To ensure that you are as well informed as you can be about IBS, check out this list of Frequently Asked Questions. More importantly, check out the answers.
- Can IBS be cured?
- How can my doctor be sure I have IBS? Shouldn't they run more tests?
- Does IBS pain move and change?
- Will IBS shorten my life?
- Will my IBS worsen as I get older?
- Will I eventually need surgery for my IBS?
- Will IBS turn into cancer?
- Will IBS turn into colitis?
- Will IBS cause me to lose or gain weight?
- What foods should I avoid so my IBS wont act up?
- Can vitamins help IBS?
- Can therapy help with IBS?
- Can exercise help my IBS? Does IBS affect how intensely I should exercise?
- Are there books on IBS that I should read?
- Should I practice relaxation techniques while I am sitting on the toilet?
Sources:
Halpert, A., Dalton, C., Palsson, O., Morris, C., Hu, Y., Bangdiwala, S., Hankins, J., Norton, N. & Drossman, D. "What Patients Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and What They Would Like to Know. National Survey on Patient Educational Needs in IBS and Development and Validation of the Patient Educational Needs Questionnaire (PEQ)" American Journal of Gastroenterology 2007 102:1972-1982.

