IBS, My Constant Companion

By 1Enfermita

1 min read

I was diagnosed with IBS 20 some years ago. Since then, I've tried different meds and methods.

Sometimes I go through short periods were I think I am ok, to fall back into full desperation where nothing else matters but where would I find a bathroom, what can I eat, and what I should wear.

Never being able to anticipate = daily frustrations

I always have to be ready in the event I get that awful urge/sensation that lasts seconds, and most times I don't make the toilet in time. I will be crying in utter frustration and not eat all day for fear it will happen again. I think I know most of my trigger foods, but to this day, sometimes I think even water will affect me.

Lately, we had a horrible, tragic loss in our immediate family. That, and the heat and humidity we are going through this summer, has me sicker than ever.

Can anyone relate? What advice could you share with me? My gastro suggested I take a probiotic fiber supplement; I don't know if that is any help.

This is my story.

Help others feel a little less alone.

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Karina Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="1Enfermita" user-id="4214134"/> I'm sorry you're struggling so much and I'm so sorry for your loss. Going through something like this is terrible and it's no wonder that it affects your IBS and how you feel overall. You're not alone with this. I'm going to share a couple of articles/forums with from other people who have written about the effects of grief on IBS: 1) <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/losing-someone-love-when-sick' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/losing-someone-love-when-sick</a>, 2) <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/stressing-times' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/stressing-times</a>, 3) <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/ibs-and-grief' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/ibs-and-grief</a>. The articles also contain some advice that I hope will help you. In addition to that, heat and humidity can definitely trigger symptoms. If you're interested, we have this article: <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/heat-humidity-affect-ibs' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/heat-humidity-affect-ibs</a> and this forum: <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/summer-heat-and-ibs-symptoms' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/summer-heat-and-ibs-symptoms</a> about it. Probiotics are very helpful for some people and not so much for others, so unfortunately you won't know until you try it. I do hope the supplement suggested by your doctor will help you. Big hugs, Karina (team member)
Kaze4 Member
You're not alone. I also suffer a lot about the unpredictability of this. I can't properly plan things, and I cry powerless when this realization is as its strongest. I also find temporary relief in the idea that, if I stop eating long enough, I'll finally be free from the threat, but that's a dangerous idea. I'm really sorry about your loss. I wish you strength through this. I wish you more moments of feeling "normal". I'm from Latam so I understand the meaning of your username. I get IBS is what links everyone together here, but you're more than your diagnosis, sometimes it's hard to see it that way, but we got to try
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
Firstly, I want to send you my deepest condolences for your loss. Going through grief can definitely onset symptoms. I'm wrapping you up in hugs. You aren't alone when it comes to dealing with urgency and not making it in time to the toilet. This happens to me often, and in public spaces. I've even written about it. Maybe reading will offer you some comfort: <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/public-accident' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/public-accident</a> and <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/urgency-abroad' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/urgency-abroad</a>. If I had to give you advice, it would be to be extremely diligent with your diet. For me, cutting out wheat, processed sugars and honestly any processed food was when I saw the biggest improvement. For a time I also did celery juice every morning and that was wildly helpful. Reach out if you ever want to chat! Here to offer support. Best, Elizabeth (team member)
KathyQS Member
1Enfermita, I could have written your story. So sorry for your loss, and understand the additional stress will not help your symptoms. My gastro recently put me on culturelle and benefiber daily, and it worked for a few weeks. You definitely might want to give a probiotic a try, and I sincerely hope it helps you. I think I got too comfortable with results and started eating things I should not be eating. Best regards.
Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="1Enfermita" user-id="4214134"/> I echo the sentiments and wisdom of the others who have posted. I would like to add one thought. If you try a probiotic, and you try to up your fiber, and neither of these has any effect, you would not be alone in that. Not everyone benefits. Personally, probiotics and fiber did nothing for me. We are all so different. I can tolerate a raw vegetable diet, for example. And my IBS-D changed when I lost 40 lbs. I was eating too much. It's good to ask others what they have done and try things out. In the end, that is the only way we discover the landscape of our own IBS. Do keep us updated, won't you? We care! Hugs, Kim, moderator