I added my story and what I find helps. Not sure where it got posted if at all? Im a new member and obviously need help lol

"Don't worry, It’s Only IBS!” Sound familiar? That’s what my doctor told me all those years ago; dismissing my symptoms like they were no big deal. But if you’re here, you already know that IBS is more than “just” IBS. 🚀 The Beginning of My IBS Journey I was around 15-16 when I first noticed something was wrong. It started with small stomach cramps, urgent trips to the toilet and feeling bloated after meals. I chalked it up to too much sugar and cut back on snacks. But the symptoms didn’t stop. They got worse. Suddenly, I wasn’t just avoiding junk food, I was afraid of eating anything**.** Foods that seemed harmless one day would cause agony the next. My life became a constant guessing game of "Will this meal ruin my day?" Then came my mock exams. Sitting in a silent room, stomach churning, praying I wouldn’t need to make a mad dash to the bathroom. The fear of that moment became bigger than the fear of failing my exams. That’s when I knew something was really wrong. 🔎 Searching for Answers (And Hitting a Dead End) I went to the doctor, hoping for clarity. After a quick stomach exam and some blood tests, they ruled out anything "serious" and shrugged it off as exam stress. Fine. Maybe they were right. Maybe once my exams were over, this would all disappear. But it didn’t. It only got worse. I started avoiding social events, football with my friends, even family gatherings, anything that involved being away from a toilet for too long. My life shrank. So I went back to the GP, determined to get real answers. Their response? "You're probably stressed about your results now." At this point, I was furious. How could this still be about stress? I’d been dealing with this for over a year. My frustration must have been clear because, finally, they mentioned IBS. “If it’s not Crohn’s or Colitis,” they told me, “it’s nothing to worry about. It’s only IBS.” Only IBS? Really? A condition that’s forced me inside and to hide away from the world, is reduced to sounding like a mere inconvenience? That one sentence shaped my entire experience with this condition (and would later form the title of this community and my site: ItsOnlyIBS.com!)

Hey 👋 Welcome to the community! I’m David, an IBS Specialist, and I created this group because I know how frustrating it is to deal with IBS alone. You’ve probably tried everything - diets, probiotics, medications and yet you’re still struggling to get real relief. If this sounds like you… 💡 This is your space to: ✅ Get expert guidance and ask me anything about IBS. ✅ Join weekly Q&As where I answer your biggest IBS questions. ✅ Access free IBS guides & resources to help you finally take control of your gut health. ✅ Connect with people who actually understand what you’re going through, because IBS can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Get the most out of the group by following these simple steps: ✅ Step 1: Introduce Yourself! 💬 Drop a comment below and tell us: - How long have you had IBS? - What’s your biggest struggle right now? ✅ Step 2: Check Out the Free IBS Resources! 📌 We’ve got expert resources on the Low FODMAP Diet, Food Diaries, Symptom Trackers, Fact Sheets and more. You can find them in the 'Classroom' tab above in the community section - We’ll be adding more as the community grows. These will usually be worth hundreds, but you get them for free! ✅ Step 3: Ask a Question for the Weekly Q&A! 📆 Every Monday, I’ll answer your biggest IBS questions in a live Q&A. Look out for the Q&A posts on Sunday of each week to ask your questions and come along! 💡 I’ll be here daily, answering your questions, sharing expert tips, and helping you get real IBS relief - so stay involved! -- 💰 Will This Always Be Free? Yes! This group will always be free for community support, Q&As, and expert insights. 💡 But I’ll also be adding exclusive VIP content, deeper workshops, and premium coaching options for those who want more personal guidance. No pressure, just extra help if you need it! 🔥 Let’s Get Started! You’re in the right place, and I can’t wait to support you. 🎉 💬 Drop a comment below & introduce yourself - let’s get to know each other! 👇👇