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The
Story of... Kat, age 16
Hobbies: Playing
Guitar, going to concerts, crafts
I have just read through all
these stories and in a way feel a bit of a cheat to tell mine. However, I
feel, in a way, it is important to give a fuller view of the ambiguous
disorder IBS.
I was diagnosed with IBS previously this year. I had recently recovered
from a stomach virus that caused severe vomiting and diarrhoea and was
finding myself on the toilet every night at midnight or later, having
terrible stomach pains, trouble sleeping and anxiety attacks. My family
and friends finally convinced me to see a doctor, who was very nice and
immediately diagnosed me with IBS (stressing to me all the while that it
was NOT a disease - something of a comfort and a curse).
I have since got medication for when my attacks get bad (Colofac) and have
engaged in the use of the wonderful hot water bottle and antacids! Since
diagnosis, my symptoms have been much easier to manage and only occur
during stressful times (like exams). My nan also suffers from IBS and used
to suffer from anxiety attacks when younger, something that helped me
overcome mine. I only experienced constant symptoms and anxiety attacks
for a month, forcing myself to "stop being so stupid".
I have never missed school because of IBS, missed out on social trips
because of it, passed out with the pain or let others tease me about it.
IBS is something many people have, and many have it much worse than me. So
i ignore it. I eat what i want - heck my stomach will probably play up
anyway so i might as well enjoy myself! And now i sit here, with my
stomach rumbling slightly, and I don't care. I have IBS. Big deal. It
could be much worse. I have learnt to laugh at my symptoms and now enjoy
as socially active a lifestyle as i choose, and i love it.
Kat
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