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I feel really alone, I don't know who to turn to

Posted , 8 users are following.

greatgatsby
greatgatsby

Hi,

I'm 24 and I recently got diagnosed with severe IBS after six years of trying to find what's wrong. I'm happy I know what's wrong but I was also told there's a 5% chance I will EVER get back to normal - as in being able to leave the house and getting a job etc. My mum and sister are there for me but obviously can only do so much. I'm at the point where I'm just ready to end it all - the pains and everything else I have to deal with every day is too much. I feel so alone, I literally have no one to turn to. Sorry for the essay. Does anyone feel really alone?

0 likes, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • phil07766
    phil07766 greatgatsby

    Posted

    Every response I have read has been useful. So many of us have shared the feeling of hopelessness when we realize that this can be a lifelong condition. But as others have said, hope begins when you know you can identify a problem and take measures that will make a difference. I to started with the FODMAP diet and noticed in weeks which foods triggered the worst of my problems. Getting advice from my osteopath about physical exercises and stretches addressed many of my aches and pains. And using reflection and prayer have allowed me to manage stress levels much better. Keep talking to people about your issues without complaining and you will be surprised how soon you get connected to others who can help. Best wishes.
    • greatgatsby
      greatgatsby phil07766

      Posted

      Exactly, that's what I'm trying to do - to find hope. I'm happy I've found this forum, I think talking to people going through the same or sharing advice will help me a lot.

      I've tried FODMAP but my stomach gets aggravated at basically every food aside from two things so it's extremely hard. I've also been tube fed.

      Thank you for your advice

      x

  • leeniepie
    leeniepie greatgatsby

    Posted

    Not being funny but if you can't even be tube fed without issues then there is something more than IBS going on I would think. I know you're under a specialist which is great as it's so hard to get an appointment to start with. Have you been tested for crohns/UC?

    When you say everything aggrievates your stomach what exactly do you mean?

    • greatgatsby
      greatgatsby leeniepie

      Posted

      I've been sick for five/six years so I've been tested for a lot of things including crohns and UC and it's all come back negative.

      What I mean is that my stomach bloats, massive pains and aches even aches and pains in my bowels, stabbing pains and depending on what it is (say fruit or veg) I will instantly need the toilet. These pains will last for a couple of days after eating something my stomach doesn't agree with. So I tend to not eat anything really aside from two/three things I know I won't suffer with.

    • leeniepie
      leeniepie greatgatsby

      Posted

      It may be that your body has developed a conditioned response, so any time food enters your stomach you get pain. I had this when recovering from an eating disorder. Have you tried amitryptaline?
    • greatgatsby
      greatgatsby leeniepie

      Posted

      Yeah that medication is something I've tried more than once and it didn't work for me.

    • frazzled
      frazzled greatgatsby

      Posted

      Take another look at leenipie's response about a possible conditioned response to food (psychological) becasue I too suffer from this at times.  I'm afraid to eat because I anticipate having bowel problems.  If you're ruled out all things medical, it's a possibility your brain/stomach signals may be causing pain just thinking about eating causing pain.  Not uncommon.  Just a thot. 

    • greatgatsby
      greatgatsby frazzled

      Posted

      I appreciate your comment but it's not that I'm scared to eat, heck I'd love to eat but it hurts my stomach. I'm careful with what I eat to stop being in discomfort or bloating or needing the toilet straight away or the pains that last for ages. I'm not ruled out things all medical I have severe IBS and an extremely sensitive gut that empties too early.

    • frazzled
      frazzled greatgatsby

      Posted

      Believe me I understand how you feel.  I guess what I'd like to know is do you have anxiety before you eat (thinking that maybe the food is not going to stay in or will cause you pain)?  I've suffered with stress induced IBS for over 20 years and I know how terrible it can be and how it can turn ones life into hell on earth. 

    • greatgatsby
      greatgatsby frazzled

      Posted

      I don't have anxiety because I stick to the two things I know don't hurt me if I'm honest.

    • frazzled
      frazzled greatgatsby

      Posted

      Say those two things (just two food items can't be healthy for you) were not available to you.  What would you do?  Just curious.

    • greatgatsby
      greatgatsby frazzled

      Posted

      It's not healthy for me but if I don't get a load of pain from them then that's more important to me, my doctors know the deal.

      In reply to your question, I'd probably be screwed. Thing is I'm not happy that this is my situation but I have to do what I have to do to get through the day.

    • frazzled
      frazzled greatgatsby

      Posted

      I'm really sorry you are suffering.  I'm glad to know tho that your docs know what's going on with you.  Does plain rice agree with you?  A small portion?  I ask because I was able to eat rice crackers when I could eat nothing else and then I added the bananas.

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