IBS Venting Session Vol. 3

Hey IrritableBowelSyndrome.netCommunity, if you don’t mind, I need to vent yet again. I’ve been living with IBS for over seven years now and I still can’t get used to not having a regular social life. By ‘regular’ I mean not being able to go out when and where I want without suffering any pain. When I get invited to go out, most times I end up declining because of my IBS and anxiety. The instant someone suggests going out or planning a trip somewhere, all I can think about is the pain and discomfort I will have to endure. I don’t blame my friends or family for wanting to hang out, but the one thing I wish they understood was how much it took for me to even go out in the first place.

IBS Makes Me Anti-Social

It’s always hard for me to describe how severe my IBS is, for many reasons. For one, who wants to talk about how bad their anus hurts due to using the toilet so much? TMI, I know. But seriously, it gets so bad that I literally can’t sit on my behind, thus making driving a difficult task. Or who would want to talk about how tired they are due to the lack of sleep they’ve been having for the past few weeks? There’s so much more I can say that’ll help describe why any aspect of social experience might be so discomforting and unpleasant, but then it just sounds like I’m complaining, or making up excuses to be anti-social.

Whenever I do decide to go out, which is rare, I make sure I do my best to have a good time. However, my version of having a good time may not essentially be responsible to some. The last time I went out with the guys was about a couple of months ago. It was a pretty good time up until I decided to have a drink to help me loosen up a little. Yes, I know, very bad idea. However, my reason was the fact that I hardly ever go out, and when I do, why not sacrifice and live a little? I guess if you’re trying to read in between the lines, it sounds like I have no self-control. And, you’re right! However, on the contrary, I managed to have a little willpower because I NEVER break my “3-Drink Limit” Rule.

For someone who suffers from IBS, it seems a bit irresponsible to consume alcohol for the simple fact that it’s a gut-irritant and IBS-trigger. Nonetheless, I make these sacrifices willingly and consciously, which means I’m mentally prepared for the consequences. This is part of the aspect of what it takes for me to go out and enjoy myself that I wish my friends/family would understand sometimes. It’s not easy for me to step out of my comfortable abode, but when I do, I try to make it worthwhile for myself and the ones I love and care about. Alright people, thanks for letting me vent yet again. Until next time…