Like a lot of people, I find fatigue is one of my symptoms (not a major one, but it effects me nevertheless).
Also, one of the only times I'm free of IBS is when I'm asleep. Sometimes I find that some of my 'primary' symptoms (chest pain, bloatedness, etc) delays matters, but ibs rarely wakes me up. Combining these facts means that I frequently take naps, especially when I'm not feeling too good anyway (I hope that the sleep will take away the pain/discomfort completely). But it doesn't do me any good. Within minutes of waking up the symptoms return, either to the same degree or worse! I therefore regard sleep as an unreliable friend. I do think it is a shame to spend so much of life asleep, especially when it doesn't always do me any good.

I wish I could get more updated as I used to be...

This week has just been HORRIBLE to me!
Been dealing with the continuous cramps in my stomach due to taking stool softener + fiber supplements + laxatives every day, then I get my monthly visitor on Wednesday! OH FUDGE!!!

I'm soooo achy that it hurts to lay down! *sob* I don't like that!! Laying down is my comfort!

So now I've got a throbbing crotch, sore hips, achy joints (legs), and on top of the bloating/cramps caused by my visitor, my stomach is still gurgling and cramping from the pills! Oy!
So there's my complaint for now! Except that I'm uber tired because I've woken up the past two nights between 3:30-4:30 due to an accident.

GIRLS: You know what I don't get?! I PURPOSELY went out and bought a pack of overnight pads - the extra long ones - because I tend to leak over the back end, but even with these extra longs IT STILL HAPPENS! WTF?!

*sigh*

Anyways, something finally occurred to me.... I know one huge factor in my every day life that is stressing me out all the time. And, unfortunately, it has to do with one of my employers. I don't know if it's something that should ultimately be addressed, but it definitely seems that there are no hours of operation; I can be contacted as late as 8pm regarding something that needs to be done ASAP. Just on Monday, I was told (at about 10am) that someone else, basically another manager, from the company was going to be in contact with me in the afternoon to discuss things and go over tasks for me to do. I was in need of a long hot shower, and had to run an errand, so decided to put those two things off until afterward - I didn't know when I was going to be contacted (but it was via IM), but it sure sounded eagerly important and I didn't want to miss it or not be able to answer when called on. So I waited of course...

Come 5pm, I decided I'd just jump in the shower really quick and run that errand before needing to pick up hubby at 5:30........

Not only was my original contact offline, but I didn't even know how to contact this other person to ask what happened. At about 7pm, I decided enough was enough and emailed asking what was going on. As usual (except I can't blame anyone for this), they were so busy trying to do their own stuff that they didn't have a chance to talk to me.

But thing is, and Jeff will tell anyone this I'm sure.. I sit at the computer all hours of the day (unless I need to go grocery shopping or drive him or make dinner) waiting for work because I know this employer sends me IM's as early as 7am and as late as 11:30pm. We're all on the same time zone, which I'm pretty sure they know, so that's not the issue... But I have always wondered why it is that I sit at the computer all day long (which is stress enough for anyone really), but barely seem to have any hours! I realize that's why I can't even explain to Jeff how I don't get much income - because seemingly, I DO spend hours a day at the computer!
For example, yesterday... Was online all day long, did some work for another employer during the morning, then sat and waited for anything else... Come about 3:30pm-ish, the other employer finally emails me with a list of stuff to be figured out, and not only am I completely clueless, but feel like I've been put on the spot because they want the answers NOW.

This is what got me cursing out loud.... I had to run and pick up Jeff, run back and continue on as if I haven't even left. There was stuff that had to be done last night too, so I was working until I NEEDED to go to bed (which was around 10pm, because I was in so much pain at that point). But now, I'm still clueless as to what I'm supposed to be doing, and do feel as though I will randomly be called upon again to figure something out that means nothing to me (the communication is pretty bad...).

I know I HAVE TO do something about this now because I can't even figure my LIFE schedule out because of this! I've been allowing myself to be available when needed, but this is getting to be too much.... when I get asked about something when I should be done work and making dinner, and it's due that night... mostly because that's when it's convenient for them. Well, I can't do it... not anymore.
When I think about it, that's a HUGE problem for me. I am putting my life, the household, and my alone time with Jeff on hold so I'm available at all times. It has to stop...

Besides that, I'm going to see my psychiatrist Tuesday afternoon to talk to her about switching meds. That will be the purpose of this visit this time...
I've also been sending emails back and forth with a local hypnotist. He works on the road in our general area, and since he started his career as a client/patient, he has been most helpful in just sending me emails asking how I am. I find it VERY considerate! I initially sent a general email inquiring about his services a couple months back, explaining what my problems were, and he assured me he could work with it and has before. Only question is money...
However, I was in contact with him this week, and I asked him about CDs - apparently he's just starting to work on that stuff himself for depression and anxiety purposes (but also mentioned help for insomnia), so was pleased at the thought that I could test it for him and give him feedback. I might have myself a deal there!

I told him that with the holidays and money, I wouldn't be able to consider booking with him until well into the new year, but am in desperate need of some help for my depression. So, this came about, and I'm just waiting to hear back. I have a good feeling about it, and am willing to try.

But that's enough for now.. need to do some work and laundry. I am actually beginning to look forward to our Florida trip - leaving next Thursday!!!
Just thinking about what it would be like to NOT have a schedule, and NOT have to do things during the day. Wow! I can't even imagine, but this would be perfect for me considering how miserable I've been (physically and mentally) lately!

Although I tend to alternate between diarrhoea and constipation, the main problematic symtoms for me are bloating and chest pains. I am bloated most of the time to some degree or other, but one of the hardest things to cope with is when the symptoms are intermittant/fluctuating. Just when I am starting to feel better enough to do something (housework, or 'pottering) , I start to feel bad again and have to stop. It seems like a poor excuse for not getting things done!
I remember the first time I had chronic chet pains. It was about 8 years ago and long before I was dianosed with IBS (it was before my symtoms had 'come-together), and I was extremely worried that something more sinister was afoot. Anyhow, I spent the day in the day ward of my local hospital at that time, wired up to motitors, ECGs, etc. which all proved negative. Most IBS symptoms are felt individually before IBS is dianosed - how many times has a spicy curry or unusually rare food been eaten only to be poorly tolerated by your insides leading to copious sessions in the bathroom and stomagh upsets?