Looking for some friendly advice on a plethora of topics...
#347635 - 06/29/09 08:52 AM
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I'm not sure if I'm on the right board for this, but I have quite a few questions/concerns and I'm sure at least one of these bullet points will apply somewhere.
I signed up here several years ago, but haven't been back for a while.
Anyway, I've been living with IBS-A for about seven years and they haven't been all that lucky. Even though I've come to expect certain things with the condition, it hasn't gotten any easier.
I haven't told my friends about my condition because it's really embarrassing, but I've been thinking about telling some of my closest friends just because I think it would help if they could understand what I'm going through; it's hard to keep a secret that consumes so much of my life.
I worry a lot about making plans because I never know when an episode is going to occur. I mean, I'd love to be able to go on day trips and plan vacations and go to concerts with my friends, but I'm always afraid there's going to be some sort of problem.
I was getting a lot better a few years ago, so I kind of meandered away from the recipe plans and guidelines. I'm realizing now that was a mistake. I'm trying to get back into the lifestyle and get into exercising so I can get my problems back under control.
I picked up smoking roughly two years ago (I know, I know, it's so bad for me), and I've been giving some thought to quitting, but an acquaintance of mine who has Crohn's (or was it UC?) has said that nicotine can be used to treat some intestinal problems and that he has been prescribed nicotine patches. Does anyone know anything about this?
I've just found myself getting frustrated and embarrassed with regard to my condition. I know it's a pretty common syndrome, but I have trouble holding down jobs that don't allow regular restroom access and I'm afraid I won't ever be able to become a college professor. I've even considered drastically changing my career path from this dream of mine. Aside from my anxiety-honed "stage fright," I'm worried that this condition will affect my abilities to perform the job. Having to be in a certain place at a certain time, stand in front of hordes of people, and lecture without being able to leave if I need to just doesn't seem like something I will ever be capable of doing, but part of me desperately wants to work toward it and prove that I can do it.
What do you all think? Are there career paths out there for which "our kind" (meant as a joke, please don't take offense!) is not suited?
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I would move this post to either the IBS Diet or Living Room, I think you'll get more of a response. Hang in there, I know it is hard and frustrating.
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IBS-D
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Hi
I really would tell your friends about your IBS. I think you'll be surprised how supportive they can be. You may find they already know someone with IBS or they may even have it themselves. It really is very freeing to let other know. My family and most of my friends know I have IBS and need to be careful about my diet.
I think the first step towards getting your anxiety under control is to get back on the EFI diet. You could also try the hypnotherapy CDs - there's also one for anxiety as well as IBS. You might also want to talk to a doctor about some anti-anxiety meds. They really can help.
I've not heard of nicotine as a IBS treatment. There is information out on the internet suggesting nicotine can be helpful for UC. However IBS and UC are separate conditions with different treatments. A big part of me doubts that the smoking is helping your IBS especially since you,ve been worse over the last few years. Maybe you could try getting stable before quitting smoking.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
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Stable IBS D
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