For most, today is April Fool's Day, but for me, it's an opportunity for me to stand up on my soapbox and preach awareness about the chronic condition I, as well as 25-45 million Americans, (most of which are female) have called Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Over the last few years, I have donated for the cause & spoken out about my IBS on various platforms.
Why am I so open on a condition that isn't so glamorous ? It is my hope that being so transparent can help others, and let them know, they are not alone!
Unlike the pranks to be pulled, it's no joke living with and managing a chronic condition.
(Although I'll be the first to admit, I immaturely laugh at poop humor, and love the poop emoji)
IBS is invasive, intrusive, and unpredictable, it can control your life
BUT only if you allow it!
You CAN take back control of your life and embrace your condition by finding what works for you!
For too long, I was a prisoner to my symptoms, but through the IBSOS Clinical Trial I found relief, by changing my mindset about my condition and learning as much as I could about ways to alleviate or eliminate symptoms. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power.
IBS is VERY individual, therefore the severity of symptoms, as well as types of treatments and triggers will vary. For me, according to my gastroenterologist, I had/have "one of the most severe cases he had ever seen in all his years of practice." I went from emergency room visits, flare ups that lasted for weeks and nine pills a day to infrequent flare ups, the ability to LIVE my life without a fear of food, and currently only take two medications! I am beyond blessed to be living such a healthy and happy life currently, where I am in control, not my condition.
How Do I Manage Such a Complex Condition? Through trial and error, I found the treatments that work best for me. I follow a pretty strict regiment to keep my symptoms minimal, but for me, my health and happiness is worth it. I don't want others to think my solution is the only way, so I will be a bit vague, but it is a of a combination of what I call: my morning routine, linzess medication, an "Amber's IBS Friendly" Food list, exercising regularly, apple cider vinegar before each meal, yoga to alleviate any pain symptoms and remembering that every day with my body will be different and that no flare up will last forever.
Over the last few years, I have donated for the cause & spoken out about my IBS on various platforms.
- News Interview on my IBSOS Clinical Trial Experiences
- Digestive Health Alliance Ambassador_
- Featured Article in Digestive Health Alliance's Magazine
- Various Articles/Interviews about my IBS
Why am I so open on a condition that isn't so glamorous ? It is my hope that being so transparent can help others, and let them know, they are not alone!
Unlike the pranks to be pulled, it's no joke living with and managing a chronic condition.
(Although I'll be the first to admit, I immaturely laugh at poop humor, and love the poop emoji)
IBS is invasive, intrusive, and unpredictable, it can control your life
BUT only if you allow it!
You CAN take back control of your life and embrace your condition by finding what works for you!
For too long, I was a prisoner to my symptoms, but through the IBSOS Clinical Trial I found relief, by changing my mindset about my condition and learning as much as I could about ways to alleviate or eliminate symptoms. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power.
IBS is VERY individual, therefore the severity of symptoms, as well as types of treatments and triggers will vary. For me, according to my gastroenterologist, I had/have "one of the most severe cases he had ever seen in all his years of practice." I went from emergency room visits, flare ups that lasted for weeks and nine pills a day to infrequent flare ups, the ability to LIVE my life without a fear of food, and currently only take two medications! I am beyond blessed to be living such a healthy and happy life currently, where I am in control, not my condition.
How Do I Manage Such a Complex Condition? Through trial and error, I found the treatments that work best for me. I follow a pretty strict regiment to keep my symptoms minimal, but for me, my health and happiness is worth it. I don't want others to think my solution is the only way, so I will be a bit vague, but it is a of a combination of what I call: my morning routine, linzess medication, an "Amber's IBS Friendly" Food list, exercising regularly, apple cider vinegar before each meal, yoga to alleviate any pain symptoms and remembering that every day with my body will be different and that no flare up will last forever.
IBS Treatment Options
Click on the following posts to read more about types of treatments for IBS and which I personally useIF you have any personal questions, use the ccontact me tab or comment your questions below, stay strong, YOU are so much more than your chronic condition <3
- Do you or anyone you know suffer from IBS?
- What's your take on following a strict regiment for health reasons?
- Which post did you click on and find most informative?
