Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Living With Ibs

Question:
Any suggestions on treatment, recipes, or just helpful hints to living with IBS?  I thought I was all alone out there.  But now that I have access to the net I can see that there are a lot of people that are living with this problem.  Anything hints would be greatly appreciated...

Answer:
I don't have IBS as seriously as many people on here do, but it definitely affects my life in a major way - both physically and emotionally. It is hard and kind of scary to be told that you have this - and then to find out that you will probably have to deal with it for the rest of your life. How old are you? I am 21 and was first diagnosed 4 years ago.  I recently went back to the doctor after being sick again (didn't have any problems for 3 years) and was told that it is the IBS acting up - and I have been on and off sick for a few months now. First thing....you'll live! I found blunt honesty helps in most cases. I used to have a real problem with first dates or nervous situations. After faking that I had to go wash my hands, call someone, blow my nose, etc. I just said, hey listen I have stomach problems and I'm nervous. Most people are okay with it and some actually were attracted to a nervous guy because they said it meant I was sensitive? Anyways after you've told someone I found you have greater power over the IBS. Other useful tidbits is buy a bus pass if you take the transit. It let's you get on and off ant any of the multitude of donut shops on the way to work and you don't have to worry that you used your last ticket. Traveling: I love McDonald's we take them for granted in Canada but McDonald's has some of the cleanest and best washrooms in Europe and there usually free! Overall, relax! You'll live! Accept the inconvenience, identify where washrooms are when you arrive at a new spot and you're quite fine! Any suggestions on treatment, recipes, or just helpful hints to living with IBS.  I thought I was all alone out there.  But now that I have access to the net I can see that there are a lot of people that are living with this problem.  Anything hints would be greatly appreciated...