IBS-for-Life : Olives Story

By Olive from Wiltshire UK

I was first diagnosed with IBS in the late 1980's.

It manifested as a result of the extreme daily stress I endured through my job and the resultant pressure of trying to juggle my job versus family.

I'd never heard of this condition, let alone suffered with it.

The knowledge that my job was the cause only added to my stress. I was the family's sole wage earner, in well paid employment and I was trapped.

My husband had lost his job and we decided that, of the two of us, I would have the higher earning potential so, at the age of 32, I returned to full time education and worked hard to gain secretarial qualifications to support my family in a career which, I believed, offered higher earning prospects than my former jobs as a shop worker prior to having my children.

Having finally gained such employment in a fast growing Planning Consultancy, as per my nature, I gave it my all at the ultimate expense of my health and the neglect of my family due to the excessive hours I had to work.

A 12+ hour day was often the norm and I rarely had a weekend where I did not have to work either one or both days.

I learnt to mask the constant trips to the toilet with the excuse of going to the photocopier, doing my mountain of never ending filing, searching for documents, etc.

The medication I was taking helped to cut down those trips but my life revolved around fast and immediate access to toilet facilities.

I knew nothing about diet or natural health treatments in controlling this condition but continued to endure over the years.

Ten years later I had no choice other than to leave that job by means of entering into a Compromise Agreement with my employers, by then, not surprisingly, having also developed RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

My husband and I struggled for over a year living on benefits before I luckily gained part-time employment as a Museum Assistant in our local Museum and Art Gallery.

Also, very conveniently, the toilets were situated right next to the Reception Desk! Over 20 years on I still have IBS, albeit less frequently than the earlier years.

It does, however, remain a dominating factor of my life. I wish I could return to being a "once a day" girl.

When the need arises heaven help anyone who blocks my path to the loo. This condition is very embarrassing and torture to live with.

The feelings of shame and disgust I feel when I haven't quite made it to the toilet are very hard to bear.

You feel that everyone is looking at you and judging you and I suppose, in all fairness, unless they have suffered themselves then how could they understand?

I only wish they would remember the saying "Do not judge me until you have walked a mile in my shoes".

Return from IBS-for-Life to IBS Stories

Return from IBS-for-Life to Home page