i ain't down with IBS

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((massive hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry you feel like this Bunny.  Trust me, you're not the only one who feels like that.  At the moment I feel pretty much the same as you, but I try not to let it show - dont ask me why.  Maybe its because the people around me don't have a clue what i am going through and I don't want to share it with them because they aren't really interested.

I got ignored by my doctors for ages - its only becaue I have managed to see a new doctor this time that I have got anywhere.  Any time in the past i have been its been a prescription for Buscopan which never worked for me, and that was it.  No real tests, nothing.  I hate the fact now that I could be happily sitting at my desk at work, or just watching TV at home and from nowhere I have to make a run for it to the bathroom, and more and more the last few times it has happend its been touch and go whether I would get there in time.

I would probably consider myself a bit of a control freak, because of all the things I have been through in my life I have become very independant and like to do things for myself, and not have someone to rely on.  So now, because this illness has come out of nowhere over the past 3-4 weeks, I feel like it's controlling me - what I eat, where I eat, how much I eat, even where I go and how long I think I can stay there for.  I want to go and watch a film at the cineman this weekend but I just cant because I would probably end up missing half the film!

I don't know how I try and stay positive - tomorrow will be a differnt story when I'm on my own and I can be how I want to be - which is miserable, feel sorry for myself and probably cry buckets.  the draining feeling I have had recently because of the sleepless nights and the frequency of the toilet visits is phenominal for me.  I'm normally full of energy and always on the go, laughing and talking.  This last fornight I couldnt have been quieter if I wanted and even my husband has noticed now when I'm in a good mood.  I feel like I want to take my entire body back to the shop for a full refund and exchange, because I got sold a faulty one.  But I cant, and that feleing of frustration is just so overwhelming.

Maybe when things calm down for you you will feel better, and I really do feel for you at the moment.  Its hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel when it's this bad.  But keep on at your doctor until he will do something for you.  Perhaps you should show him the leaflet that someone posted in one of the other threads about what people should understand about IBS when they don't have it!

I really hope you feel better soon.  Go ahead and cry - I'll probably be joining you in a few hours!!  ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Bunny))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))00

I apologise for laughing, but dbab, what you said about anti-depressants being beneficial to the gut made me giggle.  But in the easiest possible terms, I suppose our guts ARE depressed, and thats why they are miserable.  Stress makes them feel worse, so we need to keep them happy.  If only it was as simple as this in real life!!  I would treat mine to a day at the seaside, with an ice cream, a few rides, some candyfloss, anything it wanted.  If it would just tell me how to cheer it up then i could do it!!

No, I'm not on drugs - I know what I'm trying to say but I'm not always that good and trying to get the words out!

It's okay to cry.  We need to sometimes!  Your post was a catalyst, Bunny, and that is actually something to be proud of.  Way to get people emoting!!

Bunny, I totally sympathize.  When people are told they have IBS, it's basically saying, "You have this thing we don't really understand, and we'll give you some drugs to stop you up/get you going/relieve the pain if we can." Otherwise there is not much they can do.  And it is so frustrating.  I am in the same boat.  What you need to do, though, is find any doctor out there who is dedicated to your case and willing to work with you.  It doesn't matter if they can cure you; the fact that they are simply THERE for you makes all the difference.  Willing to hear you out, try new things.  Your current doctor is not doing that.  On the contrary, he seems to be prescribing drugs that are contraindicated for you and hiding out in the dark.  Fire 'im.  Be pro-active, girl, and ask for recommendations from co-workers, friends, etc. for another physician.  It will make all the difference, I swear!

We are all here for you too.  Having a chronic illness just plain sucks.  But it teaches you some fundamental life lessons: how to sympathize with others.  How to keep going, even when you can't get off the toilet.  And some others.

I'm sorry you're feeling so discouraged.  We will all have good days and bad days and there are people that will pick you up when you're down and keep you up when you're up.  A lot of them are right here on this board.  It's too bad you can't see them or hear them or touch them, but just knowing they are out there is a comfort.  Hang in there girly.

Hi Clydesdale and everyone else...

I have struggled to try and keep myself in high spirits today - I konw I have done nothing but lie on the couch, but with getting up so often in the night I feel like I have to rest.  I really need to have a shower and wash my hair but I can think of nothing worse right now.  I even have to go and pick my husband up form work and I am dreading having to wait for him in case he gets out late as he often does, and I left in the car with no bathroom nearby.

I'm so sick of going to the toilet I feel like there is nothing left to come out - I might as well throw my food down the toilet for all the good its probably doing me.  Plus I have been having blood in my poo which the doctor is aware of, and I think I'm starting to look pale and I look awful.  I have some iron tablets that my dad is forcing me to take though so I'm hoping maybe that will make me feel a bit better.

I can also see there will be tears before bedtime today in this house - I want to go out for something to eat tonight to my favourite restaurant but I can't.