new to IBS.

This is a bit hard to explain and maybe..well...probably it has been addressed before. But being a newbee...I am having constipation type difficulty. I have sticky stools that are constantly bothering me. While it's not hard constipation, it's just constant sticky that is hard to wipe clean. I have yet to research this on this board but I could use any help. If anyone has had this problem, what have you done to help it? Is it diet and if so, what? Over the counter meds? I would love to hear.
Thanks.
Birdo54

[FurballsMom]

I've had that happen before.  Fiber supplements will help.  This is why most doctors continue to advise their patients to use Metamucil and Citracel, which are psyllium fiber based.  I can't use psyllium fiber myself, since it aggravates my GERD.  My naturopath said this is actually quite common with psyllium fiber.  There is one other commercial product that people use that you may find easier to take, since it has no flavor of its own.  Benefiber is something that many people use with success.  I've been using flaxseed meal, which can be either sprinkled over your food directly or mixed in your beverages just like you would with something like Metamucil.

The idea behind fiber is that it is supposed to balance out the amount of liquid or water that is in your colon.  So, it's supposed to help people with any kind of IBS, even those with diarrhea.  I have the kind with constipation.  It can be quite painful and hard to live with, so I have real empathy for you.

[sparkle40]

Yes, you need fiber daily.  Try eating high fiber foods daily as well as supplementing.

[birdo54]

I have been finding high fiber foods to make it worse but have since gone to soluble fiber like was suggested with Metamucil and I can feel the difference already!  It's not nearly as stressful on my digestive system.
Thanks!