Irritable bowel syndrome can be a nightmare?constant diarrhea and terrible stomach pains, or unbelievable constipation and never-ending gas. While it's good to stay positive and keep looking for help, sometimes it's even better to just have a good old moan!
So, without further ado, I would like to present the top 10 reasons why we all hate IBS. These quotes have all come from genuine IBS sufferers.
"Other people are sick for a week and they get fussed over, food made for them, blankets brought to them, and generally an amazing amount of sympathy. I'm sick for years and years and somehow I'm less deserving than they are. Is that because I'm making it up? Or because IBS isn't real? Or I should just snap out of it?"
"The pain is usually so intense that focus on school or work becomes impossible! There are many days and weeks that I spend curled up in a ball because the pain is so bad."
"I hate IBS because people think you are just a worrier looking for sympathy, and that you could just ignore it, haha."
"I am usually constipated, but when I have to go there's no stopping me. One of these unstoppable occurrences happened the day of the Chicago marathon this year - and I was a participant. During my 18-week training program, I would often think that "it" could happen that day, but simply hoped it would not. Well, it did and it truly was unstoppable. It was so angering after such long, hard training. I finished the race, but not happy with my time or my comfort."
"Walking through Wal-Mart...your heart beating faster as you approach the restroom...Will I make it in time? Only to the see the "closed" when you arrive. That horrible moment when you know you have to find a place to relieve yourself quickly or it will be the most embarrassing moment of your life."
"I can really identify with this list of how "I hate IBS" because basically it has ruined my life the past year. I have lost a job, a house, most of my family and friends due to this crippling "so-called disease" that NOBODY UNDERSTANDS. If I appear angry that is because I am, terribly so. I also have crippling migraines and I am going for surgery for a severe carpal tunnel problem. I live in chronic pain in the left side of my pelvis. It has made life very difficult to say the least."
"I just had company come from New York and I had to stay in bed during most of the visit because of IBS. They think that I am crazy. The gas and explosive bowel movements sap any living energy out of me. I am a single parent now living on social services which doesn't even cover my rent. I am sooooooo angry at my body betraying me like this."
"I am sick of living with constant fear and never being able to plan anything in advance. My long-suffering husband has to book holidays as late as possible, cancel theatre trips, and always go for aisle seats or none at all. I'd just for once like to say "Yes, I will definitely be able to go that day" and do it."
"Eating becomes something I must plan for fear of making a run for the bathroom immediately after (or even during) a meal."
"I am 12 years old and last year I found out I had IBS. It stinks because I have to go to the doctor more than all my friends and I have to go to Wisconsin children's hospital every month or so. I have REALLY BAD days and I can have GREAT days but the bad ones are hard to deal with. I HATE IBS and I wish I never got it!"
Sophie Lee has suffered from IBS for more than 15 years. She runs the IBS Tales website http://www.ibstales.com where you can read hundreds of personal stories of IBS and self-help tips.