My IBS Story

Since the spring of the year that I turned 16, I have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  It was triggered initially by stress (peer issues), and I spent the last 12 years enslaved to my illness.  I could not go anywhere that there wouldn't be a restroom and I missed many important events because I was sick.   I took Immodium for almost every single day of my junior and senior years of high school, as well as almost every day at college.  I was briefly on anti-anxiety medication, to see if it helped, and it did some, but made me feel like I was not in control of my body and mind.  It removed my "filter" and everything that came into my head went out of my mouth.  (Not good in a business setting for sure, which is where I was at the time!)

However, three years ago, I experienced a beautiful reprieve from the pain and embarassment.  Pregnancy!  When I was pregnant with my first baby, Brooke, I felt amazing.  It was like I wasn't sick anymore.  I didn't have even a touch of morning sickness with her, and I could eat whatever I wanted (which I unfortunately did!) So, when I became pregnant with Lauren, 8 months after Brooke was born, I thought the good feelings would continue.  Alas, they did not and I felt incredibly ill, morning sickness until almost mid-pregnancy, and my IBS was back in full swing.   Then, four months after Lauren was born, I became pregnant with Sam, and my IBS got even worse.  I rarely even made it to church in the last few months of that pregnancy, because I was so ill and didn't want to spend the service hiding in the bathroom.  I also had incredibly bad morning sickness, again until around 20 weeks, and as soon as that let up, I developed some gallbladder pain. 

But... I am excited to say that for the last three weeks, I've hardly been sick.  I've been able to eat a few treats here and there that I wouldn't have normally been able to eat.  I've been able to go to places without restrooms nearby and without needing to scope out bathrooms immediately upon arriving places.  I've been able to spend time with friends without having to leave abruptly.  I'm still tired, but we can blame that on the three month old.  :-)  Want to hear about my miracle cure?  I'll tell you tomorrow!