I have had IBS for four years now and since I have no expectations of it going away I have only just begun my journey. Initially I feared for the worst such as cancer. However when I found out that I had IBS I cried because the first thing I read was that there was no treatment for it. Seriously?!? This is the 21st century I thought we had the quick fix to everything? Clearly we did not, so I set out to fix it myself. The doctors, including the GI doctor where no help at all. I found my help online from Heather's Help for IBS.

It has taken me a long time to understand what happens to my intestines when I eat, get stressed out, or combine the two. But from day one until now there has been significant improvement. There are some simple rules I follow to help me: 1. Sit down and eat!(Seperate your emotions from eating, its hard! But if you ask yourself am I really hungry? It helps!) 2. Get plenty of fiber. 3. Get plenty of water. It has been important for me to realize that when my IBS acts up it is not always my fault!

I could list pages and pages about how terrible and debilitating IBS is and can be. It makes you grumpy, sick, bloated, uncomfortable, irritable, short tempered, fat, pregnant looking, and anti social. But in these 4 short years I have found that wallowing in self pity will not make the IBS go away, it will only make it worse. And I refuse to let IBS define who I am!

So now I focus on the positive things. Due to the dietary restrictions I make healthy food choices and I can not give into fast food and high fat foods. It forces me to exercise on a regular basis (the more I exercise the better I feel). My IBS has made me aware of my diet and how food directly effects my health. Ultimately my IBS greatly influenced my decision to become a nutritionist. I want to feel good and I want other people to feel good to. With IBS eating the right food and amount is half the battle.

What makes IBS unique is that its different for each person. Will you let your IBS define you?

By: Bossigrl01