I have spent my life w/ IBS and I struggle with how much it takes me away from time with my 14 year-old son & husband. It's funny but even having those people in my life, I feel guilty that I spend 90% of my time sick, or in bed, or on the toilet, or talking about my IBS. The guilt of having people who care about you, yet who are neglected, is really hard to deal with. They never pressure me or make me feel badly for my condition at all; I can do that to myself.
I wanted to chime in because I am a high school teacher--during a particular "rotation" of a day I teach five classes in a row & help kids @ lunch. That runs STRAIGHT through from 8:45-2:30 without any break longer than two minute intervals. Other days, I have had three classes back to back. I have had to leave a class to deal with my D; I have had to wait patiently in the hall and PRAY that someone would just walk down the hall to "cover" a class. There is not a private bathroom to use--in fact, there are only TWO womens' faculty bathrooms in use (a total of 4 stalls for 50+ gals). It's been a nightmare. Because of my flares I have missed so much work that if I were not tenured, I would have been fired. Last month my paycheck was cut $800 for missed work because of my illness--I bypassed my allowed sick days long ago.
There are some benefits to the teaching definitely, but there is NO PLACE to hide when you don't feel well. The kids are demanding and you are always "on"--you can't sit @ a desk and have the kids work silently (at least not in my school). It's really stressful. I have thought of quitting so many times.
Your feelings and thoughts echoed mine in so many ways--I just wanted to tell you that you are NOT alone...there are so many people who know exactly what you are saying and how you are feeling. Too bad we can't all have an IBS commune (complete with private bathrooms for everyone!)
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I Understand! (long! sorry)
