thanks and update

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
thanks and update
4
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 1:58pm
i have never made this many of my own posts before, i apologize for cluttering the board!

i wanted to say THANK YOU so much for your support. i am feeling tons better today- all of the support from you guys and my virtual hugs, the hormone thing must have passed some, it is a sunny warmER (still cold, but better) day, and my boyfriend was amazing last night about helping me put things in perspective and just being there all helped.

my condition is called ibs-d (irritable bowel syndrome- diarrhea)- sorry even the name is gross! alot of people in america have ibs, but mine is actually a less common and more serious form and case. most of the literature and even meds are for people with a different manefestation of the syndrome and some make me worse. and most people are fortunate enough not to have it affect their lives too much. my particular one is similar to crohn's symptom wise but treatment is not that great as it is pretty uncommon and a really bad case. i have had stomach problems since i was 6 years old. i actually remember the first day i felt nauseous and like i had the flu but i didn't and i never really felt better. basically, my stomach is a mess. it changes what is wrong- what stays the same is that i have horrible stomach problems. graphic here- warning and sorrry- i get diarrhea to the point where i lose 5 or more pounds and pass out from dehydration if i am not really careful. i used to have to go to the er and get fluids but now i can take care of it myself. i have been to so many doctors, done every test, taken every med. i haven't decided yet if i want to take this new one- lotrinex- it is just so dangerous. i have gotten so good at being tough and feeling terrible but finding ways to live life anyways. it's not fun, but it has made me a stronger person.

the gastro i went to is supposed to be one of the best- and the first time i went to see him he asked me if i had been abused as a child. he said they don't know exactly why but people with my severity/type of ibs are more often than not abused as children. one doctor explained that i was really scared and sensitive as a kid and the confusion of my dad's moods and the abuse by him kept my insides in a constant rollercoaster and anxiety as a kid. he said that this was while my body was still developing, and it now goes through that stress physically without any triggers now. interesting. makes me hate my dad even more! :)

anyways, i am going on and on. just wanted to answer your questions about what the actual problem is.

my boyfriend told me that he would support me whether i took the new med or not, even though the thought of me taking something that could kill me isn't that appealing to him. he sat and told me how amazing i am and how much he loves me- and likes me as a friend too- that i am so strong and he is so happy to be with me. he also reassured me that he (and other people) love me for me, and it makes him sad for me that i am sick, but it wouldn't make him think less of me. i have never felt so happy or lucky in a relationship. he's wonderful and i adore him.

you guys are the best friends, thank you so much for being there for me. i hope you all know how much it means to me!!!! final note: you guys are right that money doesn't buy happiness. but can we all agree that there is one exception- when money buys chocolate? :) just kidding (sort of) :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 2:29pm



Hey there,

I have heard of IBS I see commercials for the medication for it all of the time none of those could help you?

Well I am glad that you had the bf there to help ya feel better arent they great I love when there is someone there who loves you regardless whether it s a friend husband boyfriend or family member love it great.

I am glad that you shared with us what it is exactly that you go thru and that it has a name I hope that you feel better and I hope that some med comes along to help you

Erin

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 2:36pm
Hey girl!

I have IBS, but I have it pretty much under control. And yours seems so serious and painful. I am definately sending you MEGA...but gentle...(((hugs))).

Take care sweetie.

Pamela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 8:27pm

(((((((Honey)))))))), you are one awesome lady!

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 10:55pm

Hi Voguegirl15,


I just wanted to pop in and give you the link to our IBS board if you would like to also post there:


http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhibs

IVHealth Ruth Ann
Assistant Community Moderator/Health Librarian
rjohnson@mail.ivillage.com

IVHealth Ruth Ann
Community Leader/Ask the Health Librarian