I like to think that I do my bit for the IBS community - I run several websites with IBS info, case studies etc, I write this blog, I am a moderator on an IBS self-help forum, and I write articles on IBS for other websites and newsletters.
And, of course, while doing these things I suffer myself - at the moment I am suffering pretty badly, as my recent blog entries will show...
And because I do all these things I receive quite a lot of emails from fellow IBS sufferers, many saying thanks for the websites, which is wonderful - I always like getting those! Some ask questions about IBS research or symptoms etc, and that's fine too - happy to help.
But quite a few people ask me for specific advice for their own symptoms, and I'm writing this entry to try to explain why I just can't help them.
Firstly, because I can't even help myself...my IBS is far from under control, and therefore I obviously don't have all the answers.
Secondly, because I am not a doctor and have no medical training at all, not even a tiny bit, and therefore if I told someone to take a particular supplement or avoid a particular drug I might just kill them.
And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, because I need help too. I had an email the other day from someone whose mother had a very bad case of IBS, and the email asked me to "please save my mom". The writer was obviously in a great deal of distress and I really sympathise with her, but I just can't take on the responsibility for anyone else's health when I am in so much pain myself - please don't ask me to.
Like I say, I hope I do my bit for the IBS community, and I still love to receive emails - all I'm asking is that you when you email any webmaster you think about who they are in 'real life', especially if you're asking for help. Cause I need help too!
You all need to try Heather von Vorous's "Eating for IBS". It saved me.
Hi, I recently found your site and it made me feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one, even with all the IBS sites around I still feel like I'm suffering alone at times. I've had IBS for nearly 5 years and I'm 23 now so for the best part of my teens when I should have been getting drunk & having fun were spent with a hotwater bottle lol
I moved early this year to a new home & it seemed to calm down a little but over the past few weeks it's come back with a vengence. Not only an I getting the cramps and all the rest of the normal loo problems but now I'm getting the worst stomach pain I've ever had coupled with feeling sick all day long....so right now I needed to read your site lol thanks
To Jamie - yes, Heather's diet does help a lot of people, although not everyone, and for those who haven't heard of it it's based on using soluble fiber to calm the gut.
Hi my name is Kateland and I have a severe form of constipation I am only 17 and I have ibs, I found out about a month ago I have had problems going to the bathroom all my life yea it sucks. I am trying milk of magnesia I hope it works, I just had a terrible gut wrenching episode with Dulcolax whoever made that stuff should die. My constipation is so bad I can go weeks without a bowel movement, I am often in constant pain. well anyways thats my little story -Kateland