[Lily]

Thanks so much to pednal, Joyce, Judy and Kayla. I rushed home today just to see if I received any responses. This really makes me smile to know that you all are out there. I am reassured by your responses that I can continue to use Immodium as a source of "controlling" my bouts of diarrhea. I have been having continues diarrhea or loose stool these past few days and am a bit worried. My attacks seem to occur at particular times of the day. One interesting thing is that I usually am fine during the weekends. I suppose my body is probably trying to tell me something about going to work. How are you all dealing with this? I need some words of wisdom. Sometimes, I feel like I am just bringing this onto myself.

 

[Lily]

Hi Judy,Just like you, I also wonder if other people understand the pain and agony that this condition brings upon you. I sometimes sound like a broken record when I say that I feel sick to my stomach...or I just don't feel very good today. I have tried to explain my problem to my coworkers and even my boss. Until you go through this, no one can understand the horrible feeling of having to go to the bathroom and dread having an accident. I am fortunate that my husband and sons have provided a great deal of support for me. When mom hurts, they all try to make me feel better. I think back at my younger days and to be perfectly honest with you I have always had a sensitive stomach and always have been a worry wort. Many people tell me that I am just internalizing my stress and nerves and this is what is causing me to feel so sick. Perhaps to a certain degree they are right, but I can't go on living on saltine crackers and water. My doctor has even gone as far as to tell me that because I am Hispanic and eating all of that mexican food it has started to effect my digestive system. Give me a break. I admit that I love eating salsa but I know that even a banana can make me have the runs. I am trying my best to stay positive and try to keep a good outlook through this. It helps tremendously to hear your stories and experiences. Believe it or not it is very comforting. I guess mysery loves company. I wish you all the best. Thanks.

 

[Lily]

BL: I really don't know whether a great deal of my problem stems from having had my gallbladder removed. I can tell you, however, that certain foods will automatically make me rush to the bathroom. I suppose it has to do with the fat that isn't able to be filtered by my nonexistent gallbladder. I just can tell that I will definitely need to make a pit stop when I eat of a particular food. I was told that I needed to incorporate a great deal of fiber in my diet and also water seeing as I would need to help my body along to help digest my food intake. I guess I have been too lazy to do just that. Sometimes, I have to force myself to take a few sips of water from the water fountain at work. The funny thing is that the water fountain is about two feet away from my desk. Isn't that pathetic? I really need to concentrate on doing better in that area.Linda: I will try the Caltrate that you recommended. I have been actually doing pretty good these past few days. It helps that I went to the doctor on Friday and it turns out I had a gastrointestinal virus. For a moment, I thought that I was truly causing my anxiety to put my body through the ringer. I have been feeling better. I know that I will continue to have an IBS attack every now and then. It sure will help to try something else other than Immodium AD. Thanks for your advice. Have you determined what causes your IBS?