Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Family doesn't understand

Hi Marilla,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are stuggling with your family understanding your condition. My family struggles with understanding me at times too, but at the same time, we all seem to have sensitive stomachs when it comes to food, so I don't have as hard a time with my fam. For example, just tonight my mom couldn't answer the phone because her dinner had "gone right through her". Although I am the only one in my family to acknowledge my IBS, perhaps my whole immediate family has a touch of it. I probably have it the worst because I have a naturally anxious personality. And I really think my dad has it almost as bad as me, but he would never give up the foods and the beer he so likes.

I've explained IBS to my parents a few times, but they never seem terribly interested. However, make them a few recipes from Heather's cookbook and they do start to get a little more interested. I was home for a long time this summer visiting my parents and cooked a lot for them, and they loved it, although I know my dad was glad to have red meat again when I left!

My younger sister who I live with probably understands it best and just laughs at me having to really think about what I eat all the time, but also loves when I cook for her. She also has a touch of IBS, but has such a laid-back personality that it doesn't affect her as much.

But even if you don't have family members who can relate to it like I do, just keep being strong in what you have to do for yourself. I can definitely say that the more I was adamant about my condition, the more my family learned to accept it, because they definitely thought I was a bit pscyho at first. I even had a dream that my dad told me it was all in my head and I just started yelling at him and crying and ran out of the room. That's what I was feeling subconsciously, but it has gotten much better.

One thing I do before going to big family get-togethers is just eat a lot of soluble fiber before, and then just take bites of the stuff there. There's often so many people there that no one really seems to notice that you're hardly eating anything. Just eat really slow....:)

So, what I am trying to say is, give it time and be strong in telling your family why you need to do this. You don't necessarily need to tell everyone..only my immediate family knows, and I feel no need to tell extended family. I guess it depends on how close you are to them.

Ok, this is long. Good luck and give it time!

Peace,

Kathy

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