Or does anyone else find that this may be the case for them?
Here is my story:
I didn't have IBS symptoms until I gave birth to my son (he is now 9 months old). About 5 weeks post partum I thought I had a stomach virus or something because I had an upset tummy and other problems. After I felt "over" being sick ( about a week later ) I just began eating "normally", pretty much meaning whatever I want. I would eat dairy and chocolate and other party foods like chips, etc. I never felt sick. Then 6 weeks after that I had another "attack" like before. I didn't understand how it could be a stomach virus again, but after a week, I felt fine. This happened every month or month and a half so I finally went in to see my doc and she said the symptoms were classic IBS symptoms. I also had a lot of other tests performed to make sure. But here is why I wonder if my symptoms are brought on more by stress/lack of sleep than food: after having an attack, I could eat whatever I wanted for weeks with no ill affects. My son has NEVER slept through the night in 9 months. Maybe 5 times he has slept for a 5 hour chunk, otherwise I have not slept more than 2-3 hours in one continuous sleep. That means I have not had one solid night of sleep in over 9 months!!!! I definitely feel at my worst when we are up 6 to 9 times a night. So pretty much, I never sleep. But I also have a bit of stress. My boyfriend (my son's dad) has a very vocal mother; she always has something rude to say about how I care for my son. I know a lot of people think that I should let my son "cry it out" instead of taking care of him in the middle of the night, but that is not my style. I feel guilty when I hear him cry and I don't go to him. He needs me or he wouldn't be crying; babies are helpless, why would I want him to feel panic and abandonment? I don't think my sleep should come above taking care of him. And not only that, but she just has something to say about everything and it is never anything nice. She calls my son fat, but he's only in the 20th percentile for weight. She says my IBS is in my head. I never even complain about my symptoms to her, I just simply refuse (politely of course!) to eat the fatty foods she serves at her house. She takes offense to everything but dishes out criticism all the time. Then, she wants to tell me that since I'm engaged to her son and living with him that I have to take care/babysit her 9 year old daughter for free. And let her spend the night at my apartment! I have 2 bedrooms! One for me and my boyfriend and one for my baby. There is no where for this 9 year old to sleep. Not to mention I'm up 9 times a night and tired enough as is. And she's crazy hyper and loud. I don't HAVE to do anything for his mother, I don't owe her a thing in my opinion. Sorry for the rant. I just don't sleep and I feel stressed a lot. Today I woke up w/ D but am feeling a bit better already. I have been very careful with my diet and cannot figure anything other than lack of sleep is responsible for this morning episode. I don't mind eating like i'm on the IBS diet because it has helped me lose weight and control cravings, but doesn't it almost seem like I don't have to be eating this way? Does anyone else think that they mainly feel sick when they are tired or stressed?
Any support or advice would be appreciated!
I just don't know what to do, I can't sleep because I can't let my son cry and my boyfriend cant get up with him because he works full time and goes to school full time! And I think knowing that I never get to sleep also stresses me out!!! aaah! what to do?!?!
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Can IBS symptoms be caused strictly by lack of sleep or stress? *rant warning*
