I Have Something To Share…
It’s been a difficult time lately, and for a while, I’ve had something to share. I’ve written this post to explain why I haven’t written much over the festive period…
18+ Months Ago
During my second year of university, I started experiencing frequent upset stomachs and an urgent need to use the bathroom. At first, I thought it was dietary. I was living the typical student life, eating out and drinking. But after a few weeks with no improvement, I confided in some friends. They urged me to get checked out, especially since dietary changes hadn’t made a difference. Around the same time, I also began experiencing other symptoms.
Since getting a GP appointment was difficult, I went to my local walk-in center. After an appointment, I was told I was just dealing with constipation and was sent home with a laxative. It didn’t help. Before starting my next semester, I finally managed to see a GP.
After blood tests, the GP suspected food sensitivities and diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I spent months going back and forth, undergoing more tests, trying different medications, and eliminating foods. But nothing worked. Juggling university and work while feeling unwell took a toll on me, and the stress only made things worse.
Fast Forward to Graduation
After graduation, things got worse. By then, my life revolved around either work or home, as nowhere else felt safe. I was constantly anxious, either about not making it to the bathroom in time or being completely floored by the pain.
Other than work, I barely went anywhere. Home was my safe space. If I had a bad day or the pain became too much, I could just stay in bed. At work, though, I had the most amazing support system. I was juggling two jobs at the time, but for a few hours each day, I could distract myself. I knew there was always a bathroom nearby, and if things got really bad, I could talk to management without feeling like a burden.
Then something hit me…
I was so focused on trying to push everything aside and just be “normal” that I didn’t even realise my symptoms were changing. Every time I felt hungry, I also felt nauseous. Even the smell of certain foods made me feel sick. Because I was put off eating so easily, I wasn’t eating properly. And what I was eating had little to no nutrients. I ended up losing weight fast…8 pounds in less than three weeks.
Convinced it was just a stomach infection, I went back to the doctor. The treatment? “Drink lots of fluids and see if it passes.” It didn’t. So, I had another appointment, more blood tests.
Two days later, I got a call. I was being referred. Emergency hospital appointment.
I just felt panic.
It was a bit ridiculous, really. I didn’t even know why I was being referred until I got to the appointment. But I couldn’t help it. I felt embarrassed by what was happening to me, and now I had to share it all over again to yet another person.
The Waiting Game
Right now, I’m waiting to go in for an endoscopy and have some biopsies taken. I won’t lie—I feel a bit embarrassed about it, but I know it needs to be done. At least there’s gas and air available. Bonus!
I’m currently on steroids (Prednisolone) to help with the inflammation, and they’re making me ridiculously tired and constantly hungry. As for my blog, there’s going to be a bit of a delay in posting, but I’ll keep you updated on everything that’s happening.
I went back and forth on whether I should even share this part of my life here. But after researching IBD, I realised how many young people are affected by it. Reading other people’s stories has been reassuring, so maybe mine can do the same for someone else. I’m definitely not an expert, I’m just starting to learn all of this myself. But whatever I do learn, I’ll share. Hopefully, it helps someone.
As always, thanks for reading…
