Childhood?
#184990 - 06/09/05 07:04 AM
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BarbaraRyan
Reged: 07/12/04
Posts: 12
Loc: Sicklerville, NJ
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Hey Ladies! I am posting this here, because I thought it was the best place.
I have IBS/Colitis. It was bad throughout High School and lessened as I went to college. Well, about 2 years ago (I'm 26). It came back with a vengance. They diagnosed the IBS/Colitis and also found a polyp.
I've been having another Colitis flair-up. I remember going to the ER as a child for similar problems - severe constipation/gas/fatigue/abdominal pain. So, I thought I would contact my parents and get my medical history from them. I want to see if there is a connection between the attacks.
My parents said at 1 year old I was in the ER for constipation/gas. It was attributed to Lactose Intolerance. My first IBS attack was a 4 years old, as a result of eating a cheesestake. But they couldn't remember anything else. I remember being in the ER for a similar problem as a child (5-10 years old), so I know that there is more information there.
To get to the point - everytime I had a problem/went to the ER as a child, they did not think there was an issue. They did not take me to see a Gastro-enterologist, nor did I know to ask. They said I should loose weight, take a walk, and stop eating junk. They also said it was all "in my head." That would be it. They didn't offer any help in making any changes.
Flash forward to now, I get really down on myself when I have a flare-up. I feel like I have done something more or I am doing something wrong. Or that there is really nothing with me and I'm imagining that I have a medical problem and I am irresponsible. I do try to take care of myself with a good diet and exercise.
But I also have a feeling of frustration and anger toward my parents for not helping or taking care of me when I needed it.
Anyone else have a similar experience or feeling? What helps you deal with it?
Thanks for letting me get this out.
BB,
Pythia
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I wasn't diagnosed with IBS until I was 22, so I cannot relate to your ER experiences. However, having seen doctors in three states for my IBS and reading others experiences here, I can tell you that it is VERY possible that the doctors in the ER told your parents the only thing they knew to do! All kids eat junk and if they have stomach issues, well it gets bad. As a parent, you tend to take doctors for their word, so if they said all was ok, what else to do?
Don't blame your folks! Just find the best GI doc you can, stay on the boards and get some great supplements started, and take control of your IBS today. That is the best thing to do. Feel better!
--------------------
God is Faithful!
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I hear ya!
#185177 - 06/09/05 11:39 AM
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Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
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I totally balme my folks for not realizing there was something wrong with me. But what are you going to do? Sometimes it's like that. In high school when my D was at its worst, I was 5 foot 10 and 79 lbs. You think someone would have said something.
I didn't have my first colonoscopy til I was 19, and even then my parents would try to usurp the doctors orders by feeding me the wrong thing. Eat more raw vegetables, they'd say. Healthy food is better, not that mush you're feeding yourself. *rolling eyes*
But you live and learn. I stumbled across my own diet years ago, including only soluable fibers, starches and no dairy. Unlike Heather's diet, I also watch the Ph of foods I eat, avoiding anything with acids that can cause my stomach to go out. 
Then I found this site after I'd been stable for a number of years. It was so nice seeing people who had to be hypervigilant about their food, eating habits, etc. just to feel NORMAL! It's such a good community of people here from all walks of life who've came across the same thing to help them. And there are really good people here who have been there and can explain things better than I can, too! 
As for being upset at your parents, relax... it's a natural instinct. It's not your fault your body is like this. Your parents are oblivious. They're never going to really understand the pain, shame, anxiety, depression cycle which comes free of charge with IBS. It's up to you to take it day by day and try to make it better. But these boards can help make it a little easier.
~nelly~
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