Can you live a happy life?

[SittingDucks94]

I never knew IBS was such a prevalent issue. Looming large in people's lives and disrupting it in a very negative way.

I almost dismissed it as an occasional nuisance.

But can you live a happy life with IBS?

I've had several large uncomfortable bouts already this year that have disrupted minor life plans.

It's a vicious circle. My IBS has caused me a lot of ongoing anxiety - which in turn inflames the IBS symptoms.

People (much like I used to) dismiss IBS as a taboo or even humorous low-key condition. I feel unsupported and alone.

Is my life now forever ruled by IBS and anxiety or depression?

Thank you for reading.

[Luisa22]

I think if gut upsets are happening every day, then it's kind of impossible to live free and be happy!

It's like living with the worst tummy bug. I mean....who could laugh their way through that?

It might be possible to have gratitude for some things in life, and make the best of things, yes. But happiness doesn't really go with a constantly upset gut.

But if there is some way -whatever way -to lessen symptoms, then certainly some happiness can be found.

I always feel horrible when my gut is upset. I can't even call it "depression". It feels way worse than depressed. It feels like an evil spirit is dancing about inside of me, taking away all of my nice thoughts, memories, feelings, dreams. And yes, during a terrible flare up, I feel anxious. Not because I'm worried about what it is. I know it's IBS plain and simple. But it's like a visceral fight-flight reaction going on in my body.

IBS always will disrupt something, sometimes. But if you can find any way to manage things, whether that's diet adjustment, CBT, understanding your triggers, allowing yourself not to feel guilty about cancelling something last minute, some medication that might help, or even taking Imodium when you need to....then yes, maybe there is hope of at least having some time when your symptoms are very mild, or if you're lucky even go away for a time. It can happen!

[Will1234 in reply to Luisa22]

very good reply , which sums up what happens with IBS pretty well , at least as I recognise it . The need to cancel things at last minute , I think, is one of the worst aspects as it can disrupt plans and affect others .

[SingC]

Hello!

There are varying levels of struggle with IBS and some people do respond well to interventions. If you can identify your triggers and address those, your experience can improve dramatically.

Have you tried the low FODMAP diet? That can help identify foods that you cannot tolerate. I found it transformative and now cut out lactose and gluten.

Anxiety really doesn’t help, although is so understandable in the situation. Try and have a mental “toolbox” of activities you can take part in when you feel anxious. Whatever makes you feel less anxious, whether that’s going for a walk, belting out a song, having a bath.

If, after all interventions, you still have unbearable IBS, I hope there is still joy to be had in life for you. The love of family and friends, the thrill of a stunning sunrise. I find joy and comfort in the Christian faith which, among other things, promises a transformed body after death. But there are many things that people find joy in, despite distressing bodily issues.

I do hope things improve for you!

[xjrs]

What things have you tried to help your IBS? You can live with IBS if the symptoms are managed. My go to protocol, trying in the following order, is:

1) Alflorex probiotic which has been scientifically studied for IBS. Many people's IBS is due to a gut bacterial imbalance. Following this you may be able to eat a wider range of foods. Having a diverse diet is important to keep feeding the good bugs in your gut which helps to keep the bad bugs which can cause IBS symptoms at bay. The best diet for your gut is the Mediterranean diet.

2) Failing the above, dietitian referral for the FODMAP elimination and reintroduction diet. You ideally want to eat as many FODMAPs as you can since they are good for your gut, which is why it is important to try Alflorex first.

3) If the 2 above have no impact whatsoever, ask for a test for BAM (bile acid malabsorption), which is a different condition with similar symptoms to IBS.

4) If not BAM, you may have one of the rare cases of SIBO, but you need to have one of the set list of causes first. If suspected only discuss this possibility with your GP/gastro (and not a nutritional therapist - they are not medically qualified).

If you have IBS-C rather than IBS-D it is important to work in fibre.

It is important to have goals and things to work towards. When you have a plan in place, you can look forward to finding out how to handle the IBS that is unique to you. I have been on my own IBS journey for 25 years. After discovering Alflorex, I am still gradually testing out new foods and look forward to having new tastes to explore.

[justmyluck]

the most important cause for IBS - for me- is anxiety. It’s the knowledge that I won’t have access to a bathroom. I find that when I am in a company of people who are positive and calm, I don’t have that anxious feeling that cause the urge to run to the bathroom. On the other hand, when I meet people who give me bad vibes, you know the kind, where just being in the same room with them give you a stomach ache (I am an empath unfortunately), I need to run faster and find a bathroom. It’s a terrible feeling.

Also I find that when I eat small meals, instead of sitting down to three big meals a day, it certainly helps.

I also cut gluten, dairy and only get sugar from fruits, it helps settle my stomach.

I take probiotics on an empty stomach.

Man……. This condition sucks big time but what else can we do? Just try to find a solution that works for you personally as what may work for me may not work for you so keep trying🙏❤️ sending big hugs ❤️

[Robotkitten]

Hi have you tried taking gluten out of your diet and going on low fodmap restriction diet then slowly reintroduce, with dietician....In this way you can find out suspect food.

Remove them and then when you have plans, adjust what you eat the day before so that you don't have an ibs flare.

Makes for a happier life... Its how I work it and now I don't have to worry, my ibs always flares in the afternoon, so no flares for me now.

Maybe worth a try

Hope this helps

[dreaming-dream]

can i live happy life? no, my life is miserable I cry daily in pain, it's affecting my mental health so badly.

[winfong]

In the US, I've heard quoted that IBS affects 10-15% of the population. Of course, it's not a very glamorous subject, so it tends not to get talked about.

That used to be the case for mental health issues, but I'm seeing a change in that lately. Maybe if IBS had some famous celebrities who were open to talking about it?

health.com/condition/ibs/fa...

[winfong]

Add in a little heroin too