I haven't really said much on here recently but reading through people experiences, it seems you feel disappointed, dismissed and quite honestly totally let down by the system.
I've read things like "they can't do anything to help me" or "your tests are clear", be on your merry way back to the GP".
Often this means you're basically left to get on with it, no answers and the door feels closed.
Sadly more often than not this is the case, there are many conditions that people live with, that are well and truly debilitating with no cure and no answers. Some were born like that, others acquired problems during their life. Doctors love nothing more than curing people, some conditions can be fixed by cutting the problem out, stitching it up or by putting a plaster on a broken limb, which makes a happy doctor. They're probably frustrated in the system too and that they can't physically help you, which I think must be demoralising for them when they see so many.
The truth is for those that have problems, they learn to live with it and generate coping mechanisms, life in effect becomes a new normal. Yes some of the symtoms can be controlled with medication diet or physiotherapy but it's about taking control back. In a way you have to do what's necessary to win each battle, you have to help yourself.
IBS is a condition, a syndrome not a disease. Yes in my instance medication is helping me lead a semi normal life but everyday is a battle to get of bed, tend to my animals and go to work, for now I'm winning that battle. They'll be days that I can't get out of bed but do you know what, that's ok too, as you need that time to recover ready for the next day.
I've learn to cope and live a new normal, yes I get exhausted, but I'm not giving up, life is too dam short. I'm doing what I can, when I can, while I can. I've learnt not to sweat the small stuff, I've set myself goals, small achievable goals. The end of July I achieved one and it made me feel so good about myself. I have other goals that have needed a delay but I will get there.
To everyone of you, if you're not happy then do something about it. Get a second opinion, do your own research. Don't doctor google your symptoms as that will confuse you, although we all do it. Don't rely on what the Internet tells you, listen to your body, don't interpret your experience by what you've read, interpret your problem by how it feels to you personally.
If something is different and it can be recorded in a photo then take one, if it can't be physically seen, then write down how you feel and how it's affected you. You need to understand yourself first then it will set you up to make a stand when you need to. None of this is a quick fix, it all takes time.
I've gone on long enough, just thought I'd post this as it's how I deal with stuff. I know everyone is different but this is an open forum and thought I'd add a bit of positivity, some may like what I've said, some may not.
Good luck
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