Re: How do you all emotionally cope?
07/06/05 05:31 AM
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Emily H.
Reged: 02/28/05
Posts: 83
Loc: Luxembourg, LU
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I've had IBS (well, been diagnosed with it) for about a year now. At first it was absolutely terrifying, and I refused to believe that something so large -and chronic- could be wrong with me. As soon as I started to deal with it, though, it got better. Even though I was still in pain and constipated and not all that sure what was going on, I regained enough confidence to go out with my friends (even to eat!). I think it really helped that I had a job at the time, as well. No matter how I felt, I had to get up and go to work, no excuses. Having no choice made it much easier. All the same, it took me about 3 months to feel confident about going some place (like my university classes) where I had to sit in one place for a long period of time. Even now, I try to sit in seats near the door and with easy access to a bathroom. Then, about 6 months ago, my C suddenly changed to D and I was terrified again. Now I was completely out of my league and my old diet was obviously no longer working. So, I had to start back at the beginning, work through my symptoms again and get used to a new kind of IBS. I missed a lot of school, and spent quite a while feeling sorry for myself. Eventually, once I relaxed about it and decided that, darn it, I was just going to GO places, no matter how I felt, it got better.
So, in a very roundabout, rambling way, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I cope by saying, "Ok, I feel crappy, and I don't really want to go anywhere. Too bad." I make sure I'm prepared for anything (you should see the stashes of Immodium in my purses!), I carry safe snacks in case I'm stuck somewhere, and I religiously follow the diet and take my fiber. Beyond that, I figure it's not in my hands and I'm not going to let IBS dictate what I do. Sometimes, yes, I crash and have to just lie on the couch with my heating pad and watch TV. Most of the time, though, I find that if I soldier on, I'll be ok.
Hang in there, Anthem.
-Emily
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