Kudos to My IBS Buddies
I have learned so much from everyone who participates on this site. While I have a lot of experience working with illness (both my own and others), I think sometimes we don’t realize how someone else's experiences, both good and bad, can affect the way we go about living our own lives.
I am admittedly a "white knuckler"
In my work with people with mental health and substance abuse issues, we refer to the process as recovery. Recovery doesn’t usually mean "cured." As with IBS, many illnesses don’t have a cure. Through my work in recovery, I am slightly ashamed to say that I am what they call a "white knuckler." This often indicates that someone does not always take the required steps to help themselves feel better, but only suffers "valiantly" through the pain the illness causes. A "white knuckler" just gets used to the pain and the idea that it is better to just get through it than to make it better.
While I have done a lot of work over the years trying to get a better handle on the IBS, I find more periods than not, that I just sort of accept it and continue about my life, even if it is excruciating. I have learned from the people who contribute to this site that not only could be a lot worse off, but I could be feeling much better than I am right now.
One day at a time
What happens is that I will find a diet or exercise routine or medication that works and then all of a sudden it doesn’t. I know this is a particularly common theme with IBS. If my life is relatively calm at the moment, I will take some steps to try something new and get myself back to equilibrium. If my life is particularly stressful at that moment, I will not take any steps. I take the attitude that I just must get through, one day at a time. While the one day at a time approach is a good one, it does not mean that nothing should be done one day at a time.
I push through with only the satisfaction that I "made it." This is not a good way to manage illness or to make the most of our lives. This is hard. Why not make some attempt to heal ourselves. I find it interesting that people with illness will often exhibit a particular strong suit. One person is so well versed in the latest supplements and diet, whereas another simply keeps trying and keeps an extraordinarily positive attitude. One specializes in exercise, while another may excel in supporting others.
Thankful for this IBS community
I think if we take a look at ourselves, realize where our ‘weaknesses’ lie and agree to learn from others, we will find that we are much better at managing our illness and improving our overall wellness. So, thank you for all you’ve taught me and will continue to teach me. I could not do it without you. :-)
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