Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: I can't take this anymore

It certainly doesn't help if your family isn't being supportive. I understand. I've been there ...

Perhaps you just have an ultra-sensitive case of IBS like I do. I got my IBS stable ages ago by following Heather's diet and lifestyle rules. Personally I don't recommend her recipes ... just her diet rules. I also switched to eating organic food and I prepare all of my own food. I don't eat anything with additives or chemicals.

When you have IBS, you have to scrutinize everything you eat. Even eating one wrong thing or ingredient can trigger an attack. Unfortunately, it's that kind of illness.

You also have to be very patient in finding out what you can tolerate and what you can't tolerate. Some things on the "safe" list might irritate your IBS and some things on the "unsafe" list might be okay. Unfortunately, you have to find out through trial and error.

Stick with the diet and you will find wellness is just around the corner. Nowadays managing my IBS is second nature. I don't have to think much about it. I know what I can safely eat and not eat and I feel well most of the time.

The most important thing is you have the knowledge through information posted on this website to know how to help yourself. It's just a question of putting it into action and seeing some positive results.

It's best not to think of your IBS in a negative way ... like, why you have this affliction. When you look around, you'll see almost every person you know battles something in their life -- whether it's health, family, career or some other issue. Not too many of us escape a struggle of some type in our lives.

If I think of IBS in a negative way, then, yes, I resent the deprivation ... not being able to eat what everyone else eats. On the other hand, if I view IBS in a positive way, I realize I am much healthier than anyone I know because the IBS low fat diet is so much better for me than a fatty, junk food diet, which "normal" people usually eat. As well, IBS has forced me to switch to organic food which is also healthier. In short, IBS forces me to lead a healthy lifestyle (which includes fitness at the gym -- I never did any exercise before I had IBS) and I feel very healthy and well as a result.

I'm not sure if you are suffering from depression as much as just being plain fed up and frustrated with being ill all the time. But if depression is part of the picture, please consult a doctor. I suspect, though, your down feeling may lift once you see some positive results and start to feel better.

Belinda

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