How Seeing a Psychologist Helped My IBSThere have been moments when having IBS has caused me despair. So much so that I’ve been frightened of what might happen next. In fact, so frightened that it shocked...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Let's Talk CardiovascularDuring my most recent visit to my GI doc, we were brainstorming about possible ways to ease my stress and anxiety in order to reduce the frequency and severity of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Flare of NegativityIt feels like my abdomen is an overfull balloon. It is puffed up and out and uncomfortably tight. I’ve come home after eating dinner at a friend’s house, and I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Please...Just Hear Me OutI am a very open person. If you want to know something about me, just ask. I’ll tell you most anything about me, warts and all. That said, I’ve mentioned...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Having IBS Isn’t Child’s PlayDid you ever play that game as a kid where you imagine the ground is hot lava and you have to step on stones (or pillows and furniture, if inside)...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Water: Just How Important it Can BeI have a drinking problem...but I don't necessarily mean just with alcohol. I have sworn off alcohol for the better part of 12 years, but had to replace the alcohol...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How the Little Things You Do Each Day Can Affect Your IBSIBS can be triggered by all sorts of things, including stress, certain foods, lack of exercise, illness, and medications. But it can be calmed by other things, including gentle exercise...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Time I Quit My Job In a Stretcher (Part 1)It was extremely hard for me to write about this topic because during the past years of losing jobs, I was going down a really dark, depressive road. To be...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Simple Technique to Help with StressStress is a major trigger for IBS symptoms in many people. In fact, stress can sometimes be such a powerful trigger that it can override all the other management strategies...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Invisible WarI thought I might say a word or two about the ‘invisible’ nature of IBS. We ‘just’ have IBS, right? The stigma and lack of understanding associated with this terrible...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Blood Test to Diagnose IBSFor many of us, getting the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a time-consuming and costly process, involving multiple visits to doctors and many tests. Doctors generally consider all...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Straight Talk About My Bathroom BluesI don’t like talking about bathroom symptoms with strangers. Honestly, I don’t. But I can’t help it. That’s because, like clockwork, I can’t make it more than ten minutes into...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What I Wish Others Knew About IBSSince April is IBS Awareness Month, Hess would like to help raise awareness by sharing some facts he has learned about IBS and what he wishes others knew about it...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
IBS-Friendly Fish TacosWho loves taco Tuesdays!? I know I do! I remember growing up eating tacos and my mom always had her special way of making it with her delicious seasonings and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why Advocate for IBS?My mother actually asked me why I would put my name and face to articles about IBS and more specifically, my own IBS. Her candor took me off guard, but...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Inner IBS Ninja Strikes AgainIt’s been less than a year since I was diagnosed with IBS-C and I’m still learning about this blasted thing. I could easily make excuses for that. I have multiple...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Making the Low FODMAP Diet EasierThe low FODMAP diet is one of the most effective strategies available for managing IBS symptoms, but it’s also one of the most difficult dietary strategies to follow. I know...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
5 Things I Wish You Knew About IBSHave you seen that new movie, Constipated? It hasn’t come out yet. And the sequel, Diarrhea? It leaked, so they had to release it early. Maybe you're laughing at these...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Is It like to Have IBS?It’s hard for people who don’t have IBS to know what it feels like, so here’s a little exercise to help anyone who doesn’t have IBS understand what it’s like...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
God? Please Send Chinese Food...God? If you’re listening, I would like to make a request. Please take away my IBS for one day…just one day…or two, if you’re feeling generous, so that I can...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments