My husband has suffered from IBS for the past 40+ years. The advice above is good--stress, spice, caffeine, etc are all good things to avoid. But what most drs don't bother to mention to IBS sufferers is that SUGAR is a major irritant to the digestive system. About 40 years ago, DH had a terrible stretch with IBS. He lost 40-50 pounds without trying. I was giving him low-fat, dairy-free, bland foods, and he was still having horrible problems with the condition. To keep his energy up, though, I was making things like angelfood cake for him, he was drinking sweet tea. He discovered that he could eat a panzorotti (fried pizza turnover) with no problem, but a glass of sweetened tea would bring him to his knees. We then discovered that there is some evidence that sugar is just as much a component in the condition as the more well-known triggers. Look, it can't hurt to try cutting way back on sweet treats and drinks for a few weeks. Give it a try, and see what happens. Have to ask, though--you have been tested for everything else, right? IBS is really a non-diagnosis, the condition you're left with when everything else has been ruled out. I'ts so important to make sure that what you're suffering from is actually IBS and not something else more serious. DH has been doing very well at managing his IBS for many years now. He no longer stresses over the fact that he has it--which goes a long way toward helping keep things in check--and he knows what he can eat, and when, and he doesn't let outbreaks bother him, he just copes.

I know that this is an old post, but sometimes those are very good. I also am dealing with a cat with IBS. He is 10 yrs and was doing ok on Blue Buffalo chicken and brown rice. We had all the bloodwork and tests the vet could think of and tried the very expensive vet limited ingredient Venison. (Can't believe I bought venison, when my husband is a hunter and I have a freezer of venison.) I just started trying any and all cat food until I got on Blue Buffalo chicken and brown rice. That worked for about 6 months. Then he started throwing up again and his stools got looser and looser, until it was diarrhea. I found this thread and bought the Nature's Variety dry Rabbit and 3 or 4 cans of wet (which he doesn't like). I got the new food on June 30th and he stopped throwing up right away, but still had diarrhea. Finally, July 4th he seemed a little better, and today he had a real stool! It was soft, but formed! That was at 10:15 AM and he hasn't gone since. He is eating and drinking well and the kidneys are working fine! Thanks Jonereb and Kittens!

I'm quite proud of the 15 pocket doors I have in my house. My long-gone STBX built most, but I've been able to copy for several more. I have motion sensor lights in my closets, mud room, garage, bathrooms and laundry. Hallways, too, but that's different. I wanted pressure activated lights (don't know what they're called) but couldn't locate any at the time. My motion sensors work just fine, except I can't use CFLs or LEDs. So what? They're off most of the time!! This topic has been discussed many times. What I notice, is that every time someone brings it up again, how some of the previous questioners are now piping in with how much they love their doors. I can't imagine someone not enjoying 9 extra square feet of room.

I didn't do IB, but I did probably a dozen AP classes and I was admitted to a top 10 university in the Chicago area. I graduated in 3 years by working very hard and taking the maximum course load available. It didn't make an ounce of difference in where I am today, which is a completely different career path after a decade of work in my "degree" field. I was an analyst for 10 years, and felt burnt out. Now I'm working towards becoming a teacher for young children. My husband went to MIT and feels the same as I do. We both think we would have had the same level of success/personal accomplishment at any decent school. There was really no need to work so hard. I had peers in college who committed suicide from the pressure they put on themselves. Such a waste, and such a shame that they couldn't see the different options available. I distinctly remember those days, and the stress and pressure I put on myself. If I could do it again knowing what I know now, I would have chosen a different path. Others may be different. Some people thrive on pressure and challenges, and rise to the occasion, but that's not my personality. I am very prone to anxiety and it's not a good combination for me. I still have dreams where I forgot to do my homework, or I have a final that I forgot to study for, or I can't find the classroom to take it, and I wake up in a sweat, lol. So, short answer: It just depends! There's no right or wrong answer. Just keep an eye on her for signs of burn out or depression.