Looking on the bright side of IBS
#15894 - 08/01/03 06:13 AM
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artist
Reged: 05/28/03
Posts: 132
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Okay, I have presented myself and anyone who cares to respond with a challenge. Is there ANY way that your life has benefited in a positive way from IBS? I know this may be a stretch, but we spend a lot of time discussing how miserable IBS has made us. Has any thing in your life changed for the better as a direct result of IBS?
These are the things that have been POSITIVE changes for me:
1) I have established a good relationship with my primary care doctor and several specialists. Previously, I NEVER went to the doctor. Now, if something is wrong, I don't have the anxiety I used to about doctors. I have someone I trust and feel comfortable with.
2) I have developed a strong empathy toward the pain of others. I have always been a kind and caring person but IBS has certianly strengthened my connection to others in need. When someone relates to me their aches and pains and experiences, I REALLY LISTEN.
3) I have learned to take care of my body. After years of ignoring it, my body gave me a screaming warning. PAY ATTENTION TO ME! I now eat carefully, take the supplements I need, get enough exercise and rest, educate myself with as much research as possible, and yes, I go to the doctor.
4) I have met some really great, supportive people. (ALL OF YOU!  ).
There is no question, I would prefer to not have IBS, but not all that has come from it has been bad. artist
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I TOTALY agree!
All struggles in life only make us stronger--if we let them!
I have learned how to relax a little...still working on it!
I'm beginning to change my relationship with food and to appreciate my health much much more!
I'm learning to take baby steps. I always used to plunge right in...I'm learning through my own experience that to do something GENUINELY you often need to do it with baby steps. Patience!!!
I would not change the fact that I have IBS. I believe that every struggle happens for a reason and we should learn what we can from it. Maybe I would have learned these same lessons I'm learning now--but it probably would have taken much longer! As much as the struggle is just that, I wouldn't change anything that happens to me in life--even if it's yuck!
I-B-S, is the BEST! 
P.S. I don't feel this way everyday. Some days I just COMPLAIN and wish it would GO AWAY! I'm no angel, that's for sure! But most of the time, I'm just glad it's not something worse...and that I have this BOARD to help me through. I love you ALL!!!!
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Ooh, I was just discussing this topic with a close friend the other day.
1) I'm eating a whole lot healthier. Eating healthy when you're 21 yrs old in college can be hard sometimes - especially with peer pressure.
2) I've lost a healthy amount of weight due to the fact that I am now eating healthier.
3) I'm saving money! Since I no longer go to fast food places, or restaurants a whole lot, I am saving the money that I would have spent at all those places. Although buying special food can get quite pricey, I save more in the long run.
4) When someone I know who doesn't have IBS, but isn't feeling well stomach-wise, I can offer advice based on how they're feeling and suggest good things to have.
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- Jennifer
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1. I find that I listen more to my body and what it's telling me. I enjoy working out more because I know the good that its doing my body.
2. Not only am I eating more healthy, my bf is also. God willing we're going to live long and healthful lives together.
3. I've become more educated about herbs, drugs, health, supplements, nutrition, etc. I'm even considering changing careers.
4. I get to talk to people like you!
~jules
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~jules
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You've told me before...but what do you do now? Are you considering going into nutrition now? You'd be a FAB nutritionist--or DR for that matter!
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Thanks Ruchie. Definitely no one has ever said that to me! 
I'm a communications rep for my state's department of transportation. Get to talk to the media, reporters, etc., plan events, inform motorists of road construction.
But I love nutrition talk, and would love to do something with what I call my mild "obsession"!
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~jules
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I must say since I got IBS it has brought my husband and myself closer. Before I was diagnosed with IBS I just thought I was sick all the time.....then when I was finally told what I have my husband realized I wasn't just being a suck and there was something actually wrong with me.
Since then he will knock on the bathroom door and ask me if I am ok - If I have been in there for a bit. (Although lately that hasn't been happening)
And when I say no he actually has learnt what to do to make me feel better (ie: heating pad, water, my blanket, advil etc).
It has really made me realize what a wonderful husband I have!
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Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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1. eating healthy, and learning to be aware of everything that you put into your body
2. being more open about alt. medicine (acupunture, herbs, etc.)
3. getting over embarrassing issues that are out of your control
4. learning to know who you really can count on when your down
5. learning how to relax-hardest lesson so far 
6. just knowing that there are other people out there that can emphasize, helps getting through the tough days
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Jennifer said, Quote:
4) When someone I know who doesn't have IBS, but isn't feeling well stomach-wise, I can offer advice based on how they're feeling and suggest good things to have.
That rang a bell with me. I always have advice for my boyfriend when his tummy's upset (he's on a medicine for arthritis that has nasty rotten evil side effects).
Also, I'm allergic to milk. It makes my nose stuffy. AND I was lactose intolerant as well, before I had IBS symptoms. So if I follow Heather's diet faithfully, I'm avoiding dairy products that I *should* have been avoiding anyway.
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