I am new to the board but not new to IBS. I was very much in your position a couple of years ago. I wanted to give up on it all, everything. I felt frustrated and I was frustrating everyone in my life that wanted an active, healthy, and happy me.
You can't give up. That's the first thing not to do if you want to manage your IBS.
Realize you are going to have IBS bouts from time to time. Not even people without IBS can completely avoid an irritated tummy or colon.
However, we can take steps to avoid an IBS bout as much as possible.
I found that with Heather's advice on food, I was able to clear up a lot of issues I was having. However, from the many flare ups and fallout because of them that I suffered through I had developed a lot of psychological hang ups. IBS has side affects - one prominent one is anxiety.
I have found three things to be instrumental in turning my life around beyond Heather's advice - Meditation, Positive Thinking, and Anti-Anxiety medication. I told the doctor that I was in such fear of having an IBS attack that leaving house provoked attacks, and I hadn't even eaten anything. The attacks were somewhat psychosomatic at the point - panic and anxiety. I broke down and told my doctor that I was having these problems and I think it's what contributed to my IBS. He prescribed me Lexapro. I am not saying its a drug right for everyone but it controlled my body's handling of serontonin.
I keep reading that there is a link between serontonin and the tummy.
I stopped taking Lexapro back in October 2006, and I am still doing great. I live a more active live. I have a gym membership, and I can now tackle another problem in my life - my weight.
Don't give up. You can manage it! 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
Re: i give up
