Hey there.
I'm new at this and I'm usually the one asking the questions not giving the answers, but this seems to be a bit more life-experience related than IBS related so perhaps I can help.
The first thing to understand (and I know it's hard because it can totally feel as if you're not being understood or treated like a child who can't make decisions) that your parents love you and want you to feel better. They may feel powerless to help you since they don't really understand what you are going through. Stepping in is their way to help you, and their intention I'm sure was never to belittle or annoy you.
I'm not sure how old you are or how good a relationship you have with the folks, but I have a nephew with severe OCD that my parents are raising so I can totally understand the disconnect between the caregivers and their "child" in their attempts to help. I don't think shutting them out is the answer, and actually I think it might rather lead to more of the types of behaviors that annoy you.
I think you should share this site with them, share any of the books/information on IBS that you have. Make them understand that you are educating yourself on this and due to the special nature of it there is likely less information of use in a doctor's office then in, what I call, the "collective wisdom" of communities like this. Once they see you are adult and responsible in dealing with this they will feel less need to get involved. You know, some people out there would love to know that people are involved in their life and care about it. Most people I have opened up to about what I'm going through make it pretty clear through their body language that they just don't want to hear it - why let my health problems (especially if they're going to last) affect their perfect lives? Luckily I, and you too it seems like, have family that really care, even if their suggestions (I have heard "it's all in your mind" so much now I just simply block it out) may seem abrasive and off putting. The education factor helps a lot there.
Finally, in one sense, they may be right. You may want to try a prescription or two. For example, I've always though holistic medicine was a crock. I used to make fun of vegetarians and vegans and people who did yoga. However, these days I'm pretty much willing to accept ANYTHING so long as it helps. I am seriously considering acupuncture and tai chi, I have seen a therapist a few times, and am learning about meditation, all things I would have felt extremely stupid doing a year ago, but my new mindset and opinion is "whatever works". Perhaps some prescription medications (Heather goes over all of them in her book, First Year IBS) may help.
I hope things work out!
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Re: HELP! How can I get them to stay out!?
