Living

I have always been different from those around me. I was the heavy girl in school—the girl who kept to herself and loved to read. I was never one to...

It has been years since I took any type of medication to treat IBS. Once I switched from IBS-D to IBS-M, effectively treating my symptoms became impossible. Sometimes trying to...

Since there has been a lot of talk about diet and what kind is most beneficial for those with IBS, I thought I would put in my 2 cents again...

Moving back to Illinois has given me more options for getting answers about my medical problems. Lately, it seems one thing gets better, and something else decides to act up...

I know better. I know that trying to treat symptoms in IBS-M usually leads to the opposite symptoms. Still, I was so desperate for relief that I threw caution to...

I am a social drinker for the most part. I enjoy going out with my friends and having a drink or two. I enjoy pouring myself a glass of wine...

My family wanted to head out to Rockefeller Plaza for the holiday season, now that we were all able to celebrate together again this year. The whole gang was reunited...

An IBS flare feels just like a stomach bug: there's not much you can do to make it better. At least for me, there is no medication or miracle remedy...

This last year I have spent it making a lot of changes in my life. The biggest is not working a typical 9-5 job anymore. Between the pandemic, my IBS...

Throughout my time contributing to IrritableBowelSyndrome.net, many people have shared their trials and tribulations dealing with IBS and raising children. How do you explain that you are sick a lot...

Living with a long-term health condition requires us to stay on top of everything: doctor’s appointments, new symptoms, insurance, and, of course, managing treatment – all while taking care of...

I was diagnosed with IBS well over 2 decades ago. In all this time, I have learned a lot. The most important lesson I have learned is I have no...

Ah, vacation! Time away from everything, maybe somewhere warm or somewhere exciting, the time of year we all look forward to. What’s more fun than packing a suitcase and getting...

I have written before about my daughter. 2021 was a turning point in our relationship. She is 14, and anyone who has a teenage daughter knows how hard it can...

Contracting COVID-19 was just about the last thing I thought I would have to deal with after the new year. After all, I managed to NOT get it for 2...

Official Rules, Terms and Conditions for the The Gift of Calm Giveaway NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE...

So, I did it. I finally completely kicked the nicotine habit. I quit smoking over 7 years ago, but I just quit vaping several months ago. Ditching a habit I...

My biggest feelings of regret fall into the time period right after a meal, when the familiar sensation of an upcoming IBS flare starts creeping in. When the damage is...

When going through a bad IBS flare, it’s important that you have a flare box. What do I mean by this? It’s a box or any container that contains self-care...

Getting diagnosed with IBS has had a lot of similarities with the 7 steps of grief. It's not strictly a 1:1 comparison, nor is my IBS journey in the same...