Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Click to see full disclosure. Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and any information here is just that, information about my personal experience. Please seek guidance from a medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle or taking any medications.
A Personal Story
So, I didn’t think I would ever be talking personally about the topic of IBS. I can talk much more openly about anxiety, though I admit, at first that too was a challenge and a bit scary.
As you know, the name of this blog is Finding the Fearless Life and that is what I have been trying to do. Live life fearlessly. Part of that journey began when I shared my struggle with anxiety.
And it now continues in regard to my struggles with IBS. Often times the two are tied together. They don’t necessarily cause one another but they sure do feed off of each other.
What is IBS?
For those of you who are unfamiliar, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is what you would imagine. Irritable bowels. In a word, it is a chronic condition that can flare up at times, be quiet at times, or just continually be a pain in the… Well, you know what I mean.
It isn’t deadly or contagious, but it is a condition that causes you to have uncomfortable abdominal pain and discomfort and a variety of very inconvenient bowel habits.
Because of the tendency for one to suffer from either diarrhea and/or constipation or urgency at any given moment, it can cause major disruption to one’s life. Many people with this condition live their lives highly aware of where the nearest bathroom is.
No matter where they are, they need to know in advance where a restroom is should nature suddenly call. Because of the uncertainty of this, it can cause major anxiety. Any related or unrelated anxiety can cause IBS symptoms to flare up. It is a vicious cycle.
My Journey
I have been dealing with IBS for over 15 years. But it wasn’t until about 6 years ago that I really knew what was going on. After a series of tests (all was well), I was told it was likely IBS. There are a few medications available for treatment, but because of some of the side effects, they are not an option for me.
My IBS, along with my anxiety has impacted me in negative ways. For one thing, traveling when you have IBS can be a nightmare. As of right now, for me personally, I prefer to travel by car as I can make stops as needed and if needed. It gives me a sense of control over something this is often uncontrollable.
One of the ways I have tried to manage IBS, is to try several of the recommended options such as taking probiotics, fiber supplements, Immodium A-D, drinking lots of water, avoiding certain foods, etc. While at times these can provide some relief, they aren’t a cure-all by any means.
I did have spans of time where I have few symptoms but inevitably they would return. So I would try other things to help combat this issue. Honestly, it has really been a challenge.
Finding New Ways Manage IBS
At this point, I am in a new phase of life for a few reasons. I have decided to start focusing on my self-care. And that means I have implored a variety of ways of taking better care of myself. Body, Mind, and Soul. (You can see my posts on self-care and managing anxiety to get some ideas or tips.)
As of a few months ago I had been feeling very bloated and had gained a couple of pounds. I decided to try Weight Watchers. In the process, I have lost a total of 17lbs to date and as a bonus side effect, my acid reflux is gone! That in and of itself is amazing! I had been on medication for that for a couple of years and didn’t really like taking it.
Right now, I no longer need it! Yippee! (I think this is in part due to the weight loss but due to also avoiding dairy and caffeine. They both can trigger acid reflux symptoms.)
While on this plan I have eliminated sweets (mostly). I was a big sugar fanatic. Sweets were my downfall. Can anybody say OREOS?? I digress. After subduing my sugar cravings (for the most part), I have also eliminated milk and ice cream from my diet. I now drink Almond milk, which I really like! Not having ice cream is a bummer, but I will search for some non-dairy options.
Lifestyle Changes
While on the WW plan I have been eating a whole lot better overall, with many more whole grains, fruits, and veggies. My IBS has changed its symptoms but it isn’t gone at this point. I have decided to now go completely dairy-free. No cheese, butter, or sour cream. Some of my favorite things. I have been off of all dairy for 10 days now and we will just see how it goes. I am hopeful this will help.
As I mentioned earlier, IBS & anxiety like to coexist and thankfully I currently have my unrelated anxiety (mostly) controlled and am now incorporating new ways to improve both my physical and mental health, such as :
- Weight Watchers
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Exercise
- Drinking more water
- Avoiding carbonated beverages
- Eliminating artificial sweeteners
- Avoiding any and all alcohol or caffeine. (Which hasn’t been too hard as I don’t drink usually alcohol and usually try to avoid caffeine anyway, because it is bad for anxiety, acid reflux and I have recently learned bad for IBS, too.)
By doing all of these things I am hoping to manage my IBS symptoms and keep anxiety at bay. This journey is just that, a journey.
Education
One of the things I have been continually doing is educating myself on this condition and various ways to manage it. If you struggle as well, I urge you to read up on it. Here are a few resources:
Ultimately it boils down to trying various food and lifestyle changes (including stress management), keeping track of your food intake, and noting any symptoms that occur thereafter. What is a trigger food for you may be fine for me. Medications and supplements can also help.
I am hopeful that my latest approach, (eating more healthfully and omitting dairy, taking probiotics) will prove beneficial to relieve symptoms. If it doesn’t do the trick, I will then try to follow the Low FodMap Diet. It is a diet that restricts foods with fermentable carbs which are known to trigger GI symptoms for people with IBS.
