IBS Unfiltered

For years, I thought my stomach pain was just “stress.” That’s what everyone told me — doctors, friends, even myself. I’d have days where I couldn’t leave the house without scoping out every restroom on the way. My stomach would twist into knots after meals that seemed harmless, and I’d be left wondering what I did wrong this time.

The hardest part wasn’t just the physical pain — it was the shame. Trying to explain to coworkers why I missed meetings, or telling friends I couldn’t make dinner plans again, felt impossible. I became an expert at hiding it.

Eventually, after too many “normal” test results and dismissive answers, I found a gastroenterologist who really listened. Getting diagnosed with IBS was both a relief and a heartbreak — relief that it had a name, heartbreak that it might never go away.
If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. Your body isn’t broken, and your story matters.

-Anonyms