Hi woodnymph, You know....my IBS started up after I had a horrible flu and pneumonia in l995. But in retrospect, I was on antibiotics for 2 months, and now I wonder if they damaged my GI tract. I really dread being on antibiotics now because I seem to lose more and more of my GI function. I think antibiotics are more injurious to our intestines than we know. I've been tempted to have a stool test run by one of those places (Smokey Mountain labs??) to see if I didn't develop some sort of overgrowth back then, but haven't done it yet. I keep hearing that those places are sort of unreliable. And it seems like conventional docs don't believe in them. (But they don't always know everything, right?) But it sounds like you might have developed your problems from the antibiotics, just like I did. How much calcium are you on? What kind do you take? For many years, before the diarrhea got too bad, most of my symptoms were just rumbling and feeling like I had a small animal living in my chest. I hate it. It seems to come and go and come and go, and I can't always know what sets it off. Fortunately, the calcium has helped me alot. If I miss 1 or 2 doses, I get the diarrhea back. And it seems to happen at the most inopportune times! I got one of those "Magic Bullet" small blenders. Its really great for slushie-type drinks. Several mornings a week I make one for breakfast. I usually put in rice milk or almond milk, part of a banana, blueberries, and a tablespoon or 2 of ground flax seed. I coudln't believe how much this drink slows me down (with my diarrhea). Maybe you could try it a few days and see what happens? Try to find organic flaxseed. I forgot to do that and wished I had gotten it. I got mine at the grocery store where they have all those "Bob's" fresh ground flours, etc. Another interesting thing with me......the doc finally talked me into having a colonoscopy last June. I had it and was relieved that all was normal in there.......but it made me feel awful for months afterwards. I think the clean out really messed up the balance of good bacteria in there. I was nauseous and dizzy for 2 months. Finally, after a couple months on probiotics, I began to feel better. I think some of us just live with marginal GI function. There are several interesting books out there on the digestive system....like "The second brain", and "Digestive Wellness". The second one has alot of good suggestions. I use pepto bismol sometimes and it helps get me through the day sometimes. Good luck woodnymph!

me too- comforting, since my mom's family hits menopause around 40, and tend to die around 60, and my dad's family's got diabetes, heart problems, and whatnot on both sides as far back as anyone can remember. I had the opposite sign- got it three times in seven weeks. after 15 solid years without a hiccup (even my 'irregular' periods follow a pattern- I'm so regular that my HUSBAND knows when I'm due) 'panic' is too soft a work to describe the feeling turned out it was ok- just a follicle without and egg causing a huccup. but find yourself a planned parenthood, love- or a university clinic, and get it checked out. even if it's nothing, you deserve to know. and while you're at it- write a nice letter to your congressman, senator, and Dear King George II, reminding them that not all of us are rich?

In the link is a good website and forums for Celiac disease. You might also do some research into Candida. Common symptoms of candida The damage to the intestinal wall allows toxins to enter the bloodstream. This condition called 'leaky gut syndrome' often leads to food allergies, foggy brain, migraines and depression. Symptoms in the intestines include diarrhoea or constipation, bloatedness, flatulence and itchy anus. Once through to the rest of the body, the candida can live anywhere there are mucous membranes - it particularly likes the vagina, lungs and the sinuses, providing food for bacteria and viruses. It has an ability to disrupt the endocrine system causing symptoms such as weight gain or weight loss, PMS, menstrual irregularities, joint pains, asthma, hayfever, muscle fatigue and chronic tiredness. Testing usually reveals vitamin, mineral and enzyme deficiencies and low blood sugar. Thyroid tests often indicate that the thyroid is functioning normally, but body temperature is inexplicably low. Some of the most obvious symptoms of candida overgrowth are thrush, cystitis and fungal infections of the nails or skin, such as athlete's foot. Local medication is not permanently successful. This list of symptoms is illustrative not exhaustive. Most of the ordinary MDs are going to dismiss the idea of systemic Candida.. so if your DD feels this is her problem she'd most likely need to see an environmental medicine or an alternative medicine doctor. Home remedies can be helpful, but I feel a drug like Nystatin (along with diet) is what is needed. Here is a link that might be useful: Celiac Forums

Hi I'm Cris 48 Been having hot flashes,night sweats, vaginal dryness,insomnia, fatigue, tender/sore breasts for 8 yrs was told by GP through blood test I was perimenopausal . Was sterilised 23.5 yrs ago, period 2/3 Days,light moderate and stop,no cramps.. But now this is my second month of no period but OMG cramps, I'm doubled over in pain, I'm on co-codamol and gabapentin and naproxen for other health issues and they don't even touch the pain . I'm on antidepressants and have been over half my.life so I'm not depressed, it's not just pain. it's bloody awful it makes me cry it's worse than giving birth. So in the morning I'm going to ring my new GP I'm with and hopefully try and get sorted. But I'm glad I'm not alone / Thanx ladies Cris x