Hey,

I suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and am feeling absolutely gutted about how much it controls my life. It's always on the back of my mind, often the main thing I think about. I feel sick, unattractive and miserable most days. I lost my job because of IBS and have to try and study something I started seven years ago and have no interest in anymore just so I can work from home and get by financially. I have no energy to try and think of any more ways to make myself feel better as I've tried them all and they haven't worked.

Not looking for suggestions on how to manage the disease, just needed to share how I'm feeling emotionally as everyone I know is tired of me whining and things never getting any better.. Thanks for listening.

[gayleggg]

I know that IBS can really interfere with someones quality of life. I once was diagnosed with IBS until they found out that I had an intolerance to chicken. I know it was painful and left me worried every time that I ate something before I found out that it was chicken.

I'm really sorry you are having to go through this. I can understand your being upset, since it has effected your life in such profound ways. I hope you find some relief.

[lizardlady]

I have IBS too. Also understand the need to vent about the effect it has on one's life. Just love those days when I spend most of the day with my butt planted on the toilet - NOT!

I am also an IBS sufferer. I agree, it's awful and does cause problems on the job as well as socially and publicly. I can't seem to get the diet right and have the fewest problems from food described as "junk". Still, I try to eat healthfully and sometimes pay a big price for it. I've had to give up a lot of my favorite foods. I walk around with Bean-ease, Gas-X, lactose intolerance pills and fresh wipes in my briefcase. Eat the plainest diet you can - white rice, boiled potatoes and boiled or baked chicken, eggs, string beans and drink plenty of water. Eat plain Greek yogurt (Fage is best.). I wear a little cologne in case there is odor. I wish you well.

[googley]

Anyone who has been diagnosed with IBS should be tested for celiac disease. If you haven't ask your doctor.

[jaynedough]

I'm sorry that IBS is controlling so much of your life. It's not fair.

Hopefully your IBS will, in time, lessen, as mine did. Not sure why it's so much better now, but am very grateful. It's a hard way to live. While I still have occasional flares, I no longer buy the big bottle of immodium from the warehouse store. Nor do I carry around bottles of the liquid version. Y'all know what bottles I'm talking about here. And you know how huge it is to not have to carry copious quantities of those meds. I do still keep a couple of tablets in my purse, but rarely even need them.

Anyway, I truly hope you all get relief soon.

Take care.

Thank you all for the sympathy! You're great

I've been tested for celiac disease through blood tests as well as biopsies, results were negative. I'm lactose intolerant so use lactose-free products (hardly any dairy anyway). I've tried so many dietary modifications it's unreal! No dairy, no sugar, low-fat, gluten-free, no grains, high fiber, low fiber, no fruit.. I don't think it's mainly due to any food intolerance for me. Sure, there's plenty I have a problem with, but mostly, what I can eat changes from one day to the next. Sometimes, just drinking a glass of water turns my stomach over, or just thinking about eating! It's unbelievable.. Lately, my worst problem (TMI alert!) has been not emptying properly, which leads to odor which is SUPER depressing.. Makes me not want to leave the house EVER AGAIN..

Sh*y 'disease' is all I can say

[January]

I have IBS, Ulcerative Colitis and some other problems. I understand how IBS can run your day-to-day life and I'm so sorry you have it. If I can ever be of help or even moral support, just send me a pm.

Jan