New research is also showing that CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) often used for mental health issues, has been shown to be an effective treatment as well. As there is a known brain-gut connection. I won’t get too much into that today, but you can find some info here.
Support
It is important to find people who are supportive of you and your challenges with IBS. It has been very helpful to know that my family and friends understand and don’t judge or get upset if I can’t make it to an event or I am running a little late. Or if we have to make unexpected stops en route to our destination.
While this condition can at times seem to control your life, know that there is hope and that you just need to find what works best for you. You got this!
Some Additional Resources:
I also suffer from IBS and was actually diagnosed way back in my childhood. Having grown up with it, I’ve found that avoiding stress and a healthy(ish) works well for me. I’ve learned to let go of the little things that previously, would have caused a lot of stress and the onset of symptoms.
Everyone has a difference experience with their condition and thanks for sharing your story, I’m considering writing about my experience in a blog post at some point!
Thanks, for stopping by Sarah. I think you should definitely write about your experience as well. I am glad you have your symptoms managed so well. Keep at it!
That’s great that you’ve got your symptoms under control. My husband has IBS so I’ll have to share this information with him. Thank you for sharing!
This was an AWESOME post! I’ve had IBS since I was 12, so that’s over half my life. Around the same time, I was also diagnosed with anxiety. Of course, both my gastroenterologist and my psychiatrist agree that once I get my anxiety under control, my IBS will be under control, but it’s such a vicious circle. Anxiety brings about IBS, but then the IBS makes you anxious. I’m so glad Weight Watchers has been working for you. I’ve tried elimination diets, but it seems like nothing triggers my IBS, it just kind of happens. It comes and goes on it’s own. So sometimes I do indulge in things that may make my IBS worse, just because life is short and I may suffer afterwards, but I still have to enjoy myself at some point! lol.
Thank you so much for talking about this issue! I get way too embarrassed about it and hide it from people, but you’ve inspired me to open up a bit more about my issues. And you’re right, traveling is a nightmare with IBS, but I’ve learned that having a casual and open schedule is key, just in case you need a bathroom break or two 🙂
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
I’ve never been diagnosed, but I feel like I might have IBS. I also don’t feel like medications would work. Do you experience any symptoms with the probiotics or other methods you use to control the condition? I’d like to give those a try to help with my issues.
I havent had any negative side effects from the probiotics.
In fact for a few years they helped tremendously! But after a while seemed to lose effectiveness. I switched to a different brand and that helped some.
This was such a great read, I’ve had IBS since I was a child so I found it so relatable! Anxiety and IBS is such a cruel pairing with its vicious cycle – it’s almost like you can’t catch a break! I’ve tried loads of different things but the stuff I tend to go back to is usually peppermint tea which eases the bloating, and I’ve recently started taking mebeverine before meals which slows my digestion down. I’ve also found that drinking plenty of water and regularly exercise helps too! I’ve never actually considered cutting out dairy, but I’ve heard that it works for a lot people so it may definitely be something I look at in the future! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it works for you! Xx
I found this so relatable! I’ve suffered with IBS and anxiety since I was a child so I feel your pain. I’ve tried so many different things over the years, but most recently my doctor prescribed me Mebeverine which I have to take before meals and it helps to slow my digestion down. I wouldn’t say it’s changed my life but I’ve definitely noticed an improvement, especially before larger meals which usually would have me running to the loo after! I’ve found that peppermint tea is also really good for bloating so I’ve replaced my usual cups of tea with a few of those every day and that seems to help too. I’ve also found exercise and drinking plenty of water works really well generally. I’m on medication for my anxiety too but I find when my IBS isn’t so bad my anxiety isn’t either – it’s so annoying how it’s a viscious cycle! I hope cutting out dairy works for you, I’ve heard of it working for a fair few people so fingers crossed! Great post xx
Thanks for sharing your tips and taking the time to comment.
It is a journey of investigative work to be sure.
I suffer from anxiety and major stomach issues which I believe may be IBS… you could just imagine how stressful and painful my trip to Italy was last year.. 3 flights there, 3 fights back, and about a full day each of traveling.. It was rough! Thanks for this post and speaking up!! 🙂
Wow, its amazing that you were still able to go. I do hope you had an enjoyable time in Italy despite everything.
Thanks for stopping by.
Great post! You are very brave to overcome whatever discomfort you might have been feeling to educate us about IBS. I had no idea what it was until reading your post. I imagine that struggling with this condition only would have fed your anxiety over the years. Like you said, being in situations where you have less control would naturally feel disquieting. I also appreciate how you offer different tips to help manage the condition. Very well done! And I encourage you to keep living that Fearless Life! 🙂
Roger
Thanks, Roger! I always appreciate your comments.
Thank you for the encouragement as well!
Wow, I never knew there was a connection between IBS and anxiety. I deal with both but my doctors never told me that anxiety could make my IBS worse. Thanks for this.
They feed off of each other at times. Very challenging to deal with as I am sure you are well aware.