I posted this to the Maryland board; however, there doesn't seem to be much action over their so I moved myself over here!
Well, I have suffered from IBS since I was 14 years old- and I just turned 39. I am a Web designer as well as work part-time in a pharmacy. I'm an artist as well as an animal lover - particularly dogs. My first attack was at age 14 when I was at a local community center with my friend. We planned on spending the day their swimming, etc. I had a stomach ache on the ride over, but it stopped. We got their and the stomach ache returned. It was on and off like labor pains! My friend and I quickly made our way to the bathroom as I was breaking out into a sweat. Next thing I knew, I passed out. My parents took me to the doctor and the tests came back basically inconclusive. Over the next few years I had these attacks on and off and lived with it. The pain would get intense and last for what seemed like forever, I would break out into a sweat, and then I would get diarrhea (which meant it was over). About 7 years later, I was over my sisters house and the pain started. I got up, got my car keys and headed out the door. I got as far as the hallway in her apartment building when the pain became excruciating and I had to sit right their on the floor. I finally got up and headed back to her door. I banged on it and told her I needed to use the bathroom. She opened the door and I was sweating. I passed out right on her! Again, the doctor's test results were inconclusive. Over the next 18 years, I have suffered on and off. Constipation, pain, sweating, lightheadedness, diarrhea. I have endometriosis which tends to just make everything worse. Stress does me in all together and certain foods will send me running one day, and be fine on another! My sister has IBS, as does my Dad and various family members. I remember when I was getting married I was terrified that I would be up on the stage and a stomach attack would kick in! I'm leery about eating in restaurants and over peoples houses. I'm not comfortable making commitments and I'm not too keen on being far from home (or bathrooms!) It is always in the back of my mind..."what if?" It's embarrassing, debilitating, and I'm seriously losing my sense of humor at this point! In doing an IBS search, I found this site, so here I am. I was so happy to see they have a Maryland meeting as I live in Baltimore! I've got a lot to learn - but I'm going to start by ordering the book.
Thanks for listening!!!
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