Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Be strong about IBS...a reflection

Hello all.
After a crazy IBS weekend, I wanted to write a little. I spent the weekend on a trip to DC and for the first 2 days, I was great. No problems at all. Saturday night just as we got back to the hotel, I felt some cramping. It turned into a HORRIBLE attack. The cramps were so severe, I had the thoguht that childbirth must be managable for me if I could get through those pains. I was up most of the night running to the bathroom, crying in pain, etc...
On Sunday, I woke up and had to go to a wedding. I had a moment of clarity. I had a horrible night.
This was nothing to EVER be embarrased about. This is a medical condition that caused severe pain. I knew if any 'normal' person had those pains, they'd be in the ER. I've always been a bit quiet with exactly what is wrong with me. I cannot tell you how many times I say I have just a really bad belly. "Oh, I've got such a crappy stomach, so I don't feel like eating...".
But the other night made me realize IBS will ALWAYS be with me. This is something I need to stand up against. Although I felt strong, I still didn't really tell anyone at the wedding why I passed on the greasy cheesy ravioli...lol.
And one BIG note: For anyone who is ALWAYS trying to figure out WHAT caused an attack. For me, the single most rewarding thing was being able to say "I don't know." I know I ate safely, I exercised, etc... It wasn't anything I did. I have to remember that IBS is a syndrome that comes and goes for me. When it's here, I hope I can just accept it and keep moving. Not focusing on each attack and what the trigger was helps so much. I don't do dairy, I eat very low fat...it isn't food with me. Stress, traveling, etc all sound like possible causes, but not focusing on why helps me stop feeling crummy and sorry for myself.
So, overall, I just want to say that never ever for a second think this isn't a big deal. IBS hurts. Literally. I took a minute, felt sorry for myself, and then looked to the future. Instead of worrying about getting back on track, I want to just keep going and living my life. It's a hard diagnosis for many of us, but after 10 years, I think this past weekend was my first time I was able to say "yep, just my IBS acting up. I'll be better tomorrow" (and by the way, after the bad attack, I had a 7 hour drive home that I made just fine!)
Happy belly thoughts to everyone!

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IBS-A

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