Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Trish,
Reading your post really hit home for me. My situation was very similar when my IBS first started, about 15 years ago. Back then people didn't talk about it as much and I didn't even know what was really wrong with me for several months.
Since then, I have learned a few things:
1. Your diet is the most important and controllable aspect of the disease. My problems started before there were wonderful websites like this one with advice and recipes; I had to find the trigger foods and cut them out of my diet (ie. fats, processed sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy), you can do it, too. You may have to give up a lot of your favs, but once you get things under control, you can slowly work them back in. Follow the food advice on this site, it is right on.
2. Relax. Easy to say, right! You are obviously under a lot of stress and that keeps the IBS cycle going (or churning, as I like to call it!) But really, find (or make) some quiet "Trish" time when you can focus on breathing and relaxation. I would get up 15 min early to stretch and breath before the kids got up. That was usually enough to get my blood flowing and start my day off a little better (especially helpful since coffee was a no-no). Another 15 min or so before going to bed helped the cramping so I could get to sleep.
3. Get out of your "funk". Depression doesn't help. Find a counselor or support group. My problems started during a messy divorce and I really needed help, but didn't have money for a shrink, so I went to the state mental health agency. They provided counseling and medication for my depression and anxiety attacks; and the fees were based on my income, even for the meds! The counselors even had child-raising advice that helped me cope with the stress at home! Dont be embarrassed or afraid to admit you need help. Nobody's perfect and it takes a stronger person to admit they can't handle what's going on in their life. Once your mental health improves, you will find it easier to focus on your physical health.

The bad thing is, IBS won't go away on its own. The good thing is, you CAN get control. For me it required some major lifestyle changes, I even changed jobs, but it was absolutely worth it in the long run. Except for an occasional flare-up (usually brought on by stress, too much caffeine, or a night out with the girls), I am now mostly symptom free; but I have to work at it every day and you do, too. Just remember - you are not alone!

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