My little success story - if i can overcome it, anyone can!

[LaurenEland]

Hi All - I'll introduce myself, I'm Lauren, and i'm 18. And i used to suffer with Emet.

When i was 14, i got diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - it's nothing serious and it affects a hell of alot of people. But for me it was quite serious, my stomach became sensitive to many foods, meaning that if i ate them i would usually v*.

This was quite a stressing time and from this i became terrified of V*. I used to have to look at what i ate and time how long after i could possibly get ill from it. And i separated myself from possible things that could easily make me poorly. Like alcohol and meat products - especially chicken.
Another thing that got to me was the winter months, where i rarely used to go out, because i was that scared to pick up a b*and my little anti-virus hand spray was an absolutle lifesaver for me, took it everywhere.

I think the point that i'm putting across is that after all of that above, that i went through on a daily basis, it's all gone. And i don't have to worry about it any more. Yes, i do still carry my hand spray around with me as a precaution, but lets face it no-body likes getting sick.
I'm very proud of myself for improving because at one time i thought i'd be stuck in a deep dark hole altogether. I'm very happy with the way things have turned out.

There is light at the end of that very dark tunnel that you might be in, trust me. And if i can do it, with the way i was acting absolutely anyone can. Keep that chin up, think positive and i can vow to you that things DO get better.
I did rely on loads of people on this forum when i suffered from it, so i would like to thank each single one of you for that advice that you did give me because it helped a hell of alot! Thank YOU!
As for the IBS, theres no 'cure' but you just have to work with what you can eat, it's a kind of 'treat your body with respect - it'll reward you' kind of scenario.

Each single person that is going through this, inspires me, because i know the pain, panic, worry that your all going through.
Remember keep that chin up, keep smiling, and think positive

All the best... Lauren. x

[out_of_order]

I'm so happy for you! But how did you do it? How did you get over this fear? That information would help greatly!

[LaurenEland]

I started to challenge myself, i did things that i didn't usually want to do. Go shopping on my own, go to places that were a little far away from home and try and not to panic. And i tried to stop being so dependent on things, such as my hand spray, and other people.
Don't get me wrong there will always be little hiccups, but things are a lot better.