Living with IBS

"Dear Diary, Once again I am making my evening entry with shaking hands. Tomorrow at 10am I am scheduled to meet with my son`s school teacher. Will I be able to make it this time, or will I have to call and cancel at the last minute with yet another excuse? So far this year I have had a bad cold, the flu and a flat tire on my car. The teacher is going to start to wonder if I actually even exist. Even worse than not being able to make it again is the thought of what could happen after I get there. Will I get half way through our meeting and have to jump up and leave the room? If I do, will I be able to make it to a restroom? If I make it, will there be students in there? If there are will I be able to conceal my agony so that I neither frighten them or embarrass myself? So many things to think about just to get to and make it through a half hour interview. Wish me luck... until tomorrow."

For most people, reading something like this sounds just plain silly. How could anyone obsess over something as trivial as a parent teacher meeting? But for those who suffer from IBS ( Irritable Bowel Syndrome ) many small things come with BIG questions.

What Is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS) a common disorder of the intestines that causes tremendous pain and discomfort. The exact cause of IBS is not well understood although it is believed to be due to increased sensitivity of the bowel.

Who Does IBS Affect ?

The word Syndrome refers to not just one or two, but many symptoms. In fact IBS is not even considered a disease : it is considered a "functional disorder" because there are no signs of disease, and it can strike otherwise healthy people. The causes are multiple : biological, social and psychological factors can all contribute to the symptoms.

It is estimated that IBS affects 30-60 million people in the U.S. alone- most of them women. Most people who suffer from IBS don`t even know it. Some chalk it up to having a sensitive stomach, while others, because of the excruciating pain, feel that they may suffer from Crohn`s Disease or IBD ( inflammatory bowel disease ).

Fortunately, IBS although painful and inconvenient, is much more treatable and can be controlled to a great extent through diet and exercise.

Symptoms of IBS :

• Continuous or recurring abdominal pain ( from mild to excruciating )
• Altered motility ( constipation, diarrhea or both )
• Gas and bloating are quite common. Vomiting is not that common, but it can happen due to nausea from extreme pain. Symptoms can strike without warning any time of the day or night.

See Your Doctor :

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, be sure to see your Doctor so that he/ she can run tests to determine that you do in fact have IBS and not something more serious.

Keep IBS Under Control :

1. Read: Being well informed about your condition gives you the ability to control symptoms, instead of them controlling you.
2. Try foods that are: Low in fat, low in sugar and high in the right sort of fiber - a balance of cereals, wholegrain bread, fruits and vegetables.
3. Try to avoid: carbonated drinks , caffeine, fatty foods and anything containing artificial sweeteners.
4. Experiment: Keep a log of what you eat and how it affects you. Over time you will come to know to know what your triggers are. Just keep in mind that nothing is written in stone. Something that you eat one day may be the cause of agony the next. Sometimes the act of eating itself can cause great discomfort.
5. Exercise: Most doctors consider stress to be a key trigger of irritable bowel symptoms. Exercise is proven to improve your mood because it releases endorphins. Exercise does not have to be vigorous. Simple stretching, swimming or taking a short brisk walk can all help relieve symptoms.

You Are Not Alone:

Let`s face it: IBS is not the most glamorous of conditions. It is painful and can at times be embarrassing, but you are not alone. Although you will not see a telethon for IBS there are many support groups available that can be quite helpful and informative.