Kathy
It is imperative you avoid 'constipation'. Take a modest amount of fiber in water late p.m./early a.m. or both with lots of additional water. May take as long as 3 days to kick in - probably less - and then maintain consistantly thereafter. Powdered buffered Vit. C in small amounts in water throughout the day also is an aid. Liquid aloe or gel caps helps lubricates the colon. But remember, step up your water consumption with all of this. Figs, prunes (not juice), dates are good constipation fighters. Cut way down on grains and dairy and add acidophilus to diet to introduce helpful bacteria into the system. Stress and tension exerbates IBS and deep belly breathing helps in stress relief. Consistancy in doing the right things for yourself is very important. Try a drop of mint essential oil in water frequently throughout the day for gas pains. Simethecone tablets also help for gas. There's more....go to the IBS websites and natural healing books for lots of information. Attempt 'complimentary' medicine before relying heavily on prescriptives. And drink more water!!!!! Your body wants to heal itself so do all you can to help it.