Probably have IBS?

[daisyxoxo]

Hello everyone. I am a 21 year old female, and I began having digestive problems a year and a half ago. It started out with abnormal stomach and intestinal noises coming and going at all hours, which are now much more consistent. I also suffered the big D in the mornings (but just one episode) and on occasion would strike after a big meal (this would be at least two episodes before taking Imodium (immodium) - one is all I need to make it stop). I have been taking a daily Probiotic since mid-summer, and I make sure to take it at the same time every day (late afternoon). This has basically eliminated my morning D, although sometimes I have an episode (but they are few and far between). However, I still suffer from bloating in the mornings, which goes away after a now normal bowel movement, but this bloating is also accompanied by intestinal noises which come and go throughout the day. There is no rhyme or reason to it and I give up trying to predict when it will happen. It is really embarrassing because I am a college student and I get very anxious before exams, which only makes it worse. I have been using Gas-X for a little less than a year, and I had great results at first but now I feel like my body has adapted to it. As a side note, the most I feel is discomfort - never pain - from the bloating. I drink lots of chamomile tea now and have completely cut caffeine from my diet. This has also given me good results, but not good enough. I am also sure that food has little or nothing to do with it. For instance, one night I had cookies and milk and my stomach went crazy on me for hours. A couple of nights later I had the same snack and my stomach did not make one noise. I just cannot figure this out!

So I come to you all with a couple of questions.
1. The Probiotic I take is Nature's Bounty. I was wondering if this is a good brand or if I will get better results with another one? This Sunday is time to replenish.
2. Could this be an issue of stomach acid? If so, do I have too much stomach acid or not enough? What over-the-counter medicine do you suggest?

Going to the doctor is really not an option right now, because my mom already thinks it is a bit ridiculous for me to stress out over some stomach noises. (I never told her about other symptoms due to embarrassment, plus for the most part I have that under control now.) I feel like there is a simple solution to this, I really do.

Thanks for your time!!!

[kakk333]

I wouldn't listen to your mom, (sorry) :) you don't want this to later start tuning into cramping pains etc.  I personally was diagnosed with IBS. After 6 months of cramps and similar symptoms to you. I had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, normal blood test.  I requested a hydrogen breath test a few weeks ago and tested positive.  If you were diagnosed with IBS, I would recommend at least getting this test done. (I don't think its too expensive either.)  If you test positive, it means you may have a bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine causing your symptoms.  I was put on a round of rifaximin for a week, and am now on flagyl and feel MUCH better. (no weird noises either.)  Also some kind of stool test for giardia/c.diff. would be a good idea.  But if this gets too expensive, I would just get the hydrogen breath test done at least. The only downside is you will probably have to see a gastroenterologist to get this breath test done. (sometimes you need a referral from a regular doctor.)  I would highly recommend it!