How I Learned to Live with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

I have lived with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for eighteen years. My IBS symptom is sudden onset diarrhea also called nervous diarrhea. My body only gives me about two minutes of warning that I am going to need to use the restroom. Two minutes is not nearly enough time to find a restroom when I am out in public. The diarrhea is accompanied with severe stomach cramps, nausea and sweating. So not only am I stuck frantically looking for a bathroom, I am in pain and sick while I am doing it. IBS is an embarrassing condition. It is not easy or comfortable to explain to people that you have an incurable condition that causes chronic diarrhea. Fortunately through trial and error, I have learned ways to deal with my IBS.

I lived with IBS for several years without seeking medical attention. When I finally decided to see a doctor, I was relieved that my doctor was very understanding and that IBS is not dangerous. I was disappointed to find that IBS is not curable. For the next couple of years, my doctor prescribed various medications. I have tried anti-diarrhea medications such as, Immodium and Lomotil, neither of which worked for me. I tried the antispasmodic medication Bentyl, without any success. Finally, my doctor found a medication that was helpful. One of my biggest complaints of my IBS is that when I experience even the smallest amount of stress, I will get sudden-onset diarrhea. My doctor prescribed me xanax for times when I knew I was going to be in a stressful situation.

My doctor also suggested that I keep a log of foods that seem to set off my IBS symptoms. I have found that foods that are high in fat are the worst culprits. Spicy foods, which by the way are my favorite, are also a big culprit.

Eliminating foods that trigger my IBS and using xanax before stressful situations, have partially helped me. The dietary changes are not one-hundred percent successful. I can not always predict when I will encounter a stressful situation and so don't always know when I should take a xanax. So over the years, I have learned helpful ways for me to deal with my IBS.

I try not to leave the house, until I have been awake for at least an hour. This way I have a chance to go to the bathroom if I need to. If my stomach feels crampy, but I have not gone to the bathroom, I know to be concerned. Stomach cramps usually mean I am going to have an IBS day. I have found that if I deeply massage my abdomen to stimulate my intestines I can often induce a bowel movement and prevent problems later in the day.

If I am going to be going out, I eat very lightly. I have found that if I only eat a little bit, that I am less likely to have IBS symptoms.

If I know that I am going to go somewhere stressful, I take a xanax.

If i am going on a long trip, I eat very lightly for several day before the trip and all throughout the trip. This is difficult, because I am constantly hungry, but it is worth not having sudden onset diarrhea.

If I encounter stress throughout the day, I breathe slowly and deeply. I find breathing slowly and deeply helps to calm my body. While I am calming myself, I start looking for a restroom in case the deep breathing is not enough to fight off the IBS symptoms.

Most importantly, I never ignore an urge to use the restroom. I never know when that urge will become an emergency. I also try to always be aware of where a restroom is at all times.

To successfully live with IBS, I have found that I have to use dietary self control and advance planning. Even if I take every possible precaution, sometimes my IBS gets the best of me. All of those close to me are aware of my condition. I have learned not to be embarrassed. It is actually much easier if I can simply tell someone that I am going to be late because I am having a bad IBS day.

IBS is not the end of the world. Nor the end of a social life. It may not be curable, but it is manageable.