Be strong about IBS...a reflection
#331145 - 06/16/08 06:12 AM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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Hello all.
After a crazy IBS weekend, I wanted to write a little. I spent the weekend on a trip to DC and for the first 2 days, I was great. No problems at all. Saturday night just as we got back to the hotel, I felt some cramping. It turned into a HORRIBLE attack. The cramps were so severe, I had the thoguht that childbirth must be managable for me if I could get through those pains. I was up most of the night running to the bathroom, crying in pain, etc...
On Sunday, I woke up and had to go to a wedding. I had a moment of clarity. I had a horrible night.
This was nothing to EVER be embarrased about. This is a medical condition that caused severe pain. I knew if any 'normal' person had those pains, they'd be in the ER. I've always been a bit quiet with exactly what is wrong with me. I cannot tell you how many times I say I have just a really bad belly. "Oh, I've got such a crappy stomach, so I don't feel like eating...".
But the other night made me realize IBS will ALWAYS be with me. This is something I need to stand up against. Although I felt strong, I still didn't really tell anyone at the wedding why I passed on the greasy cheesy ravioli...lol.
And one BIG note: For anyone who is ALWAYS trying to figure out WHAT caused an attack. For me, the single most rewarding thing was being able to say "I don't know." I know I ate safely, I exercised, etc... It wasn't anything I did. I have to remember that IBS is a syndrome that comes and goes for me. When it's here, I hope I can just accept it and keep moving. Not focusing on each attack and what the trigger was helps so much. I don't do dairy, I eat very low fat...it isn't food with me. Stress, traveling, etc all sound like possible causes, but not focusing on why helps me stop feeling crummy and sorry for myself.
So, overall, I just want to say that never ever for a second think this isn't a big deal. IBS hurts. Literally. I took a minute, felt sorry for myself, and then looked to the future. Instead of worrying about getting back on track, I want to just keep going and living my life. It's a hard diagnosis for many of us, but after 10 years, I think this past weekend was my first time I was able to say "yep, just my IBS acting up. I'll be better tomorrow" (and by the way, after the bad attack, I had a 7 hour drive home that I made just fine!)
Happy belly thoughts to everyone!
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IBS-A
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Your post came at a perfect time for me. My IBS has been going backwards all of a sudden and like you said... I as well dont do dairy, no red meat, almost zero fat- so its not the food. But currently my brother-in-law's health is suffering, today I have to go to the hospital to get this skin infection removed and I'm on antibiotics- so yeah its stress. I always try to make IBS seem like its nothing and no big deal when family members or other people ask me "Oh why dont you want a drink?" I just shrug it off and say I'm not in the mood. But like you said Aly, it is a big deal and sometimes I just want to say "this sucks and I cant have a drink or eat that cheeseburger because if I do, I will be miserable." But I also hate the attention and people feeling sorry for me. Yesterday my throat started to hurt and I've been coughing and sneezing and I told my husband that my throat was starting to hurt and he looked at me said "Well its probably all just in your head". No... its not in my head- I wasnt imagining myself sneeze and cough! Hes usually very supportive but last night I wanted to strangle him. Anyways... this long reply is just to say that I agree and one day I will get used to this and hopefully can develop a more positive attitude as well. I hope your tummy is doing much better now! Thanks!!
Stef
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Wow! Itmust be tha time of year.It seems everyone is having bad flare ups right now.Myself included.I do know I haven't been eating right though.We've been busy and supper is a last minute thought.I'm back on track though, no more crap! 
It's great to hear you had an I get it moment.Sometimes I think I do and then I don't!
I'm just amazed that you had a seven hour drive and were fine.I think I'd have died!
Have a happy week!! 
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IBS-D since 1999...mostly stable..i do cheat too.Bad me.
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This is a great post! I've had ibs since childhood and work a lot on getting over the shame connected with it that I began to feel in childhood and especially in adolescence. You're also right that sometimes coming up with the story of why you got sick this time doesnt' really help. Good for you for staying focused on what you want to do in life instead of getting pulled off course by the ibs.
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Ladies & gentlemen take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice.
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Loved reading this post, Aly.
I think we have ALL been there. And no matter what you say to people in trying to explain or excuse why you feel bad, or why you just aren't yourself, or why you aren't drinking alcohol when everybody else is...they will NEVER understand, unless they have it...and they have been there themselves. It always seemed like such a waste of my breath. I just know that it really SUCKS at the time you are having an attack - I have had attacks so bad that I am sitting on the toilet sweating, dizzy with cramps and praying to God to PLEASE make it STOP!!
But, I usually feel a little better the next day, and your right - life goes on! You really do learn to live with it.
Glad your feeling better now!!
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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You're right, IBS attacks come and goe. Sometimes we just get an attack out of the blue. I also analyze everything I put in my mouth for the past three days when I have an attack.
I like the childbirth analogy - at least in this we can say that IBS makes us stronger, haha . I haven't had kids yet but many time I've felt like my insides were about to burst open. What is labor compared to that, right  ?
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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Ok...I just have to say that I have 2 children and childbirth is a HELL of a lot worse than IBS pain!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOW! Get ready, girls... 
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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Fantastic Post !!
#331173 - 06/16/08 05:32 PM
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Toady
Reged: 04/06/06
Posts: 1299
Loc: A small city, Northwestern Ontario, Canada
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Quote:
yep, just my IBS acting up. I'll be better tomorrow
You are so right!! Thanks for the great reminder - one day at a time. I'm glad you didn't suffer through the wedding and the drive home!
Hugs!!
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Cassandra
Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.
IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!
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Re: great post!
#331174 - 06/16/08 05:37 PM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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Oh I'm sure you're right!!! It really was a big exaggeration....lol. But I certainly have learned some deep breathing techniques for the cramping (which I'm sure will go right out the window when I do actually have a baby!!)
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IBS-A
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Thanks for the post. I know you can drive yourself crazy trying to figure what it was and hopeing it wasn't this or that and being scared it was and driving yourself crazy.I did that last week when I had one out of the blue! As far as childbirth goes. I would much rather go through that than a attack! I have told my dh that many times.Its so hard to acept sometimes that this is your life. I just made my daughter a icecream cone and was sad cause I couldn't enjoy one with her.....My sisters think its just all in my head and I just want to scream. But we can't let it take are life. Thanks for the post its nice to know your not alone. (hugs)
emmasmom
ibs-c
gas
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