For the past several months, I've been dealing with stomach pain that never seems to go completely away. I've had trouble concentrating at work, have basically stopped exercising except for walking, have low energy, and have been eating really erratically. Basically, I haven't felt like myself for about half of 2012. Majorly annoying.
After a couple of visits to my primary doctor, I still had no answers about what was wrong. I started second guessing myself. Was I just imagining my pain? Was it all in my head? If there's anything worse than feeling sick, it's worrying that your brain has somehow imagined everything and that you're just not strong enough to "get over it."
Then yesterday, I visited one of my new favorite people in the whole world, my GI doctor. He reassured me that no, this was not all in my head, and that yes, it looks like my symptoms match a syndrome that actually exists. Also major plus: there's things I can do to feel better, and I don't have to keep questioning what is going on with my body. (Again, sparing you all the fun details!)
So while I'm not happy I have a chronic digestive issue, I am very happy that I have a good idea of what I'm dealing with. No more questioning. No more feeling down on myself for not being able to get better.
My mom recommended looking for the silver lining in this (aka: finding joy in all things!), and I think I've found it.
The upside to all of this stomach trouble is that it's going to force me to lead a very healthy lifestyle. I'm supposed to exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, get 7-8 hours of sleep, and eat a healthy, high fiber diet (25-30 grams a day). I'll also be trying to avoid high fat foods, highly processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine. So alcohol and caffeine -- major boo -- but like I told my brother, at least I'm 27 and not 21. That would have been terrible.
Ready or not, I'm about to get down with me and my healthy self! Bring.on.the.fiber (BOTF).
Thanks for reading!