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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/10/2012 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
I'm feeling down today. I was doing so well after my diagnosis of the vitamin deficiencies- and taking the vitamins. Then this weekend I had a huge bout of IBS with vomiting. I really suspect high FODMAPs foods now. And I aw my husband's family and they said, "Oh, but I thought you were BETTER now! :(" And that just made me feel like some sort of failure. It is so frustrating to have to talk to people about it. Especially after MIL mentioned during dinner that her brother's (now deceased) ex-wife "Never complained" about her illness. Like that was some sort of message to me to not "complain." Which I think to healthy people means never show or mention that you are ill. Plus I read this article in Psychology Today about chronic illness and the insensitive comments people make and it did not make me feel better to read it. Maybe I shouldn't even post this. Well, maybe someone else is feeling this way too and will not feel alone.
Posted 8/10/2012 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
I think until someone is in your shoes they just have no clue. As hurtful as the comments can be just ignore it. You certainly didn't ask to have any of the problems you are having. Sometimes I think people also say the things they do because they feel helpless and unable to help. I have just learned to not care what other people think or say. I don't need the added stress.
Posted 8/15/2012 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
I understand ! I'm feeling down too. R u doing a fodmap diet ? I'm on Gaps diet.
No one really understands that's not ill Why u can't eat this or that , or what its like to get sick And have vitamin defficencies even though our trying your best and eat healthier than most , or why u have to know where the bathroom is. It all gets old and exsausting
Posted 8/23/2012 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad I read this. I've been feeling down, too. The struggle is hard enough, dealing with the pain is hard enough, without also having to mitigate things with well-meaning but clueless people. In my experience, most people who don't have a chronic illness do not understand. Even if they accept it, which means to me that they aren't blaming me for the disease or the symptoms, they have no idea what it's like to live with and manage a chronic illness.

My diet has been severely limited for years. I used to explain but now I just say "no thanks" and leave it at that. Saying I can't eat something leaves me open for people to urge me to try it or to question why; saying I don't want it closes the door. Looking for understanding from people who don't have the life experience to get it wasn't getting me anywhere positive. It's disappointing, and can make me feel alone when the people in my life don't respond the way I wish they would, but I'm less frustrated now that I've given up trying to get them to understand. I really don't think they can.

I hope you are having a better day today.
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