Stress/high wired
My Mom has IBS (mostly in the 1st half of days) and she won't leave the house until AT LEAST noon anymore making it hard for the family also because we can't do anything with her until after then. I feel bad for my Dad because he either does things by himself or just doesn't do those things at all. My sis & I feel like she just needs to prepare for doing things instead of sheltering. we also feel that her moods/pessimistic attitude on EVERYTHING stresses her out so much that the flare-ups begin. ANy advice on how to get her to TRY new ways for handling it all?? She's harder than hard-headed. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
First off let me just say that I feel you. My mom, who is now finally in a facility, suffered with worsening dementia for three years and refused to do much, if anything, to help herself. It is extremely frustrating and can be hard on family. That being said, unfortunately, many of those who sufer with IBS becomes tied to their homes for a number of reasons. Constant promximty to the facilities helps to alleviate anixety, being home prevents embarrassment from being out in public, and many issues like these can crop up. Depending on how long your mom has had IBS, it can take years sometimes for people to feel comfortable enough to venture out and come to terms with the things that are going on in their own body. I have had autoimmune illness myself for 40 years and I only in the last 10 years or so have really, truly, come to terms with it. I just wanted to link some articles about family here that may help give you some insight into her mind and help you find a place to start to approach it:
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/coping-and-diet/family-friends-support-with-ibs-management
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/family-tips
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/family-support
All in all remember - this is tough stuff. It isn't easy for anyone involved and if there's anything I can recommend it is, unfortunately, patience. The patience of a saint, really. If there's anything else we can do to help from here, let us know, and remember - you are not alone. DPMTHANK YOU so much!! I'll look into the links. I appreciate the advice.
