I am trying not to take Imodium again, because I've been taking it more often lately, since I weaned off my meds (under my psych's care), with limited results. It used to help me really well, often causing the IBS to stop completely when the Imodium wore off, but lately, it seems to only work for a couple of days, if that, and the IBS keeps coming back. Does Imodium lose its effectiveness (upon original ingestion) after a while, like your body gets used to it?

I have gone to the bathroom three times in the past couple of hours, and my colon is spasming a little right now. I am thirsty, but afraid to drink anything. Admittedly, I drink a lot of soda, but even water sends me into the bathroom. The colon spasms often start while I'm drinking whatever I'm drinking. Practically everything I eat or drink seems to irritate the IBS. Of course, stress does too, and may be the biggest factor. The IBS itself causes stress, because I will use the bathroom, finally get settled, only to have to go again, or shortly after.

Also with the Imodium, I used to feel so much better after taking it, but now, I still feel like I have to poop, but can't. I don't get the spasms so much, which is a big help, but I feel "out of it." I usually take two the first time, then another one a little later, and sometimes a fourth. Usually not more. It used to stop me up for three or four days, but now it's more like two.

I will be seeing a doctor soon, but I'm getting a new doctor, and my boyfriend is supposed to ask a lady he goes to church with about the doctor where she works. He'd gotten the info before, but he threw away the paper (GRRRR!!!! ), and she wasn't in church last week because she was at her son's wedding in another church, and my bf is going to NY this weekend. I'm thinking of just picking one from the phone book and chancing it. Looking for reviews online is difficult, because there are so many doctor review sites (like any review site), and the few people who do do reviews can be scattered among those sites. While I believe people should be free to start up any sites they want (pretty much), including if they can do an existing site better, it usually hurts the idea of getting reviews when there are so many places to review.

In the meantime, anyone got any suggestions for helping IBS? In my case, I have to defecate often, and usually, the stools are loose and mushy. Any over-the-counter meds you think are helpful besides Imodium? Thanks!