"I hate how my IBS affects my social life. Even with my pills there is a lingering fear that it'll flare up when I'm not at home. I have plans tonight with some friends and I'm feeling really anxious about it which in turn is making my stomach kind of upset. I should be looking forward to this." -A member on myIBSteam

On myIBSteam, the social network and online support group for those living with IBS, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. The impact of IBS on myIBSteam members' social lives is one of the top 10 topics most discussed.

Here are some conversations about social life:

• Missing all my kids' events, adult outings, eating out and socializing with friends, family events, and will be missing Canada 150 year celebrations!

• Been sad deep in thought and after 30 years of this I've realized every time its somebodies birthday Xmas social gatherings I start to be ill and it lasts for months!

• IBS sucks big time and there have been times that I've often wished that those who have never experienced it would have a bout of it so that they could maybe understand why it is not an excuse for our non-participation in some activities.

• I have to miss a comedy show tonight. My social life sucks.

• For the last week, I have been experiencing a lot of abdominal pain with diarrhea. It is affecting my social and work life!

• The telltale cramps have started. Thankfully I have no social life so I can camp out in the bathroom if need be.

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myIBSteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.