Although my IBS has caused some serious anxiety issues for me that I'm still stuck in.. I know what caused my initial problems and thought I might offer this to help anyone who might have just become stricken with IBS. My IBS-D was actually caused by taking too many antibiotics as a kid. I had strepthroat every year and my doctor handed out antibiotics for everything and never once mentioned the need to replace the helpful bacteria. The IBS started 4 years ago just after she had given me antibiotics for the last time that were probably unnecessary... and now I can't tolerate them with out stomach pains. I finally found a alternative type MD who did a test from Great Smokies Lab and it turned out I had absolutely no beneficial bacteria which is crucial to digestive health. He put me on professional grade probiotics ( need refrigeration to keep bacteria alive) and a prebiotic called Probioplex Intensive Care. After everything, those two things turned out to be the most crucial part of restoring my stomach to a working level. If I had had a doctor that was at least smart enough to realize antibiotics kill the beneficial bacteria along with the bad and told me to eat yogurt or something, I know I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in now with the anxiety and agoraphobia. So I hope this can help someone out, so maybe they can help things early enough to not develop all the mental anxieties that come with ibs.

Jeanne,
Probotics are great for Ibs-C or Ibs-D. I dont really think doctors realize that to many antibiotics can cause this at least not when we were children. But, i know Probotics help, and theres not alot of help for symptoms of IBS. Just watching your diet, and probotics and stress will help more than anything. I guess it really depends on the person. I thought i had IBS-D turns out it was mircoscopic colitis. And im the only one in my family with it. I hardly ever take antibiotics, or ever did. So, who know for sure why some get or some dont. But, i sure wish they would find out.Take CareNelly