What is your diagnosis journey?
For many community members, the process of getting a diagnosis of IBS was not quick. What was the most challenging or frustrating part of your diagnosis journey?
All of it. I’ve been in pain every single day for three months. I’ve had every test known. All I know is there is something bad going oon in my stomach. I’m now trying yet another diet. The anti Candida fungal diet as my dietician thinks I have an overgrowth if fungus in me. It’s affecting my mental health. I’m getting depressed trying to cope with the constant diarreah and cramps. I’m desperate to find some respite.
Hi kimanne - I'm so sorry to hear how much pain you're in. IBS wreaks havoc on so many areas of life, and this community definitely understands that. I'm glad to hear you're working with a dietician to help narrow down the best diet for you. I'm not sure if you have discussed the low-FODMAP diet with her/him or have previously tried it, but I thought I'd share some information with you about it since that has been helpful to many folks here: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/ibs-diet/.
Additionally, since you mentioned how much IBS is affecting your mental health, I wanted to share some resources with you. This collection of articles that have to do with mental health and IBS, and the second collection of articles are about mental health in general:
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/mental-ibs-vicious-cycle/
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/mental-health/I hope this information is helpful. Please know you're not alone in this!
-Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team Member
The most challenging part for me was the reaction that my family had to my new condition. I was told that my symptoms were merely being brought upon myself due to thoughts and was forced into stressful situations without any sympathy. This ultimately manifested itself into numerous mental health issues which made being a middle schooler that much more intense. After 5 years of being in the dark I managed to find a doctor which discovered the parasite Candida Albicans within me, which was causing my IBS. Although my initial reaction was elation at hearing that my issue was valid, I can't help but hold a slight resentment at the grownups in my life who failed to provide me with relief. Knowing that my issue could have been resolved if I only went to the right doctor and had people who cared about me enough when the parasite was contracted isn't easy to deal with. Yet, after 6 years I'm finally in my senior year of high school and can't help but feel that my life was stolen from me due to the inability to live like the rest of my classmates. I'm supposed to go to college in a few months, but I can't even begin to comprehend how I can survive when I'll be forced to deal with my symptoms in close proximity to others.
What have you done to try to alleviate your symptoms ? Has it got better? Mine is way better since I embarked on the anti Candida diet. My D has stopped. I feel semi normal.
After lifetime of explaining to doctors friends and what IBS puts you through daily,I am still met with an oh yeah or a wry smile.Forget it .I am so glad to find a forum where we are all supported and believed
Oh no, I'm so sorry that your friends and doctors haven't been supportive. 🙁 You're not alone in that situation. If you're interested, we have this article: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/coping-family-friends about dealing with friends and family who just don't get it.
We're so happy to have you here!
Karina (team member)
