Support, Understanding and Hope

The Story of... Bex, age 19

Hobbies: Folk music, reading, writing poetry

Hi, my name is Bex and I have been suffering from ibs since I was 14. Since I started Uni in September it has been much worse. I have between 5 and 20 bowl movements per day and am have server stomach cramps. Sometimes it's hard just to get up in the mornings. My social life has really suffered although I have some good friends who don't mind hanging out in my room instead of going to the pub. I have tried several different medicines but none of them seem to work, although charcoal tablets seem to make the runs a bit better and massaging my stomach lessens the pain slightly. I wish that someday someone will find a permanent cure because ibs ruins many people's lives and causes great distress. It would be great if I didn't have to constantly run out of lectures to go to the toilet and it would be great if I could be free of pain. I know I am lucky in some ways though, as I have wonderful lecturers who are really understanding. My message to all you fellow sufferers is to try and make the most of everything you have, to make sure you have the support of your friends and family and to do everything in your own time. I know it's hard but we are all in this together. Thanks for reading this. Good luck to you all.

Bex