irritable bowel syndrome
"Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a complex and chronic disorder that can be debilitating for individuals on a daily basis and interfere with their social and work life.
--International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known as IBS, is a chronic and unpredictable condition. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a pattern of intermittent symptoms. Simply put, the function of a person's intestines who has IBS is faulty. The faulty interaction in the nerves and the muscles of the intestinal tract, Central Nervous System, and the "brain-gut" connection is what creates a slew of super fun symptoms. The intestines either function too much, resulting in IBS-D, don't function enough, causing IBS-C, or if you're lucky like me, you have IBS-C but experience bouts of urgency which is typically an IBS-D symptom.
My main symptoms are: bloating, distension, acute abdominal pain, urgency, feeling of incomplete emptying, constipation, low back pain, fatigue and heartburn. No two people's IBS symptoms will be alike, and neither will be their course of treatment.
I had my first endoscopy at seven.
I spent my school years throwing up with out a reason why and having constant bathroom problems.
I was diagnosed with IBS at 15 and had my gallbladder taken out at 16.
From 16 through my college years, my symptoms waged war on my body, I was hospitalized, poked, prodded, and examined.
My condition was controlling my life, I was miserable, and saw no end in sight
BUT
my my entire outlook on my chronic condition has changed, and so has the severity of my symptoms.
I may not glamorize my IBS with a belly button ring anymore
BUT
I can eat without being afraid of causing symptoms.
I can travel and go on vacation without fear of experiencing a flare up
I am more social and enjoy "IBS Irritants" within moderation
I have advocated and educated others at a conference in New York City and have been on multiple TV/Radio news segments
I have written or been interviewed for various articles sharing my tips of thriving with IBS
I HAVE TAKEN MY CHRONIC CONDITION AND USED IT AS A PLATFORM TO PREACH AND TO EDUCATE
I want to help you too learn how to THRIVE with your symptoms rather than simply survive them.
Click the button below to start THRIVING with your IBS and stop merely surviving
I am not a a medical doctor, and the information, advice, and tips provided are based on my own experiences with IBS and research I have done myself. My information is by no means a replacement for seeing an actual doctor, and any medication or supplements should not be taken unless you consult with your doctor first. IBS is a complex condition that is different for everyone, so what works for me, may not work for you. Keep reading, researching, and experimenting until you find what works best for your body!
