New and frustrated!
#306427 - 05/02/07 05:03 PM
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I posted this to the Maryland board; however, there doesn't seem to be much action over their so I moved myself over here!
Well, I have suffered from IBS since I was 14 years old- and I just turned 39. I am a Web designer as well as work part-time in a pharmacy. I'm an artist as well as an animal lover - particularly dogs. My first attack was at age 14 when I was at a local community center with my friend. We planned on spending the day their swimming, etc. I had a stomach ache on the ride over, but it stopped. We got their and the stomach ache returned. It was on and off like labor pains! My friend and I quickly made our way to the bathroom as I was breaking out into a sweat. Next thing I knew, I passed out. My parents took me to the doctor and the tests came back basically inconclusive. Over the next few years I had these attacks on and off and lived with it. The pain would get intense and last for what seemed like forever, I would break out into a sweat, and then I would get diarrhea (which meant it was over). About 7 years later, I was over my sisters house and the pain started. I got up, got my car keys and headed out the door. I got as far as the hallway in her apartment building when the pain became excruciating and I had to sit right their on the floor. I finally got up and headed back to her door. I banged on it and told her I needed to use the bathroom. She opened the door and I was sweating. I passed out right on her! Again, the doctor's test results were inconclusive. Over the next 18 years, I have suffered on and off. Constipation, pain, sweating, lightheadedness, diarrhea. I have endometriosis which tends to just make everything worse. Stress does me in all together and certain foods will send me running one day, and be fine on another! My sister has IBS, as does my Dad and various family members. I remember when I was getting married I was terrified that I would be up on the stage and a stomach attack would kick in! I'm leery about eating in restaurants and over peoples houses. I'm not comfortable making commitments and I'm not too keen on being far from home (or bathrooms!) It is always in the back of my mind..."what if?" It's embarrassing, debilitating, and I'm seriously losing my sense of humor at this point! In doing an IBS search, I found this site, so here I am. I was so happy to see they have a Maryland meeting as I live in Baltimore! I've got a lot to learn - but I'm going to start by ordering the book.
Thanks for listening!!!
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hi, I really hope this offers a solution for you! give it a try and there's lots of knowledgable, experienced people on here that can answer questions cos you're sure to have some when you read through the book. This site is full of info too so do have a look around
Godbless
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Hi and welcome!
I have had IBS since my teens too (I am now 46).Mine also began with terrible stomach aches which had me rolling on the nearest counch/bed/floor in agony. I haven't had much help from the medical profession other than a diagnosis of IBS. I found this website seven months ago and have stuck carefully to the diet and advice. It has been the most helpful diet I have ever used (and I've tried lots!) so I plan to stay with it permanently.
I was interested to read that you also have endometriosis. I have managed to get a referral to a gynaecologist as I have a lot of the symptoms of endo. If you don't mind me asking, at what age were you diagnosed? My appointment is in two weeks, and I am hoping for some definitive tests for endo, as I think that endo and IBS can go together, which may explain the severity of my bowel and pelvic pain.
Hope the diet works for you.
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Hi Rio,
Thank you for the warm welcome! I just ordered all of my tools from the "Shop for IBS" section of this Website. I am happily awaiting their arrival.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 21. I had symptoms even before then, but I was too young to know the pain was abnormal! At 21 my doctor sent me to a specialist and they confirmed it. I had surgery twice and I've taken various medications as well.
I, too, believe that IBS and endometriosis effect eachother. My IBS always acts up in conjunction with my cycle.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Good Luck,
Lori
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Hi Lori
Thanks for the info - I probably will have a few questions after my gynae appt on 15th May. Forgot to say, I am IBS-C, but definitely pain predominant. Also, that I have used Acacia since October, building up gradually to 2 tbsp daily (in three doses), and this has helped me both with C and pain. Still trying to get the right SF/IF balance for me, and also deal with stress triggers (which plays a big part) as well as the hormones. In quite a lot of pain today - period started yesterday, have got worsening cramps and pains all over tummy, back and down my legs to my ankles. This is different from just IBS pain, which is why I think it's endo. Like you said, if you are used to it, you just think it's 'normal'. I really hope I get a proper diagnosis. Also, my IBS always plays up at this time, too.
I'm just thankful I've discovered those stick-on heating pads!
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