The 12 Days of (an IBS) Christmas

So it’s that time of year again, the silly season is here and things can start to get a little crazy!  There’s parties and gatherings to attend, food to be cooked and enjoyed, carols to be sung and fun to be had.  But it’s also when ordinary people get a little taste of IBS!  Stomach aches, bloating, afternoon naps and trips to the toilet are often part of many people’s Christmas when they indulge a little too much!  However, for someone with IBS, this is their daily life and the simple act of just surviving the holidays without IBS ruining it might be high on the wish list this year.

It can be really tough not to dread the gatherings and parties with family and friends when you just have no idea how the day will go.  You don’t want to say no to things and be a scrooge, but you also have to be mindful of looking after yourself and getting through it the best you can. It can be hard to relax and enjoy yourself when you're trying to manage your food triggers and the food looks so good but you’re not sure what will be safe for you to eat. This time of year can also cause stress and anxiety to increase and you may worry when you at are someone's house and there is just one toilet for a whole group of people to use, what happens if you need to go!  It can be stressful and tiring, but it can also be a time to enjoy the company of others, give and receive gifts and appreciate the people you love.

Christmas is also a time for song and I thought that some of us may need a little laughter in our lives so thank you to Ellen from Migraine.com for inspiring me to rework this classic Christmas song. It can be good to see the funny side of life at times, so sing along, you know the tune, have a laugh and try and enjoy yourself the best you can!

The 12 days of (an IBS) Christmas

On the 1st day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me something you just don’t want to see

On the 2nd day of Christmas my IBS gave to me 2 bloated stomachs

On the 3rd day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me 3 toilet rolls

On the 4th day of Christmas my IBS gave to me 4 nauseous feelings

On the 5th day of Christmas my IBS gave to me 5 belly aches

On the 6th day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me 6 pain killers

On the 7th day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me 7 times I’m running late

On the 8th day of Christmas my IBS gave to me 8 times I’m exhausted

On the 9th day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me 9 gassy bursts

On the 10th day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me 10 times a napping

On the 11th day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me 11 cramping tummies

On the 12th day of Christmas, my IBS gave to me 12 toilets flushing