PATIENT PERSPECTIVE: HAVING IBS CAUSES ME SO MUCH ANXIETY

I am 62 years old and have been dealing with symptoms of IBS for close to 15 years. I’ve had countless accidents in public – at events, friends houses, you name it.
The early days of having the condition were mortifying to me – I got pretty good at coming up with all sorts of excuses for why I need to leave a party or event early. But the isolation I think may be the worst. I just always felt like there was no one I could talk to about it and no one who would understand.
Luckily, my family has been supportive. They don’t say much about it and just try to help with what they can. I know now to bring back up clothes and cleanup supplies everywhere I go. I’ve also worked a lot with my doctor to develop an evolving treatment plan and ways to manage my IBS.
This condition has been so embarrassing for me and has caused me a great deal of stress throughout my life. I’m constantly worried about having an accident, but that just makes me even more anxious and in turn triggers more accidents. It’s a vicious cycle that is so hard to break.
The biggest things that have helped me are exercise, watching my diet, and taking up meditation. I find that exercising daily is a great stress reliever and also helps to get things moving, if you know what I mean. It’s been a long road of trial and error to determine a diet that works for me, but cutting out beans, gluten, and sugary foods has seemed to really help. Keeping a diary of what you eat and drink each day, and how it affects your bowels, can be a huge help in determining triggers and patterns. (Download our free diaries here!)
Finally, meditation has been a complete game changer. I’ve taken some classes, done a lot of self study, and have even found apps that have helped guide me through the process. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed or anxious, even just a quick 5-minute meditation can be enough to calm my nerves, and seemingly, my bowels. I encourage everyone to give it a try – what do you have to lose?
I think the most important thing is for people to keep some perspective on life and know that while this condition is a constant struggle, it doesn’t have to be limiting unless you allow it to be. Talk with your doctor, a nutritionist, a therapist – or all three if it helps! Find ways to manage it and cope with the stress. It really makes all the difference.
Sherri K.,
Baton Rouge, LA