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Do you recall experiencing abdominal pain during your childhood?
I'm nearly 18 years old and was diagnosed with IBS about 8 months ago although I have been dealing with the symptoms for a very long time. At the time of my diagnosis, I was having diarrhea EVERY day for a month. Every day. I went home from school many days because it's horrible to have at school. We have to ask for bathroom passes, and I needed to go more than once in class. This was so embarassing as I knew everyone in class would be wondering why I needed to go to the bathroom so often. I've avoided so many activities I would have loved, like visiting a college with friends overnight, because I was worried about having diarrhea. I've had it at work which is HORRIBLE and hard to make excuses. I have told very few people, and my parents really don't understand. I'm so embarrassed about having it which for me is one of the worst parts. I also hate missing out on things because of it. I'm really worried about college next year because I want to have a normal, happy college experience which I feel like I will not have. Spending the night at friends' houses used to be the best, but now I rarely do it and am in constant fear of a flair up. Medication has helped, but I still have diarrhea at random times and about once a week or more. I don't know what to do and I can't believe I have to live with this for the rest of my life. It's so frustrating and humiliating. I hate feeling like this and I really wish I was normal. please help!
By: MK18
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Hi mk18, im 21 now and was
02/16/2010 - 05:52Hi mk18,
im 21 now and was diagnosed with ibs when i was 15, i had ALL the problems you are experiencing and my life really sucked. i could turn up to school then i got so worried i quickly left again just before the first class, this happened alot and i eventually didnt go to school for a month n 2months on and off, i hardly left my house and my dad really didnt understand and was constantly pissed off at me eventhough i was clearly depressed. i missed going out with friends, rugby tours alot...but the best thing i did was I told my guidance teacher in school about my problems and she helped alot and just being able to talk to someone helped so much but what i found most helpful was hypnotherapy it was expensive but really helped.
Once i told my friends about my ibs and the problems i have i felt i didnt need anymore excuses to cover it up this is who i am and i just joke about it now with them. Fair enough its not cured and never will be but i usually make sure i know where the nearest toilet is or i have my imodium and that calms me down alot.
i managed to pass my exams not with great grades but i did, i spent a year at college and passed my course. i now have a full time job in which 2 other ppl i work with have ibs but they have ibs c. i go out with my mates clubbing, getting drunk, holidays. i play rugby and travel for hours on a bus which used to terrify me. i can do alot now that i never could and though i still get anxious or bad days i control my ibs now not the other way around!!
my comment mite not help much but ther are plenty of ppl to talk to on this website who can.
That actually helps a lot its
02/17/2010 - 00:20That actually helps a lot its good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this!! Your story makes me want to tell my friends and possibly a counselor as well. Thanks so much, I'm glad you're better now it gives me hope!!
I can empathise!
02/16/2010 - 17:54Hello,
I'm finding the situation incredibly fustrating and embarassing as well. I think confiding in peers is essential, they won't be able to fully understand but sometimes people can suprise you!
The only advice I can give is to keep a very thorough food and bowel movement diary. Write down the times you eat or go to the toilet, and any pain/discomfort you have. Sometimes IBS can be down to stress, or like me it may be due to food intolerances.
What I find hard is that there is no one majical cure and it is a painfully slow process to find a way to manage the situation.
I'm at university, I was fortunately diagnosed after my first year so I could enjoy the student life then but now I sometimes feel socially isolated.
Are you on any medication? Do you know what type of IBS you have?
It is a hard, slow process and the only comfort is that you are not alone. It will take time but you will be on top of managing IBS. Good luck!
Thanks so much, it's very
02/17/2010 - 00:22Thanks so much, it's very good to know I'm not alone. I have IBS D and am on medication but am supposed to be weening off of it. Hopefully when I go to college I'll be able to enjoy the social life like you did!! Thanks for your advice!