Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
Yes, I too experienced a decline in my social life thanks to the IBS. But you got some good advice here from others, and I agree -- if they're really your friends they'll stick by you; if they don't, then they weren't your friends to begin with.
I think that things happen for a reason. I got my IBS and I lost friends. It was meant to be; why I don't know. But I picked up some great hobbies, and it sounds like you have some too. Those hobbies took me to classes, which I really enjoy. Five years ago, I took stained glass classes and discovered I really loved it, took more and more -- and met a lot of fun people who shared my interest. Now I do stained glass in my home and am going to join the stained glass club that meets monthly and does glass panels for charity.
Recently, I took rug-making classes and learned to make rag rugs. I met some people at the class and enjoyed myself a lot. Now I make rag rugs for our new home and am in the process now of making a huge 7-foot rug for under the dining room table. Fun stuff.
Is there a pottery studio near you? Pottery class is a GAS (especially if you like to get "down and dirty"); I made some great pottery pieces, and I would take more classes if there was a studio nearby.
I don't know what hobbies you are enjoying, but you might consider classes.