Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | this is one of my favourite topics!

IBS has really taught me about people's relationship with food. Its extremley emotional, symbolic and personal. I remember a few months ago, I went to eat at some random persons house (parents of a friend of a friend) and they were the FIRST people in years to NOT fuss over my food. They had been told in advance that I could have very little of what they normally served, but they just handed me my baked potato wit no words or anything. I felt so much more comfortable then I had felt in years at a table. Conversation revolved around topical issues of subjects other then my belly. I felt free, and normal and light. As opposed to the 'obsessive person' I have felt myself being labelled as, by others.
IBS has taught me to be sensitive and non judgemental, thanks to the people that have constantly been insensitive to me (even though a lot of them don't mean it badly). I never quizz people about their particulars anymore. I just let them be themselves. So I am grateful for that.
But I SOOOOOOO relate to what you are all saying, and Nelly, you are hysterical!!!
I have so often wanted to answer peoples 'polite' questions with something shocking like 'if I eat your pea pie with five different cheeses I will cover this chair and perhaps your toilet with brown sloppy poo with undigested particles. not only that, i will create the kinds of smells that you would think only a sewer would produce etc'...and then 'oh sorry, have you all lost your appetites????' hahhahhaha
but in all seriousness, I have found the social side of IBS the hardest to deal with (apart from nausea - hate that). I am a big food lover, and a great cook and baker and I miss those social interactions...but hey, what can we do????
I am so grateful for all of you that understand - big kisses

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Feel the fear and do it anyway!

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