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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/6/2006 4:07 AM (GMT -7)
Hey everyone,

Thanks for the support on my first post. I read it and took it all to heart :). Its been a few months and I would just like to say I think I have my IBS undercontrol. Although I still go everyone morning, I havent had a problem at school for a long time but I still stress about IBS daily.... and its hard emotionaly. My ibs seems to be getting better, my social life hasnt. My self confidence is at an all time low..... sometimes i dont even go out to dinner because I dont want people to look at it me. The few friends I do have I only talk to online, I dont like to hang out because Im so self conscious it just makes things unenjoyable. Im not a sad person really, I love to joke and have a good time and is very kind at heart, just I dont open up because Im scared of getting hurt (quite the cliche). I feel worthless but full of life at the same time, its driving me insane confused . Its really starting to hurt me because Im scared to death of college, im really really scared of it.... but i have to go. Im worried my fears are going to control my life (they have so far), and everyday I wait, it just builds up and gets harder. Is this normal to feel this way as a 17 year old? I feel the answer is yes but why are my peers having a great time threw life and living it up, while im at home scared to go outside because I dont want to be seen.

Well I have to urge to delete all this because its kinda embarrassing, so I might as well wrap this up. Its really hard because I know my cure, I know what I need. I need a girlfriend to share my emotions with and to open up to. I feel if i had this my life would be complete.... but im not letting myself do this, I feel like I cant do this, and im getting worried.

 

Posted 8/6/2006 5:12 AM (GMT -7)
Hey loassmith.....just thought id reply to ur post.. I dont think u need a gf to make ur life complete. Im 25 and single, and although id like a bf its not the end of the world that i dont have one. I think u need a little bit higher self asteem within yourself and then a girl will see how great you are and come into your life that way....with your friends situation you should just invite them over to your house, at least way you still see them but you dont have to leave the house...thats what i do anyways with my IBS... least uve got urs under control which is great, wish mine was :)
Posted 8/6/2006 7:07 AM (GMT -7)
HI LoasSmith!

 

I am a fellow "IBS-Der".  It hit me out of nowhere about mid-March and  I've had diarrhea/loose stools every day since. I'm a 26 year old teacher of about 1,400 students (I teach art at the elementary schools in the school district.) 

 

First of all, always remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  Many of us on this board have felt the same way as you, or still do for that matter.  Just because you are 17, doesn't mean that you can't feel the way you do...some of us are just "geared" that way.  Have you considered taking a yoga class?  I think I may check into taking one.  I hear that it helps with relaxation.  Also, try a relaxation CD.  If you are going to be at college, buy yourself one of those headphone CD players and pop in the CD, lay on your bed and listen to it.  Nobody would even know what you're listening too since you are using the headphones.  I have done this and it really helps...at least it helps me.  It deosn't hurt to give it a try. 

If you ever need to talk, please post.  We are here to help eachother deal with IBS.  This is a good, safe place. :-)

 

Keep us posted!

Posted 8/7/2006 7:46 AM (GMT -7)
Here are some good things about college. One, if your IBS is flaring, you can chose not to go to class. Not really an option at the high school level, but in college you are in charge of yourself. So long as you take your tests and turn in your papers and read your materials, class is pretty optional (at least I found that it was--heck, I found reading was fairly optional, but then I'm an A-class BSer and could bluff my way through class and papers and even tests).

Secondly, there are a lot of clubs on college campuses. This makes it pretty easy to meet people and spend some time with them (that doesn't involve food), but not be committed to hanging out all of the time. I got involved in the anime club my senior year and had a good time for a few hours every Friday night. No major time commitment, but some fun anime and some social interaction. I also made heavy use of the online community for friends. Not the same as in-person friends, but better than no one at all to talk to. And, of course, it's easier to open up to a comuter screen than a real person, so if it helps you to get things off your chest about your illness, then it's a good thing.

Then, there was MY apartment. I went off campus with a friend my sophmore year. She left partway through that year and I had an apartment to myself the rest of the time. It can be kind of lonely, living by yourself, but the private bathroom is the way to go! If you go away from home to college, that might be something you want to look into. Colleges tend to discourage that, especially for freshmen, but heck, most of the time it's cheaper than room and board--especially if you can take a small apartment in someone's basement for a good rate. Then, when you're feeling well, you can invite friends over to your place to watch movies, play games and even have something approaching real food for a meal. It's always easier on the system to be in your own place when you're hanging out. And most campus-bound kids like to get out and go somewhere else for a while.
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