just an introduction and a question on living abroad
#246322 - 02/14/06 02:19 PM
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ZoSo
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 3
Loc: Pennsylvania
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Hello everyone,
I can't believe I haven't stumbled across this board before now (I only found it because I was looking for peppermint oil). Anyhow, I've had IBS for about 4 years. I'm not going to go into how it changed my life, because I'm sure everyone experienced the same thing. But, I will say that although it's not fun having this, I think it did help me get my priorities straight and make me a more compassionate person.
On that note, I quit my engineering job (very stressful) and now I'm trying to figure out what to do next. I have considered the Peace Corps, but right now I'm focusing on teaching English abroad (shorter commitment). Anywhere from Russia, to China, to Chile, to Thailand. The options are pretty limitless. But, I wanted to ask your opinion on how difficult it would be to control IBS dealing with a new variety of food and stresses. The funny thing is that I never really wanted to travel until I got IBS! 
I do have my sypmtoms relatively under control. But then again, I'm not working right now, so there isn't much stress.
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The crows seemed to be calling his name, thought Caw. -Jack Handy
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Hi.
On living abroad, I've traveled to Asia twice since being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I believe I had it when I lived in China and in India, but at that point treated it more like one would treat IBS. So here's my advice to you: in any plan you look into, make sure that your living arrangements include a kitchen! Dorm life overseas might not work out for you at this point. But if you have a place you can cook your own food, it will be much easier for you to plan your own meals and avoid what doesn't work for you. I would also discuss your decision very thoroughly with your doctors. Have you considered Japan as a possible place to teach? It's alot cleaner there, food is healthier and the standard of medical care is higher than other Asian countries. There's some thoughts for you. Good luck!
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Thanks for the response mindyj! I'm glad to hear that it's possible to live abroad with this sort of thing.
However, I would prefer not to go to Japan. To expand on my former engineering job, I worked in the automotive industry for a Japanese company. It was a relatively miserable experience. The people were great, but the work culture (especially the stresses that came with it) were awful. Additionally, I have been to Japan with that job, and while I absolutely love the food, I would like to try something new. 
As far as medical facilities are concerned. I am not currently on any medication and once I figured out what my problem was, I have not needed any further medical attention. Well, OK, that's sort of a lie, I used my insurance for all it was worth visiting my gastro doc, but I think that was for pscyhcological reasons!
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The crows seemed to be calling his name, thought Caw. -Jack Handy
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