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IBS in school

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 1/18/2006 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. im 17 and have had IBs Symptoms for just over 6 months with fluctuating D and C daily as well as constant chest, back and stomach pain and have recently developed difficulty swallowing. it seems to be set off by just about everything eg pears, wheat, dairy etc.   confused

i am quite worried as some of you guys say you've had this for 30 years and i thought it would clear up and go away.

it would be great if any of you had some tips or advise to share as im really struggling to get on in school as i have now been deemed the strange girl who has too much wind and spends all day in the bathroom.

my friends don't really understand either and treat me like i have the plague and the teachers think im skipping lessons because ive lost interest in my work, not because ive had an embarrasing accident and had to sort myself out.

seriously fed up here!

if anyone has a similar experience or any advice it would be great!

thanx.

Posted 1/18/2006 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi amberley,
Welcome
I just wanted you to know that I feel for you. I was there before and I know what it feels like. I have had IBS since I was 14. I don't know if I can give you any advice here because I was really bad at a young age. I would starve myself all day and abuse Imodium (SOMETHING I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND) and just eat a small meal at night and spend all night in the bathroom. I realize now that I was contributing to my symptoms with the choices I made. Have you seen the doctor yet? I would definitely see if there is something that he/she can do for you. It sounds like you know the foods to avoid which is important. Your other symptoms (chest, back, stomach pain and difficulty swallowing) sound like you may have a bit of acid reflux. You should also bring this to your doctor's attention. Knowing that there are things out there to help you.
Take Care and keep posting
Posted 1/18/2006 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi dbab!
yes i did go to my doctors when the symptoms originaly started as they were also setting off panic attacks which was interfering with my work. i was advised to make a food diary and then illiminatebad foods but as even that didnt seem to help i went back to talk to my GP and i am now on a waiting list for a hospital appointment after trying some prescribed medication. so, hopefully ill have some answers soon!
Thanks for your message. its great to hear that somebodyelse had it in school. its a total 'mare!
Posted 1/18/2006 3:44 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Amberley,

I also had a bad IBS experience in high school. It started out as panic attacks and developed into RLQ pain, costipation and difficulty swallowing food. I basically didn't eat anything solid for six weeks because I was afraid I'd swallow the food and it would get trapped in my throat and I'd die. I know, it sounds a bit insane. My father took me to the ER on two seperate occassions for gas pain that had be doubled over.

My issue was pretty much anxiety based due to some family issues, my boyfriend moving away to college and my anxiety about selecting a college for myself. I'm not sure what is going on in your life currently, but it might be a good idea to think about the stresses in your life. Are you getting ready to graduate high school and move on to the next thing? Are there alot of pressures in your life?

As well, my IBS issues pretty much went away except for the occassional flare up for the next 11 years. They came back recently, a month after I got married, moved and switched jobs. Everyone's triggers are different. Some are food and some are emotional. It's best to investigate all possible causes.

Good luck!

Posted 1/18/2006 4:28 PM (GMT 0)

hi amberley,

IBS comes on for alot of people during their teenage years. For me it started in the last year at school, which was bearable. But during college i kept having to dive off to the loo all the time because it got worse! I'm not sure what to say really, but don't feel you're alone, all the peeps on this board are very supportive and know exactly what you're going through :-)

roadtrip

Posted 1/18/2006 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Amberley!
OMG im a 15 (almost 16!! haha) year old girl and I definatly know how you feel!! Getting up and having to interrupt class because you feel like your almost not gonna make it to the toilet, is probably one of the MOST embarrassing things ever..besides accidentally passing gas really loud! (that always seems to happen when the room is silent..right!? haha) Ohh man I am soo with you on this one. (unfortunantly for us!)
I, like you, have alternating c and d(for about 6 months..weird!! haha but see..mine started after I had mono(which changes your whole body chemistry) and first, I had horrible acid reflux and was on Nexium for about 4 months, and then once I got that under control, I started having problems with either horrible constipation or diarrhea! I also had problems with my period being severly irregular (i was having a period for 3 weeks and having a week off..the exact opposite of wat its supposed to be!) so im on BC for that..which im not sure helps my IBS any. You sound like you might have acid reflux as well as IBS...I totally know how you feel about that! I know its hard..my friends dont understand either. Its one of those things people dont really think about or understand unless it happens to them. If you ever need to vent, im here for ya!

Most people on here's IBS seems to be stress related..I know mine is!! I found a product that helps me alot..at Bath and Body works, they have these little bottles of stuff that are like aromatherapy or whatever, and the one I use is a tension headache reliever that has essiental peppermint oil and menthol in it, and one whiff of that stuff makes my whole body relax! Its some good stuff! haha
Posted 1/19/2006 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Amberley,

I'm so sorry, my IBS began during HS for me too.  I remember having to dash from class and being so embarrassed.  One thing I suggest is to ask your dr to write a letter explaining your condition and that you must always be allowed to use the restroom.  That way your teachers will hopefully better understand that you are sick and not slacking or skipping.

 

Posted 1/20/2006 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys.

Things are actualy looking up. I got a doctors note and teachers are being much better. They even gave me special consideration so i got extra loo trips for my A-level exams this week. Made it a much less stressful.
Its just a shame my friends act like they do. But hey, their loss right.

Hi to blondie15 espesh! Im so with you on the period thing too. Geesh, rotten luck or what, like periods aren't annoying enough.lol. Glad to hear from someone in school. How embarrassing is it! I'll definately try the aromatherapy stuff, anythings worth a try right. Dancing seems to be helping take my mind of stuff so i'll stick with it and see how it goes!
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