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When I first joined these boards in April of 2003, I had no clue what it ment to "have IBS". I knew I had been blacking out after extreme bouts of pain and D, and that the doctor said the reason was IBS. So during my lunches at work, I remember combing the internet for more information. That's when I stumbled onto this site and changed my life forever. This is great Jen. I was one month behind you, and actually read Heather's book first, along with a lot of others, then joined this group when I found that the diet WORKED!

It has been almost 3 years now and my IBS is currently non-existant. In that time, I have learned so much about my body and digestive system, as well as made a lot of new friends (including my lovely divas - Shelley, Melissa, & Kandee). Ahh, thanks..and I hope you know we love you too!

I am not sure what I did to make it go away, but my guess is that it has to do a lot with stress and worrying. I used to worry about everything involving my IBS - would I have an attack in front of my friends? would I black out somewhere? My worst attack ever was after I ate a single piece of whole wheat toast and blacked out while I was driving to work. Nuts, I know. Who would think some whole wheat would do that!

Last year, after a routine doctor's appointment, my doctor once again informed me that there was nothing else she could do for me. I did the usual crying afterwards, but suddenly began to realize that I need to accept my IBS and move on - and that's exactly what I did. No longer did I worry about having an attack or how awful my life is because I have IBS. I just simply knew that attacks would come, I'd handle them with medication or other relaxation techniques, and then they'd be on their way. I still watched what I ate, but was more relaxed about that too. This is wonderful news! I think a lot of we old timers that have been here for many years have come to the realization that we just simply control it..and not let it control us!

Now I haven't had a problem with any food that I have had lately. I actually got to enjoy a piece of pepperoni pizza the other night with no attack following. Terrific!

Is my IBS cured? I doubt it. I know that someday it will probably come back and I'll deal with it again. But for now, I am extremely thankful for Heather and her wonderful site that has helped me manage my IBS, and taught me to accept it and move on. And to all my fellow board members who answered all my questions and helped me along the way. And a thank you to you as well, for you've helped many new comers that come here. If they look at the lives of us who have learned to live with this and what controls it, I hope they find that, like us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

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