Coping with IBS

Hey there, - Thanks for taking the time to post! Ugh, I hope you're feeling better today. Sounds like you've been going through a lot! Really curious to hear what your doctor said. I hope it's a passing issue, but if you are diagnosed with IBS, we have a lot of information and camaraderie here that I hope can help you on your journey.

I wanted to share a few articles that hopefully address some of the specific concerns you've mentioned:

https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/lifestyle-changes/
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/how-to-eat-out-with-friends-when-you-have-ibs/

I hope these help. You're not alone in this! Thanks for joining the community. - Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team

First, I hope everything works out for you, and the pain becomes more manageable. I'm eighteen I got officially diagnosed 2 years ago, but the issues had been going on for longer. I have spent most of my high school career with this condition, and will be entering college with ibs-D this upcoming fall. Before I stress the hopeful I have to be real with you there will be a mourning period and you have to let yourself mourn what was normal and what will become your new normal. That does not mean your life is over. To cope you must develop structure a routine. For me I know that the early mornings are when I'm my sickest. I have a severe case I have to get on my school bus at 7:30 Am so I have to wake up at 5:00 Am to allow time for the eating and the bathroom. I average four days out of the week but this semester I did two weeks in a row without missing any school that's considered a win for me. I am an overly anxious person and it might help you go make an emergency bag containing a change of clothes and wipes (yes I know it feels embarrassing, but it has given me back alot of my freedom) I've had that little kit for a year and a half, but I haven't had to use it once but there's comfort in knowing you have it. Positive self talk will lead to positive results(I know it sounds stupid ) you're body is in pain, you're scared and feel out of control. Make it a habit that Every morning you take a minute to breathe and tell yourself that you are in control. As far as activities it's all about planning I can't leave my house or more specifically my bathroom before ten am unless I wake up at five so I don't make plans until eleven am, and fatigue related to dehydration so I'm in bed by ten pm I schedule my life around those hours. I know it sounds depressing but everyone is different it's just finding that routine that lets you be productive. If you need to talk I am more than willing sorry for the mini essay I promise it will work out maybe not the way you expected but it will work.