Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Can anyone relate to keepin up a normal facade out in the world?

Oh my--I hear you more than you know. I read your post yesterday and have been waiting until I had a good few minutes to sit down and figure out how to respond. I am in your same boat-- I put on such a show for everyone all the time. When I do breakdown and say I'm not feeling well, no one gets how serious of a problem this actually is. It isn't just a 20 minute belly ache.
I can honestly say though, that I am a born fighter. Although I've had some really bad times, I refuse to let it win. I have gotten to the point of giving up many many many times. Why fight? why bother? I'm sick. Always will be. But just when I almost hit rock bottom, I get a good day...or even at times, just a good few hours. When I feel good, I am out and about doing anything and everything!
Now, I really don't want to be one of those 'hang in there, it gets better " people. I hate when people do that to me. I'm just trying to say that I completely understand.
No one really gets how big of an issue my belly is for me.
I've been lucky to have found a great husband who actually met me a week before I landed in the hospital the first time. We joke that he "never got a chance to get out" since I was so sick...lol. He's supportive, but let me tell you, the guilt about not being able to do certain things, eat certain things, etc... is tough for me. I am SO dissapointed when we have plans we have to break b/c I'm sick. But I fought to have a normal life with him and when I'm well, we certainly do just that.
As for career, I agree. I work part time at a VERY flexible job, so that's ablessing. I'm 27 and sometimes wonder what I could be making if I just could hold down a 9-5 daily job. I hate feeling like I'm not pulling my weight. I recently started my own music studio where I teach lessons and childrens music classes from my home. That gave me a great sense of security, and I've been feeling confident enough to move it to an outside studio just this past month.
I'm so sorry we both have to deal with this. It does suck, and I am SO sick of putting on my "oh, I'm great thanks" face when my stomach is in knots or I've spent the entire night in the bathroom.
Hang in there-- sorry, no real advice, just wanted to tell you I get it and you aren't alone.

--------------------
IBS-A

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator