"The moment I received my official diagnosis, I dropped all my assumptions about IBS. It was so freeing." -Member of myIBSteam

Living with a chronic condition can be difficult and even a burden, but also an opportunity to rid yourself of what you think you know.

Have you heard the saying, "People don't get it until they get it"? That is so true about IBS.

"The more I learn about IBS, the more I realize that it's not my fault." -Member of myIBSteam

An IBS diagnosis forces us to drop our negative assumptions about life with a chronic condition. Members on myIBSteam gain perspective from other members' experiences to become better informed about what it's really like to live with IBS.

Here are recent conversations from members of myIBSteam:

• "I’m learning fast which things make me ill, but I’ve got to tell you, I found stress upsets me a great deal so I’m giving it up."
• "Be careful about what fiber you use; I had issues with the first fiber medicine I tried. It’s just a learning process. I’m still learning as I go. Keep a daily meal journal and side effects you have after each meal so you can figure out what causes issues with you."
• "I was diagnosed with IBS this year too. As a person who likes being in control and routine the whole IBS has been a real eye-opener and experience eye-opener just take one day at a time and if you need any support and advice come to this group."

What negative assumptions have you let go of about IBS? Tell us about it in the comments below or directly on myIBSteam.com.