My Pain is My Fuel

I have been living with irritable bowel syndrome for over eight years now, and the first few years were torturous. I didn’t know what was triggering my pain or how to even manage my symptoms. Therefore, I allowed my condition to make me depressed more days than I can count, and I suffered tremendously because of it. Until one day, I decided I no longer wanted to be miserable about my IBS. Instead, I chose to learn what I can about my condition through my own research, share my story, and be a support for others who are going through the same thing as I am. Thus, my pain is my fuel to keep pushing forward not just for myself, but for others as well.

I got tired of being depressed because of my IBS

For the first few years of dealing with IBS symptoms, I felt like I was on a crazy rollercoaster because I wasn’t sure when I was going to feel up or down. Also, I felt so alone and depressed in my suffering that I contemplated suicide a few times. My condition was ruining so many aspects of my life, and I just didn’t want to live with this condition for the rest of my life knowing that this pain will be my reality on a daily basis. I lost so many jobs because of my IBS that my self-esteem was diminishing fast. I also dropped out of college because I didn’t know how to cope with my condition while gaining an education (at the time, I didn’t even know I had IBS or what IBS was).

I was losing so much hope and didn’t know how to be excited about life anymore. Well, long story short, I finally got fed up with my depression and how my condition was making me feel. With much help from my support system who came later in my health journey, I eventually developed a new will to fight for my health and happiness. I didn’t realize until later in my IBS experience that I am a lot stronger than I think and I don’t have to suffer because of my condition. What it took was for me to change my perspective about my pain and view it as a source of motivation to help myself and others.

My IBS pain drives me to gain control

When I finally got to a point in my life where I was ready to fight for my health and happiness, I started to feel in control again. For instance, I did so much research behind IBS and tried to find any piece of information that could help validate the seriousness of my condition. I learned new terms related to IBS that I didn’t learn from a doctor or specialist, which helped me explain my painful experience with more accuracy. I also made it a point to practice good health and not give my IBS any/much reason to cause more havoc on my life. And when I attained a support system to help get me through the tough times with my IBS, I realized I cannot go through this on my own.

As a result, I got stronger and wiser about my health, and I wanted to share what I’ve learned with others who are also suffering from this horrible condition so that they can also feel like they can gain some sense of control over their lives as well. I no longer see my pain as something that holds me back anymore (or as much as it used to), but, instead, as something that encourages me to empower myself and others.

How do you cope with IBS pain?

For those who have to live with IBS for many years, how do you perceive your condition? Do you struggle with being happy most days? Or, do you also see your pain as a source of motivation? Please share with us below and thanks so much for taking the time to read my article! Wishing you all much strength and positivity to help get you through the tough days!