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How can I live with this?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 2/13/2009 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
I just found out yesturday that I have IBS.  I don't really understand what it is, but I have it.  I have suffered from this for a while, but just got diagnosed.  I get alot of rumbling and gas pockets in my stomach and it makes me feel uncomfortable.  I always worry if I might have D, and it is strating to take over my life.  What does IBS feel like? is what i feel normal? cry
Posted 2/15/2009 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. While I'm certainly no expert here and I wish I could answer all of your questions, but I'll leave them to others here that are more informed. But your topic title asks - how can I live with this? We're all here to tell you that you will learn to live with this. You'll try many approaches (diet, exercise, meds, no meds, etc.) to manage your symptoms. IBS feels different to many of us. Your last question asks - is what I feel normal? I'm also here to tell you that I am no longer the person I was before all this IBS fun started (my symptoms mimic IBS so I fall into the IBS category the most). So for me, this is the "new normal".

In the meantime I'll bump this topic up so other members see it and can lend more useful suggestions. I don't always feel qualified in helping those just diagnosed, since I entered into this IBS stage/situation from having had part of my colon removed.

I do wish you my best though........it's not easy managing IBS in a non-IBS world.

Take care now....
Mary
Posted 2/19/2009 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
I feel for you. What you're feeling is a normal way of life for so many people. I don't leave my house without immodium in my purse in case of emergency however, there are ways to make life better, although it involves a lot of willingness to change your lifestyle on your part. I'm not sure what your doctor told you but my specialist was of no help at all, mostly because they don't really know much about IBS it seems. check out this website. it saved my life. When I found this website I had quit eating because of the pain and D. I had lost 30lbs and could barely function. Tons of people swear by this too. I promise this isnt one of those stupid sites. www.helpforibs.com
Posted 2/21/2009 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
I know what you are going through and this sucks so bad. However, over the past few years I have really been able to handle it a lot better. I have been to many many doctors. First, take citrucel fiber caplets every day. Next, get a good probiotic like Align which is sold on drugstore.com and take that every day. Then if you are having trouble with any diarrhea and gas, take 1/2 an imodium caplet. It takes away gas and diarrhea. I take it every other day or every day if i have to be somewhere.
Posted 2/21/2009 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
The S stands for "syndrom" which is the medical field's way of saying "we're not quite sure." I don't mean that sarcasticly, it is just reality. IBS is a group of issues with your digestive system that manifest themselves in as many ways as there are people with the IBS. Pain, cramps, bloating, diarhea, constipation, etc. etc. When it gets bad enough to be indentifiable, then you'll get more specific names. That is a good path to avoid.

This site will provide you with lots of helpful information. I would add a cautionary note to that. Many people come here to share their feelings and express their concerns. That is very valuable when living with the daily challenges of chronic illness, but it can easily result in increasing your own level of worry. If you can avoid that pitfall you are on your way to a better situation, because worrying is definitely an IBS trigger.

Some people, of which I am grateful to be a part, have eliminated IBS from they lives, so your diagnosis is not a death sentence. It is however an oportunity to begin to learn. Learn about yourself, your body, the digestive system, the food you eat and other life style choices you make. As you seek healing, you'll learn from others on this site, ways to modify you life, so you can continue to get the most out of it while you heal. But take your time and don't overwhelm yourself (yep, anxiety is another IBS trigger). If you just were diagnosed, you have probably had the symptoms for some time, so it will take some time to settle them down and hopefully reverse them.

I wish you well on your healing journey.

Post Edited (redee2moov) : 2/21/2009 9:57:27 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/27/2009 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Love824- I'm sorry you're going through this. I've had IBS for 4-5 years or so, and the BEST thing that's helped me is going on a totally gluten-free/dairy-free diet. I've been on it since last April, and I'm symptom-free unless I screw up my food. I'm also allergic to soy, so my diet is highly limited, but I am 99% better. I had genetic testing, and actually carry 2 copies of a gene for gluten intolerance. Before this (I'm 51), I was able to eat anything. I don't know why it hit me just a few years ago, and it took me awhile to figure out what's going on, but the diet has saved me. I could barely work or function normally with the constant gas , diarrhea, and pain. The removal of gluten especially, has been a lifesaver for me. Unfortunately, I think I've passed this intolerance on to one of my daughters! This has just been my experience; you might be different, but it's worth a try! Good luck!
snowlove
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