Brief Answer: yes its mostly IBS only. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to XXXXXXX This is Dr. Ashish Verma, a general surgeon, answering to your query. Yes, your symptoms do look like IBS only. Though it can be a bowel infection also. So I would suggest that you try a course of antibiotic like metronidazole, if you already haven't tried. And if you have tried that already, and no relief, the surely its IBS. If its IBS, there are various forms of treatment, like dietary changes, medication, stress reduction, behavioral therapy, and alternative therapy. You may need to try just one, or you may need a combination of these approaches to get relief. Regarding diet, you will need to find out what suits you and what doesn't. Try taking off one thing from your diet for a week and see it if helps. But do have fibers in your diet, they will help you with your diarrhea. Also drink clean water. I am sure that your GI doctor must have prescribed you drugs for it, so follow him. But don’t get disappointed if they don’t work because like diet, drugs also you have to try as something works with a few people and same doesn’t for a few. So you have to be behind him to get to what works with you. And, lastly, if nothing worked then do get a colonoscopy done as 5 years is a good length of time. Hope, that I have answered to all your queries. If you have further queries, I will be glad to answer them.

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