very healthy and much of it tastes the same if not better than the "real" stuff that we are so used to eating. But, the truth of the matter is that is what has been making us sick all of these years. And, if you don't want to feel sick, it's best to give up those beloved foods.
To answer one of your other questions: my back hurts when my IBS flares BECAUSE of the foods I have been eating has caused constipation. Plus, I have endometriosis. It's all connected. But, because I take meds for that, and concentrate on the healthy lifestyle, I am doing much better. I hope that you find this information beneficial, and I wish you the best at overcoming IBS!
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