Normal OR as close as it gets?
#39565 - 01/21/04 03:40 PM
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Loriann
Reged: 11/21/03
Posts: 78
Loc: coastal southern California
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Heather, I'm rereading your second book and you said that you only have a few bad attacks a year now. Does that mean that you feel perfectly normal all the other times - no gas, no cramps at all, no nothing? I don't have attacks as often as I used to, but the 'smaller' annoying symptoms are still bugging me off and on. Is it possible to get to a point where you can feel normal - you know like a regular person!!! Or am I putting unreal expectations on myself and I need to relax a little with them?
Lori
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That reminds me of something I was thinking about last night. I, too, saw that quote where Heather says she's fine 99% of the time. So I started trying to calculate what percent of the time I'm fine. You know, focus on the positive, instead of feeling like a total failure because I get D once a month.
So if I define fine as no D, and it only happens once a month, that means the other 29 or 30 days I'm fine. So, grab your calculator Bev, I think that's 97% of the time I feel fine!! So why am I beating myself up for the other 3%? Not that I'm going to run out for hot fudge, but I'm sure going to be a little easier on myself when I get D despite my best efforts.
A friend of mine says there are no bad days, just good days and "growth" days. It's all a matter of attitude! Isn't that a great way to look at it!
Best to all!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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I working on a new attitude, Positive thinking. Its really easy to fall in that negative rut. so Im trying to get out of it.
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Gretchen
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You got it! Oh YEAH! (And just think -- I had to do Michael's program to figure out what you just came up with ON YOUR OWN!)
Congratulations, Girlfriend.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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It is NOT unreasonable to want to feel normal. Better yet, it is possible!!!!!! Don't "Expect" it to happen, just do the best you can, and don't be upset if you have a few attacks - likely there was a cause. You'll learn as you go. Likely, you'll read this post a year later and say, oh, yeah! I feel normal AND relaxed!
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Bevrs,
Thank you SOOOO MUCH!! Your praise means a lot to me because I think you're one of the sharpest (not to mention FUNNIEST) people on this board.
I'm still planning to do Michael's tapes, by the way, based on your recommendation and everyone else's.
Thanks, doll!!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hi - My IBS is pretty much all or nothing. Either I'm flat out on the floor in a cold sweat from the pain (or I'm on the floor because I've blacked out from the pain and landed there), with vomiting and usually diarrhea but once in while d and c alternating - always in conjunction with that indescribably horrible pain.
Or...I'm perfectly fine. And I can go from one extreme to the other in a matter of seconds. It's defintely very black and white, and I think I'm at the extreme end of things in a couple ways. One, the severity of the attacks, and two, the fact that my IBS is so "all or nothing", and there is just no in between for me of mild or moderate symptoms.
It's the fear of those attacks that keeps me on the straight and narrow (with the occasional stupid lapse) every single day. The consequences of not taking care of myself are just too awful. The few attacks I do get are usually out of the blue, and I've stopped trying to wrack my brain to figure out why they happen. I just figure some folks get migraines, some people have allergies, and my body's weakness is IBS. I do what I can to prevent problems and when I just can't, I try and recover as fast as possible. Most of the steps I take to head off attacks (diet, yoga, living in a temperate climate, getting enough sleep, drinking herbal teas, etc.) I would do even if I didn't have IBS as I truly enjoy those aspects of my life.
- Heather
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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What a great way to look at things.Ive just had a terrible night of D and nausea (don't know why!!) and finding t hard to be positive. Going away for the Australia Day long weekend today - always seem to feel sick when Ive got something planned.
Anyway, Ive packed safe food, feeling a bit better this morning, and off to the beach for a lovely weekend!!
Oh - Bev, theres no crocodiles where Im going so dont be concerned!!  Not sure about sharks though!!
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Well said, Heather. And I can definitely relate (as I'm sure everyone can) with those "on the floor" sweating episodes--I don't think there's anything more horrible.
I've found that when I really stick to my IBS diet, I feel good all around--I'm healthier and have a better attitude about life in general, like I'm really doing something good for myself and my body. And I actually look forward to those calming moments and those cups of soothing herbal tea--I couldn't live without them!
Kristine
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OMG, Carmen!
#40131 - 01/23/04 01:31 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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SHARKS? OMG! 
I don't do crocodiles and I don't do sharks. I love to row, scull, and kayak. BUT -- wherever we go, I have to know what's in them waters with me!
Even seals -- if they're feeding around a school of salmon, and we're paddling around that area, they'll attack our kayak.
Watch out, Girlfriend! Enjoy Australia Day -- but don't get EATEN!
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Well, you will be pleased to know Im back safe and sound. No creatures in the sea they looked like they wanted to eat me!! Had a great weekend.
Happy Australia day to all the Aussies out there
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