Tired of being sick
Hi! I am 67 yrs old and have been dealing with stomach issues since I was in the 3rd grade. Symptoms improved through my high school and college years which I totally don’t understand because I was under a lot of pressure with school work. Anyways, things got worse after I worked 22 years in a night jon delivering newspapers so I could stay home during the day with my children. Life has continued as usual with ibs episodes. Today I have constipation and diarrhea sometimes all in the same day. Its very hard to live with as you don’t know whats going to happen at any given time. And don’t let me get stressed out over having a doctor’s appointment or having to take my husband to an appointment because that really gets my gut going. I can be in and out of the bathroom 10 or more times within an hour and thats real hard when you are traveling in a car to an appointment. I have really had it. Last gastro doctor just told me
I need to add lots of fiber to my
diet but that was good and bad advice. I’m really tired of all this.
Hi
and welcome to our community! I'm sorry that you've been dealing with these issues for so long and can't find a good doctor who's actually willing to help. I imagine that you must have seen so many doctors over the years... have you ever found anything that helps at all?
Regarding the fiber, we have an article (in 2 parts) about fiber for different types of IBS, I'm going to link it for you in case you're interested: Part 1: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/food/dietary-fiber, Part 2: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/food/fiber-types. We also have a specific forum for IBS-M: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/ibs-m-forum-discussion, if you want to connect with others who deal with both constipation and diarrhea.
I really feel you on the stress part. Whenever I'm stressed, I also end up going to the bathroom so many times, even if I haven't eaten any trigger foods. It's so frustrating and makes it impossible to deal with certain situations...
Karina (team member)Adding fiber is scary when you have diarrhea isn’t it? I am about your age and have struggled with this most of my life. I am tired of this and would be happy with almost normal bowel habits!
I hear you. And know what kind of fiber can also be stressful. How have you been managing lately? -Elizabeth (team member)
There are good days and bad days. Yesterday and today are bad ones. And the uncertainty of what will happen in a day is very stressful. I not only have to worry about all of this, I have had my husbands medical problems to deal with and a mother in a nursing home for two years now because of a massive stroke. She is unable to walk, talk, and she has a feeding tube. She is also not the mother I use to know, if you understand that. Not only dealing with all of that but 2 full time jobs as well and all life throws at you in a days time. I do not need this to deal with at this time of my life. I can only pray that our heavenly Father will heal me one of these days.
My heart goes out to you. You have so much going on and I know you must feel like you are just treading water. How are your symptoms currently? Hopefully you aren't flaring?
I'm glad to see that you have your faith the lean on. I know for me personally that is the only thing that got me through when it seemed like nothing else could.
Another thing I learned was the act of asking for help. It is not easy. But when you do, it is amazing to see the compassion in others. Usually also, the most unexpected people are the ones who offer help the most. You need support from your community. What you are handling is a lot. I
Is there anyone in you family, friend group or community that you can reach out to for support? Whether it be help with groceries, offering to cook dinner one night of the week, help with errands? -Elizabeth (team member)
Thanks for your reply and concern Elizabeth. I have many friends and they have supported me graciously through all of it. And I am sure they will continue to do so. I thank God I have them.
I’m so glad that you have a good support system. What you’re going through is so much to handle for one person. Your husband and mother are incredibly lucky to have you.
Sending positive thoughts,
Karina (team member)
