Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hello all.
I have read numerous posts recently that have made my heart break. Having IBS really is stressful, frustrating, unpredictable, and so much more. I have been there before--I promise. I have cried, screamed, given up, etc. But, it has *always* gotten better. I am not writing this to preach--believe me, that doesn't help. I'm writing to share my story.
I have almost always had a version of IBS my whole life. A touchy stomach, always getting the 'stomach flu', etc... That was my life.
My last year of college things got so rough. I wanted to give up- to curl up. I was SICK. This continued after graduation. I had a wonderful boyfriend (now husband) that kept me going, but it was tough. I would lay on the couch ALL day crying. I tried *everything* but NOTHING worked.
Slowly I came out of it-- I could have a good day or two. That turned into a good week or two. What changed? Nothing specific. My BODY finally decided it was time to heal. Through diet, align, SFS...I was getting better.
But then last summer happened. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, which is slowed digestion--causing even more C. Pain. Cramps. UGH! I spent 5 days in the hospital. Afterwards, I met my doctor.
I have a seriously FANTASTIC doctor. But she was WELL earned. I went through about 6 doctors over the past few years. NONE knew more than me, and NONE cared enough. Listen, there were times when I swore off doctors, but I am SO glad I didn't. I have such a great doc who, while not able to 'heal' me, is able to support me, run tests, give ideas/suggestions, etc... With a diagnosis like IBS, your doctor needs to be your "partner" not your healer. This was very important to me.
So, with this new doc came a new approach. I have always struggled with C and occasionally D. Here is what works for me now-- 5 small meals a day--and I mean small. I never eat off a regular size plate anymore. These small meals make sure my system is never working "too hard." I take Benefiber in the morning and the evening for a totaly of 5 teaspoons. 2 in morning, 3 at night. I take 2 colace EVERY night. This makes it so nothing can get too hard and helps me more than I even knew it could! And I still take my align at night. And I have a smoothie almost every day to make sure I get enough fruit in. Through this, I am almost a normal person. I have BM almost every day. It almost NEVER hurts and I am able to NOT think about it every minute of my life.
But PLEASE, remember that what works for one doesn't work for anyone. It takes TIME. I'm not saying to not work at it, but keep trying things and try not to get too dissapointed when it doesn't go your way. When life is so frustrating, just hang in there. We are all here to support you all on your journey to good health.
Thanks for reading and I hope this encourages some of you who are struggling. It can get better. Just hang in there and ride the waves.

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IBS-A

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