Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the overlapping conditions for most with fibromyalgia. IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). Like fibromyalgia, the exact cause of IBS is unknown. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms may wax and wane, but IBS is a chronic condition. The pain from IBS can be very extreme and can awaken one from deep sleep. For more details on what that is like, at night, read Irritable Bowel Syndrome at Night.
Most gastroenterologists suggest a diet high in fiber and low in fat for those with IBS. Some people experience more IBS symptoms after drinking alcoholic, carbonated or caffeinated beverages or eating chocolate, milk products or some vegetables and fruits. Stress, including changes in daily routine, can aggravate symptoms. Hormones are also believed to play a role since women are twice as likely to have IBS and their symptoms worsen during their menstrual periods. Medicines such as antispasmodics, laxatives, antidiarrhea medicines or antidepressants can greatly help those with IBS. When having a flare-up, it helps to eat the BRAT diet; Bananas, Rice (white), Applesauce and Toast. Apple butter on toast is one of my favorite things to eat when I’m not feeling well. After having food poisoning, when my IBS symptoms were at their worst, I found following The IBS Diet Cheat Sheet at www.helpforibs.com to be beneficial.
Unexpected symptoms can make it difficult to keep plans with others and to not miss work. While eating and drinking in public I have a little rule that I always stay 15 minutes after I have finished eating and drinking. This assures that if my stomach reacts to what I just digested I will be near a bathroom. I once skipped this rule and found myself running around New York City looking for a nearby bathroom. If you’ve never tried it, let me tell you how hard of a task that is! I also carry chamomile tea
What are your IBS tips?
You may also be interested in reading:
Probiotics & IBS
Fibro Feelings – Colonoscopy (no gross details)
Stash Chamomile Tea
Posted: October 11th, 2010 under IBS.
Tags: Food, Medicine, Pain, Stress
Comments
Comment from Pam Hunter
Time October 11, 2010 at 10:26 am
Mine pops up out of the blue for no reason (that I can tell) all the time. I will try the tea though. I think I have some in the pantry now. I love how we can visit each other’s blogs and help one another out with tips and support.
See you in Tweetland!
Pam
[Reply]
Comment from Patricia Gallant
Time October 11, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Yeah, I’ve run around looking for a washroom and have been unsuccessful. Nothing like crapping your pants in public. I carry a tea by Traditional Medicinals called Eater’s Digest. It works for all sorts of stomach ailments.
What’s worse than IBS cramps or menstrual cramps? Having both of them at the same time!
[Reply]
Felicia Fibro Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Thanks for your honest comment, Patricia! Unfortunately, I think that has happened to more of us with IBS that we’d like to admit!
I will be looking into that tea the next time I’m at the grocery store. I agree, cramps on top of cramps feel awful!
[Reply]
Felicia Fibro Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:43 am
My friend, who also has IBS, has a theory that those times where IBS flares seem to pop up out of the blue are caused by subconscious stress. I think she may be onto something because I’ve noticed I’ve had those flares when something has been nagging me a little, in the back of my mind, but I haven’t really been feeling stressed. Let me know what you think about the chamomile tea!
[Reply]