Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Tried to help a friend once...

I knew someone who told me she had had chronic D for six years and hadn't told a doctor. I encouraged her to tell a doctor and to get tested, and that I could loan her a good book. She knew all about my IBS for years, and then only told me this after we'd been friends for two years already. I gave her all sorts of advice, she didn't implement any of it, and avoids the topic of her digestive health now. She survives on deep fried food, cheese sauces, rich foods, low fibre, and continually drinks Pepsi all day. It is hard to hang out and go for dinner when I know why she is running to the bathroom continually. Anyhow, after six months of trying to help, I eventually had to give up trying to help her with her health issues, and I have actually had to pull away from being friends because I find it so hard to be around her, watching her eating habits, and knowing how much pain and D she is suffering with. I guess as someone who has gone through this myself, yet have worked so diligently to cope with my IBS, it is just too heart breaking to watch her go on hurting herself. And what if she didn't have IBS, but something worse...I had to let go and stop worrying about her, cuz in the end it is up to her to take her own steps towards recovery.
Best, Kris

--------------------
Be the change you want to see in the world.

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator