I'm new.
#42210 - 01/30/04 10:02 PM
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I just wanted to say hello. Introduce myself a little. I am 41 years old. I live at home and help take care of my parents because I have been unable to work since 1990 due to chronic pain. I was diagnosed with IBS last October. I was hospitalized with a lot of pain, diareah, couldn't keep anything down, and some vaginal bleeding. There were other symptoms but those were the worst. It was a horrible time but getting the diagnosis has greatly helped me. This site has been a tremendous help to me in changing my diet and lifestyle. I am not perfectly well but much better. I also talk to a dietition. I am trying the yoga. I have tried a few of the recipes. I get your newsletter and read every word of it. I just wanted to connect with others who have the same prblem. It is always helpful to know you are not alone. Or worse, think it is all in my head, as many people do believe. This site, and you Heather, have been a godsend to me. At first the diagnosis scared me but I now know I can live a good life with IBS. Thank you.
Elizabeth
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Hi there! Welcome to the Boards, Elizabeth -- and thanks for sharing your story.
You sure have your hands full, don't you? Taking care of your yourself and your IBS is a big enough chore, but taking care of your parents as well -- wow. I'm always amazed to hear about other people's situations, how much they have to handle in their lives. You should be very proud of yourself. It is certainly admirable, and your parents are very fortunate to have you.
Again -- welcome -- and don't hesitate to ask ANYTHING of concern to you.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hi i am SuzAnne, and what people do not understand they always think its all in our head, easier for them to deal with us being that way.
You will do fine i have Crohn\s and am learning to deal with this for now but i was scared too, and still am, but i am calm now which also helps to deal...anytime you want to talk i will be happy to talk to you
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Re: I'm new.
#42323 - 01/31/04 02:27 PM
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Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
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Welcome to the boards, Elizabeth! I agree with Bev, it sounds like you definitely have a lot on your plate. But I'm so glad you're doing better with the diet. You're right, these boards are a godsend, and I'm so glad you've found us. Feel free to ask any questions, everyone here is so helpful. See you around! 
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Hi I'm new too. I have so much pain too. It started last March 2003. I have always had a touchy stomach, but this is way out there. I have lost 50+ lbs since then. After many trips to the hospital, the doctors took out my gallbladder. It was crystalized instead of stones which happens in 5% people and still having pain after is in 3% of the people. So now I have IBS. My doctor(s) have tried many different meds to see what works for me. I feel so tired all the time. I almost lost my job because of all of this. The stress of that is not helping either--I keep feeling like they are just tring to find a way to get rid of me (after 15 yrs). But I just take day to day. I have had many trips to the hospital for pain and not being able to keep ANYTHING down. I just got out again 3 days ago. I still reading "First yr with IBS" and it answers alot my questions, but I still feel so lost!!! I'm so glad that one of my gastro doctors told me about Heather, I feel that she is a god sent and that I'm not alone with this. For awhile the doctors thought I was Nuts--and I was making this up. Like if anyone in there right mind would want this---but my primary doctor stood up for me (thank god). I don't know what I should do next---yoga, tai chi, meditation, or what?? Any ideas??
thanks for being here!!!
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Welcome, KathyJo!
#42910 - 02/03/04 07:32 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Well, you came to the right place, Girlfriend!
I know how you're feeling. Been there. Actually, we've ALL been there! I am AMAZED that your GI told you about Heather. Wow, that's terrific! Good for your GI!
I too lost my job over my IBS. It was slow-coming, but it was inevitable. After working 40 years too! It sucks, doesn't it?
I wish I could lose 50 pounds! I have to say, I haven't lost a thing -- but at least I haven't gained either. But it's not the right way to lose weight, that's for sure, and I'm sorry for you. A fellow worker of mine (before I had to leave my job) had her gall bladder removed too -- and she was only 17 years old!
The stress is bad stuff. You need to find a way to get rid of it. All your ideas are excellent -- especially yoga. Have you checked out the yoga board here? Meditation is marvelous; I wish I knew how to do it. I got rid of my stress through the hypnosis program here. It's terrific!
Too bad that your office doesn't understand what you're going through -- but that's common. People don't want to hear anything about bowels. We're still in the dark ages, unfortunately -- but it will get better as more people are exposed to IBS (such as the movie "Along Came Polly").
Be sure to read "The First Year" thoroughly -- and you might consider getting her other book, "Eating for IBS."
Also, check out our excellent recipes in the recipe board. I really enjoy trying out different things. Do you like to cook?
KathyJo, I'm sorry you've gone through so much, and I wish I could make it all better for you. I hope this doesn't sound trite, but it's really important -- try to think positively. As Michael says on the hypnosis program, "negative thoughts produce negative results; positive thoughts produce positive results." My New Year's resolution was to think positively, and so far it's working. At least you have a "regular" doctor who believes you and is on your side. That's a BIG plus.
Be sure to get enough fiber, both soluble and insoluble, and take those supplements! There's a wealth of info in here on fiber; you should read it, it's very important. I'm on Heather's acacia, and it's done wonders for me.
Please know that you are not alone here. You will get a lot of support -- and by all means DO NOT hesitate to ask any question, no matter how embarrassing it may seem to you or how trivial. If it's something that bothers you, ASK. Someone here will have an answer or at least a suggestion for you. We're all in the same boat.
Again, WELCOME!
Bev 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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