IBS and Other Conditions

One thing that I always thought I wanted was a name for what was wrong with me. I thought naming why I have all the problems I have would help me not feel so alone. It has helped, but it ended up being more than just a name for me. It was validation that I wasn't crazy and making these things up in my head.

IBS has been a constant

I always had problems with IBS. As far back as I can remember, I remember being told I was faking, that no one needs to go to the bathroom that much, and so on. The validation of knowing something WAS going on in my body and it wasn't just some made-up problem was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. This has tended to be a trend in my medical journey.

Thyroid issues and IBS

When I was 22, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I had been working hard and losing weight, then it just stopped. I was doing the same things, eating the same meals, and I started to see my weight go up. I thought knowing the name would help because then we can fix it, right? Again, for me, that wasn't so easy. I have struggled since with keeping my levels where they need to be. No fault of my own; my body just doesn't respond to the thyroid medication.

This apparently tends to be a trend in my life—a lifetime of medical diagnosis' that I have no control of. Invisible illnesses hinder me from living a "normal" life. Just when I think I am doing better and bam! Let's throw something else in the mix.

Diabetes and IBS

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Immediately I started doing what I knew would work. Guess what. This time it did!! I'm just as shocked as you are reading this! I have worked hard and have brought my A1C down every time we check it. I am off all diabetic medication, and I am doing a great job controlling my sugar with my diet. I worried about this diagnosis; it would be like the rest. I'm very grateful I was wrong.

Chronic pain and other problems

I'm still traveling this journey of figuring out my other problems. I have severe chronic back and hip pain that can be debilitating at times. We are still working this out, but I think we know what it is. Sometimes it really does take years to figure these things out. I'm okay with that. If it means I can do something to fix it, it will be completely worth it.

I was ready to give up a few years ago. I hit my breaking point and just felt like I couldn't keep riding this rollercoaster anymore. I was breaking mentally. I got help. I spoke with my doctors, and we put a plan in place, and it has continued to help.

No matter how hard today seems, remember you can't have a rainbow without the storm that passed before it. You can do this and come out the other side so much better because of it.