Introducing Me

So What Is IBS-D?

It's a crappy (no pun intended) disease that effects the bowels. 

Clinical definition: "Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition."

There are different offsets to IBS. 

IBS -C  which refer to those whose symptoms revolve around constipation

IBS-D  Which refers to those whose symptoms revolve around diarrhea 

IBS - which is those who suffer from both equally or just don't identify with one enough to be specified to it.  

So what does it feel like? Many people have different experiences with IBS so this is my specific experience and journey.

It's painful. And humiliating. And life controlling. 

There are days the pain is so debilitating that I can barely stand up, it feels as though a knife is being twisted in my guts. Other days it's more mild, like period cramps almost. 

It's the constant need to be near a rest room. Because when I have to go I have to go now! The fear of driving anyway that is new or different, because I won't have bathrooms mapped out along the route. 

It's feeling like a horrible mother because all I want is to take my babies to a park, but there is no bathroom there, and it's too far away to run to one if I have an "attack" which I don't always feel coming.

But those are stories for another blog

IBS is a disease that is silent, it can't be seen, is almost never talked about (who wants to talk about their bathroom issues right?!) And it effects many many people. It causes depression,  anxiety, and over all poor quality of life. 

"Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear."