Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: New, young, confused -- Accidents & Trauma?

I am so sorry to hear about what you're going through.

If the "accident" you refer to was food poisoning, then, yes, it could have triggered your IBS. In general, IBS is triggered by some sort of an assault to the tummy such as food poisoning, stomach flu and even diet pills. Getting to a bathroom sooner would not have changed the outcome. It would have just been less embarrassing.

It is not possible to lead a 100 per cent normal life with IBS, but you can still lead a very good life if you can learn to work around the restrictions.

If you follow Heather's diet, it should be possible to dramatically reduce your symptoms although D can still occur especially around your menstruation.

Unfortunately, in order to properly follow the diet, it is always safest to prepare your own food which would be time-consuming and awkward for you in a university dorm.

I prepare most of my meals in advance -- leaving aside time to cook on Sunday afternoons and on Thursday evenings. I bring my own home-prepared breakfasts and lunches to work and I bring my own home-prepared dinners if I am going out for dinner. It's a drag, but it's the safest thing to do. If you prepare your own food, then you know exactly what's in it and, therefore, you have the most control over what you consume.

I've had IBS all of my life ... almost 50 years now. I've been very sick over the years especially when it was wrongly diagnosed. Nowadays I am fine most of the time. In spite of my IBS, I have managed to have a good career and I've travelled a great deal. I have two university degrees and part of a college program as well.

Everything is possible no matter what challenges IBS may pose. It's just a question of your will as well as your ingenuity and patience in working around the restrictions.

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