Explorer,

I agree with your proactive philosophy.  I had a diagnosis of IBS a couple
of years ago and my gastrointestinal doctor was useless except for telling
me that I didn't have colon cancer.  After I educated myself about diet and
solved most of my problem, he even discouraged me from worrying about my
diet because that could cause stress.  Needless to say, I don't go to that
doctor any more.

I have been reading books by Dr. Andrew Weil on health, healing, and
integrative medicine.  Many of his recommendations for diet and healthy
living would benefit IBS sufferers.  He has a web site at:
cgi.pathfinder.com/drweil/

Judith

At 09:19 PM 10/22/97 +0000, you wrote:
>When doctors choose to skim over intestinal complaints because they
>don't know what to do or they don't want to take the time to do it, the
>patient must educate themself to what might be the cause of the IBS.
>.....  In these days of "Medical Care
>in Crisis", it is not a good idea to just give yourself or your child up
>to a doctor and expect that they are going to invest the proper amount
>of time required to deal with a complaint.  More often than not, the
>patient will get shortchanged and in my experience, it is up to the
>individual to steer the boat and not give the wheel entirely over to the
>doctor.
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>Explorer
>
>