Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Calories, food portions, any advice?!?!?!?!?!?!

Aw, no, don't apologize or feel embarrassed. This is certainly a safe place for you to talk about IBS anything - and everyone will understand and be empathetic. I know it can be hard to get that from "real people" sometimes.

I kept my IBS a secret for decades -partly out of embarrassment, partly because I just figured no one would understand what I was talking about. But when I did finally start to just tell people as a matter of course, something really surprising happened. Everyone was really nice, kind, and understanding. And - big surprise for me - everybody told me they either had IBS themselves or they knew someone who did! That helped a lot.

For the social events, I've found that if I just bring a good amount of food that's safe for me, but present it as treats for everyone, and don't mention that the foods are "special", there's never anything but gratitude. I usually bring baked chips or fresh white bread with some dips or salsas I've made, and a loaf or two of zucchini or banana bread or chocolate applesauce cake. I started doing this quite a few years ago, and all people knew was that "Heather always brings great food!" They had no idea that food was a necessity for my own health. So that might save you some awkward explanations on the social scene.

I think you're already breaking your family cycle by posting here, and by trying to share with your mom and husband. They're probably really grateful to have you talk to them, even if they're still not comfortable talking back. But one day soon they might surprise you, I hope.

Best,
Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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