Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hey Ravendark,
Just wanted to let you know that I have been exactly where you are 4 years ago when my ibs started...I promise it wont be like that forever! Unfortunately a few months before I developed ibs a boyfriend of someone at school had got it and I dont know why it was getting spread around but some reason it was...and I knew nothing about ibs at the time...everyone was just saying that he had irritable bowels and they all couldnt help but laugh...granted they were all 14/15 at the time but I remember feeling really uncomfortable that they were mocking him. So anyhows a few months later when I was diagnosed my heart flipped 10 times and I felt sick at the thought of my friends ever finding out! This is probably why am so secretive over it now. Believe me the number of social occasions I missed out on during what should have been some of the best years of my life at school is ridiculous! Im making up for it now believe me! At that time I also didnt have the support of all of you guys so I was so depressed and alone. After having to cancel so many nights out due to my ibs flaring up my friends did exactly the same and just stopped asking me...I can kinda understand when I look back now but at the time I used to cry myself to sleep over it! Infact one time they told me that they thought I just made excuses cos I was 'afraid' to go out behind my parents back(we were obviously underage)...and I just thought god if only that was my problem Id be so bludy happy!

Anyway, I am now about to turn 20 next week, am at uni living with the best friends Ive ever made and although they dont quite know I have ibs they are very understanding about my 'stomach problems' and Ive got so much more confidence to go out and stuff now than I ever did before. Things will get better I promise...and we're all here for you whenever you need us! Id tell your friends you have a chronic disorder if they dont already know...no need to mention it being ibs exactly....and say you've found it hard to deal with. Easier said than done I know. Let us know how things go...hugs xx

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Natalie

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