taking over my life

I`v had chronic IBS (every symptom imaginable) for over three years. It started in my second year at University. I had to stop attending lectures because my condition was so bad and I just couldnt concentrate with other students. In the end I studied at home and passed my degree. I v used every medication, nothing worked. Nevertheless I truly believe that we will all find our balance again. Learning to live with IBS is like having to learn a new skill. It takes patience and perseverance,but if you keep trying you will master that skill.What has helped me to accept the changes that IBS has brought is to realise that my life has changed but is not over and to think about what I can do now rather than what I used to be able to do. I also found it quicker to come to terms with IBS if I thought it was a permanent condition. Its almost four years now, I`m not prepared to wait around for a cure whenever that might be, I find it more productive to keep looking for ways to minimise the effects of my symptoms, through diet and exercise so I can function as normally as possible. In the begining I was always comparing myself to my healthy friends, but now I have accepted the new me, I feel better because its more realistic. But it takes time I know, please dont give up. When you`re ill I think your mind state can play an important part in your recovery.The most difficult and longest part is accepting the changes that come with having IBS, the physical and emotional pain of losing your health. But with time you will regain some control."Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Hi Dgirl, I want to let you know that you are not alone. I just turned 21 and know EXACTLY how you are feeling. I am here to tell you to not let this take over your life!! Its easier said then done but I was a basket case in High School b/c of the same things you are going through now. I didn't even graduate on time. I had to go to summer school and graduate with kids I didn't know. I missed so many days of high school my junior and senior years b/c of the IBS. If I was sitting in class and got one little pain I would go to the nurse or just walk out of the class and go home and get suspended. I lost so much weight too b/c I wouldn't eat before I went to school. If I didn't eat I felt ok. I got soo skinny and missed so much school that my guidance counselor thought I was anorexic or something and I got called to the principals office and they accused me of having an eating disorder or something!! I mean I was so embarassed!! My biggest fear was that I would have to go the bathroom while I was in school. I hate using public bathrooms so if I did, I would go home!! Or I would get really embarassed if my stomach made noises in a quiet classroom or something. I was just so sensitive to every little thing my stomach was doing! After high school things got alot better for me. I went to a gastronoligist and was prescribed Bentyl for my stomach cramps which has helped. I am not IBS C or D but G and alot of cramping. Also I took a year off from school and just relaxed and got into the working world. I just relaxed a bit and realized that everyone has to go to the bathroom and its not a big deal as I used to make it out to be. I also put back on my weight and started feeling better about myself. I also went to college for a little while and got over some of my IBS fears that I had in high school. If you ever need to talk my email is Preludechick00###yahoo.com. I have been there and I know how you feel, trust me!!!!!!!!!

heymy goodness, i know exactly what you mean about this taking over your life! i've dropped out of uni now and dunno about getting a job cus i know i would just ignore the symtoms til i got really really ill or have to drop the job because of the symptoms if i didn't ignore them! talk about walls and hard places!! i'm so knackered and this has been going on for years now and it's doing my head in! i'm lucky cus i have great friends who really try and understand and i'm retaining my sense of humour or i'd go mad! lol but now all my mates are away at uni so it's sooooo hard. wise words about not comparing yourself to 'normal' ppl. i have got over that but i still compare myself to ppl with problems - my room mate at uni has endometriosis and i keep kicking myself that she can manage uni and i can't. must stop doing it. and yeah, i learnt to live with it - while i was at school. then someone moved the fenceposts to uni and halls etc, ouch. maybe we should pool all knowledge and come up with an entire plan?!?