I don't post as often as I used to any more since the format of the Discussion Board changed. I feel like we are all in separate cubicles now, harder to see what the flavor of any given day is without going into all the separate categories (cubicles). I liked the VegSource format where everything was displayed in a linear fashion. I guess I'm just going to have to get with it and quit moping about change! LOL!!
Anyway, good to hear from you, I've always enjoyed reading your posts. I'm sorry to hear your digestive situation isn't right yet. Mine has changed over the past 3-4 years as well, and I don't know what to attribute this to. I know you have traced your situation to your bout with the chicken pox. The only thing I can think that has contributed to my issues is a trip to Baja Mexico I took around that time. I got the travelers revenge, and it seems to me things have never been quite right since.
I did a lot of research on this topic, and found a helpful website:
www.helpforibs.com
I also started using fiber supplements on a daily basis about a year ago, which has helped a lot. I had been using BeneFiber (hydrolyzed guar gum), but they recently changed their product to a wheat based fiber. I also use acacia (purchased from the above website) which is just as effective, but doesn't dissolve as readily as the guar gum. I can't find any product now that is pure guar gum, so will probably just get used to the acacia. I don't know if any of this will help you, but maybe just some things to think about if you haven't already.
Take Care,
Becky