5 Things I Miss From Life Before IBS

By Elizabeth Alvarez

3 min read

Everyone’s story is different, but in my particular journey, I never had digestive issues in my life until I was diagnosed with IBS and Crohn’s Disease when I was 21 years old. Growing up, I was athletic, strong, and never got sick. I ate well, had healthy bowel movements, and could eat whatever I wanted without any consequence. I never dealt with allergies, food intolerances, or anything of that nature.

Thankful for when symptoms started

So it wasn’t until I was 21 years old that symptoms started to creep in and intensify quickly until I was diagnosed with IBS and Crohn’s Disease. One silver lining in this timing is that I had a healthy and carefree childhood, adolescence, and early adult life. I have met so many others with IBS through social media that have dealt with these awful symptoms from the time they were young. I can’t imagine having IBS while going through school. I don’t think I could have handled it.

I am so thankful that I was able to grow up carefree and without the pain and anxiety of dealing with IBS. I am now 31 and can say the last 10 years have been quite interesting. Many highs and lows and everything in between.

5 things I miss from life before IBS

Recently, turning 31 I couldn’t help but reminisce on my days before IBS and Crohn’s. I think it is normal to go through a mourning process every now and then. Of course, too much isn’t healthy, but at the same time we are human and I don’t have amnesia. I remember very well what it was like to live life without these diagnoses.

Here are a couple of things I really miss:

1. Being spontaneous

I think this might be the thing I miss most. I miss being able to hop in a car with a friend and do a random activity at the drop of a hat. Or I miss getting excited when I would get invited on a trip last minute. Throw some clothes in a bag and off I would go. Anxiety? What’s that? Worrying about a bathroom? That was never even a concern of mine.

Now things have to be more planned out and the spontaneity seems to have been pushed out of my life.

2. Food

I was a total foodie. I could eat anything, at any time and without a care in the world. I loved trying new foods, going out with friends for lunch, meeting a group out for dinner and drinks. I was the girl that indulged in the appetizers at a nice gala. I just loved food and had a very healthy relationship with food.

Unfortunately, now I have many intolerances and food has become a source of stress in my life.

3. Having zero anxiety

I never dealt with anxiety before my diagnosis. I wasn’t a nervous person, nor did I ever overthink. I really was this sort of carefree chic. But now with IBS and Crohn’s, anxiety can hit me hard. If I am in a flare, I am always on edge. Thinking of where the nearest bathroom is. Praying I don’t have an accident while out. Hoping I have enough energy to get through a task. It’s a constant thing whenever I am feeling unwell.

4. Having energy

I used to have so much energy. I was never a napper. I also had very healthy sleeping habits. I would wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on my day. I was always ready for an adventure. Nowadays I find that I need rest and more rest. Often, when I am flaring I have to cancel plans due to fatigue.

5. Overall health

To sum it all up, I just miss being healthy. Looking back, I wish I could tell my healthy young self how lucky I am. How thankful I should be for having zero health issues. But let’s face it: when you’re young and healthy that isn’t on your radar. You just go about your day preoccupied with the current events. The thought of losing your health is nothing but far-fetched. I guess I just wish I didn’t take it for granted.

How about you? What things do you miss from your life before IBS? Share below, we love to hear from you.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Adamkhan Member
I miss being like that too. But life is a beautiful experience sometimes easy other times difficult but still it's great to be alive. 
1. Sawyer Matheny Moderator & Contributor
 That is such a wonderful sentiment. It can be easy to forget the positive things we do have in our lives. Thank you so much for saying something so lovely! I too miss life before IBS, but I'd rather be more watchful of what I eat than suffer food's consequences. Wishing you continued IBS peace ~ Sawyer (irritablebowelsyndrome.net team)
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Adamkhan" user-id="2999902"/> You couldn't have said it better. Thank you for the beautiful encouraging words. Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
oobadeedee Member
I have been afflicted with Chronic IBS D&C for 49 years. The older I get the more my life becomes hostage to this insidious disease. And yes, I consider IBS a disease even thought the medical profession does not. As we age it is imperative to keep physically active and mentally stimulated for all over good health. However, IBS has it's way of keeping one hostage from living that quality of life by it's unpredictability and affecting oneself mentally, physically, and emotionally. It is exhausting dealing with this day in and day out. I rarely make plans to venture out for any length of time. A few hours in the afternoon can be managed to grocery shop and for other necessities. Travel is out of the question. I am tired of trying to explain to others why I am not able to do normal every day activities unless there are bathrooms strategically in place for my going out or that certain foods are such a huge concern. So much for spontaneity. Many people wish to win the Lottery. I would live in a cave if it meant that I would not have to be living this IBS life. To be free to go where ever and when ever I wanted to and to lose the constant anxiety that IBS deposits in my brain would be the greatest gift of all. I find living a quiet life amongst nature along with my rescue kitty, the best medicine for me. So many doctors and tests over the years and little to no improvement with their treatments. I research a great deal and eat low fod map, take healthy supplements, filter out as much negativity as possible, try to get some quality sleep and carry on. That being said, in answer to the question, "What things do you miss in your life before IBS?" .................Everything!
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="oobadeedee" user-id="2308484"/>, I hear you! Everything you have described I can relate to. IBS is certainly a very hard journey and we just have to take things one day at a time. I hope you get some relief from symptoms today and that you are able to venture out into fresh air even for just a little. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
1. oobadeedee Member
 <inline-mention username="Elizabeth Alvarez" user-id="2297012"/> Thank you for your kind and supportive words. You as well, have a lovely day!
lukylady33 Member
Mine started at the same age as you. It took me a much longer time to figure out what you have mentioned in your article. You have to put one foot in front of the other, every day. We all have remain positive and thank God that we don’t have a deadly disease. Just one we have to live through. 
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 @luckylady33, yes definitely. One day at a time and we have to be thankful for the things that we do still have. I hope you are well today. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
TerryS Member
Elizabeth, when reading your article I couldn't help but remember all my struggles with IBS over the years. Mine started quite a few years ago when I was in my early 30's and like you I had never had any prior problems. But from that first "accident" on my way to dinner with my boyfriend it only seemed to escalate. I can't tell you how many times I would be on my way to meet friends or to work and have to return home to shower & change. Although I have had many tests trying to find a cause (food, stress, etc) there was never anything concrete for doctors to help with. The twisted thing is that stress can make IBS worse but our stress stems from IBS! If I have found any silver lining to getting older (I'm 70 now) it's how many women and men I have found who also suffer from IBS so we are not as alone as we think we are. Thank you so much for sharing!
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="TerryS" user-id="2332119"/> So sorry you have had to deal with accidents. You certainly aren't alone. I too have had moments where I need to head home and shower to clean up. So awful. You are so right. More people suffer from IBS than you would think and there is always comfort in knowing you aren't alone. How have you been feeling lately? Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
desertswan Member
I can hardly remember what it was like to be without IBS. My symptoms started when I was 13. That means I've had it for 52 years. 
1. desertswan Member
 <inline-mention username="Elizabeth Alvarez" user-id="2297012"/> Thanks! Actually, that was so long ago that they weren't even calling it IBS at the time. (It was several name changes ago, in fact.) I do recall the doctor giving some kind of evil-tasting liquid white stuff to take for it. I've no idea what that was. Anyway, after a major flare-up that lasted for a few years, I AM feeling better these days. (Cutting out all caffeine and all artificial sweeteners and eating Shredded Wheat every other day have helped a lot.) 
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 @desertswan, This is so great to hear. I am glad you found a regimen that works for you and has given you relief. I hope you continue to feel better! Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)