IBS and Life in New Zealand
By James, from Auckland, New Zealand I do know it does put life in a different perspective; I think I know where every public convenience in Auckland is. It would be great to just hop on a bus or go to the beach with friends at the drop of a hat, sorry guys gotta plan a little in advance. I have been fortunate to able to do a lot of outdoor activities (Imodium is my friend) and even have a job as a truck driver luckily places I deliver have toilets.
I get very anxious if i have to be a passenger but can do it small distances. I have had relationships ruined due to IBS as it restricts a lot of activities of the outdoor nature but i managed to marry a supportive wife and have 3 children. I take one day at a time each day is completely different some good some very painful. It can be depressing and very draining. I always carry toilet paper in the glove box and a spare set of clothing in the car ya never know when that horrible sweat is going to rear its head. 
IBS and life in New Zealand - Some people in my family have not quite accepted it and said its in your head they are quite right in some instances the fear of not being near a toilet at a desperate moment does play on your mind constantly. I have found I cannot eat a lot of favourite foods such as deep fried, ice cream is a big no no, coffee is no go! god i love the smell, baked beans and egg together is off limits. Some things have eased the pain aloe Vera juice, drinking plenty of water eating much smaller meals and because my symptoms are more in the morning i won't eat after 7:00 or 7:30pm to give plenty of time for digestion but i do have breakfast to kick start the day.
The thing that really surprises me is the speed an attack can arise i was riding my bike in the mountains when an attack came just instantly, my god Lance Armstrong would not have caught me! I guess a sense of humour also helps especially when someone is in the next cubicle wondering wtf is that guy murdering in there. One of my biggest fears was exam time knowing I would be stuck in a room for 3 hours without any escape and this was going to happen 5 times in 2 weeks i think i went to the toilet 10 times before each exam. Oh well guys keep well and remember your not alone!!!
|
