New, young, confused -- Accidents & Trauma?
#295211 - 01/03/07 06:49 PM
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elli
Reged: 01/03/07
Posts: 5
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Hi,
I am a university student (20 years old) who has been suffering through IBS-D for about two years (the first of which went undiagnosed). For the first 18 years of my life, I was symptom free. Then, one night, I went out to dinner with friends and then for a walk, during which I had an "accident" (D) in the middle of the street. It was very humilating and traumatizing. I believe that I only had food poisoning, and if I had been able to find a bathroom, I would never have developed the IBS that I now have. I can no longer do the things I used to be able to do (sports, travel, hiking, sometimes even just leave the house) or eat what I used to be able to eat (practically anything). Also, instantly after the accident, I began having the symptoms that I still have today (pretty typical IBS-D).
I am wondering if anyone knows anything about accidents and trauma, and if this one incident could be at the root of my IBS. Also, what can I do to overcome the trauma so that I can go on leading a regular life? Is this even possible?
Additionally, I am currently at university, which makes things even more difficult. Sometimes it is difficult to go to class, find things to eat in the cafeteria (although I have started cooking for myself in the dorm kitchen, but time and resources are limited), and have a social life, particularly when so much of college socializing involves alcohol (which, obviously, I tend to stay away from). Any advice or empathy would be much appreciated.
Thank you so much. It's wonderful to find a community that is so understanding.
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If you had been able to get to a bathroom on time, it would not effect if you got IBS or not. Sometimes if people get food poisoning or some kiind of parasite, it may lead to IBS. Some of your stress or anxiety about the incident may contribute to your IBS symptoms though, but I wouldn't say it's the cause of your IBS.
Try Heather's diet, it will help stablize your tummy and do the Hypnosis cd's on this site because it can help out with the stress and anxiety of IBS.
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Quote:
I am wondering if anyone knows anything about accidents and trauma, and if this one incident could be at the root of my IBS. Also, what can I do to overcome the trauma so that I can go on leading a regular life? Is this even possible?
Welcome, little bird, to the boards! It's good to have you here. I have noticed that many people who have IBS have also been through some sort of event or period in their life when symptoms seemed to start. However, no one knows what exactly causes IBS. I doubt that if you had found a bathroom to use that IBS wouldn't have been a problem for you. So don't start (or continue) the "what-ifs." They won't help any, anyway. The good news is that you can control your symptoms. I've been stable for almost a year and a half (since Aug. '05). Do a search on the recipe and diet boards for quick meals and snacks to go. And check out this link: http://www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=diet&Number=65272&page=0&view=expanded&sb=5&o=&fpart=1
There are many things you can keep on hand to throw together quickly. Be sure to get yourself a copy of "Eating For IBS" and also get yourself the Acacia fiber. If you cheat at all with this diet, you will not get stable. Many people are able to add things back into their diet once they're stable that used to trigger attacks. But that can't be done until you stabilize.
A note on the social life: Many people find it difficult to commit to a lifestyle change like IBS calls for when their friends are out doing something entirely different. But, remember that a true friend will support you. If people aren't or won't try to be understanding of your IBS and the things you need to do to maintain your health, then they aren't worth the frustration as a friend. I know this sounds harsh, but it's true. Your health is more important than anything else.
Good luck. We're here for you. 
--------------------
***********************
If you're not dead, you've still got time.
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Wow -- thank you all so much for the fast turnaround and comforting advice. I really appreciate it, and will definitely follow through on all your suggestions.
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Thanks so much! How did you find the hypnosis CDs?
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Welcome!
Click on the "Hypnosis for IBS" link; you can find info about the CDs there, and you can order them from Heather's store ("Shop for IBS").
Sometimes the strangest things can lead to a lifetime of IBS; and a food poisoning incident isn't terribly uncommon, I'm sure. Mine started by simply taking a trip to France - my body couldn't adjust to the change in time zones. Once I returned to the states, I was never the same. But do not despair! You are not alone, and you will find a wealth of info and support here. The hypnosis CDs have worked wonders for me! I've done the program once, and I'll be starting it again in the next week or so. It helped me overcome a lot of my restaurant anxiety, and I'm sure it will help you with the anxiety issues you are having.
Good luck!
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
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I'd like to ask if most of you have IBS symptoms 24/7 or if they come and go. Mine have been present for 6 months with no let up. I can't imagine living like this. It's so miserable.
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I am so sorry to hear about what you're going through.
If the "accident" you refer to was food poisoning, then, yes, it could have triggered your IBS. In general, IBS is triggered by some sort of an assault to the tummy such as food poisoning, stomach flu and even diet pills. Getting to a bathroom sooner would not have changed the outcome. It would have just been less embarrassing.
It is not possible to lead a 100 per cent normal life with IBS, but you can still lead a very good life if you can learn to work around the restrictions.
If you follow Heather's diet, it should be possible to dramatically reduce your symptoms although D can still occur especially around your menstruation.
Unfortunately, in order to properly follow the diet, it is always safest to prepare your own food which would be time-consuming and awkward for you in a university dorm.
I prepare most of my meals in advance -- leaving aside time to cook on Sunday afternoons and on Thursday evenings. I bring my own home-prepared breakfasts and lunches to work and I bring my own home-prepared dinners if I am going out for dinner. It's a drag, but it's the safest thing to do. If you prepare your own food, then you know exactly what's in it and, therefore, you have the most control over what you consume.
I've had IBS all of my life ... almost 50 years now. I've been very sick over the years especially when it was wrongly diagnosed. Nowadays I am fine most of the time. In spite of my IBS, I have managed to have a good career and I've travelled a great deal. I have two university degrees and part of a college program as well.
Everything is possible no matter what challenges IBS may pose. It's just a question of your will as well as your ingenuity and patience in working around the restrictions.
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As Lisa Marie said below, they are on this website. The link is to the left of your screen.
I found the Cd's very helpful, and I will be doing a second round shortly. Good luck and I hope you feel better.
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Some people's IBS is cyclical, and others have it constant until they get relief by diet, exercise, or medication, or hypnosis.
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