Amazing things you have done / plan to do, despite your IBS

[Briggsy0304]

So I've been trying really hard to stay positive despite all of the challenges I've faced, especially recently, with my IBS. I thought I'd try & start a kind of positivity type conversation to see what others have managed to do.

IBS is incredibly debilitating, disabling & mentally challenging at times, so I consider anything small to be a big success.

What I've done:

Travelled Europe, Asia & Australia

Worked abroad for a year

Built a respectable career

Continued to gain qualifications in my field

Been a best man / Groomsman, twice

Learned to weight train

Own property

Adopted some ridiculous diets, Elimination, Fodmap, elemental (Seriously, people without IBS have NO idea how hard this is.)

What I'm going to do:

Travel & work abroad again

Start a family (terrified of this one)

Continue living the healthiest possible life I can

Continue career development

Learn to box

Learn a new language

Win the lottery (Ok, maybe not this one)

What amazing things have you done, despite your IBS?

[BabsyWabsy]

Impressive. Can't beat that list Brigsy, but I did go horse riding on the beach for my 65th birthday, having driven from Yorkshire to South Wales to do it. It was a fabulous experience. It seems to me that having something to really focus on helps to quiet gut things down a bit.

[Briggsy0304 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

That's amazing. I think I'd be terrified of horse riding. Pretty sure I'd fall off!

[Maureen1958]

Okay, here goes:

Bought a flat on my own

Divorced my first husband

Sold my flat and bought a house with my second husband

Got married to my second husband

Had a misscarriage

Gave birth to my son (well had emergency caesarean anyway)

Struggled but managed to bring up my son who has ADHD as well as trying to manage my IBS with just my husband's support as no family on hand to help

Since my son left home for university 8 years ago, he is currently in the last stages of submitting his thesis for a PhD in Quantum Physics:

I have been experimenting with supplements and anything else I come across on this site and the web generally to find an answer, although it's not looking too good

Although it seems to have taken over more and more of my life, I take advantage of each opportunity I can to get out and enjoy time with my wonderful husband (recently retired)

I will continue fighting this monster even though I don't think I will win

[Briggsy0304 in reply to Maureen1958]

Certainly sounds like you've lived a full life, despite this awful condition!

[Maureen1958 in reply to Briggsy0304]

Yes, I guess I have. I think this is a good exercise for everyone to do because most of the time we are just feeling sh!t, and sometimes it's a good idea to take a step back and think what we have achieved. A very good idea of yours. We should all do this now and again.

[Briggsy0304 in reply to Maureen1958]

I just think with IBS it's so hard to live a normal life. I like to celebrate and fully enjoy every little success or adventure I can.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Fantastic that you're so positive.

If you need help and support with your IBS please get in touch theibsnetwork.org

Any elimination diet should be undertaken with the supervision of a registered dietitian.

[Cardiacphysiologist]

I love this idea! I have travelled to 34 countries including India - the diarrhoea capital of the world (and my IBS didn’t play up at all there!).

I did the closing speech at my graduation in front of lots of people

I flew halfway across the world by myself

I have a job in which I save lives from heart attacks all hours of the day (lots of Imodium needed though 😂)

Graduated university with the highest grade in the class despite almost missing my first ever exam as I had an IBS anxiety attack.

My next challenge? Go to Argentina and go down to Patagonia to see penguins!

[Briggsy0304 in reply to Cardiacphysiologist]

These are some amazing achievements. Well done