My IBS Team Sheet – A Project for the long term

[MountainHare1]

Since joining this IBS network recently and having read other people's stories, I have come to accept that I will have IBS for the rest of my life. I hope I am proved wrong, but my instincts tell me that I will have my IBS for the long term…

Accepting this situation made me realise that I needed to find a 'long term' project or two that I would enjoy so as to alleviate my IBS. My new philosophy in approaching the management of IBS is to find daily activities that I can enjoy so that my body and in particular my brain-gut will enjoy also. I also want my brain to release more 'happy' hormones/chemicals than bad ones into my body so that I am a happier sole.

My long term project(s)

I have found a number of long term projects that have positive impact on my managing my IBS. Perhaps before I do, I want to acknowledge that when I experience a flare up, it is no fun at all and that is very challenging at times but I know that I am not alone and there are people who I can turn and of course there is our IBS network community.

As I have mentioned in a previous post about Fun and Games, I love to play snooker and play chess. Both are challenging sports to play and although I am only 56, I know that I will be able to carry on with the sports/games for the long term and that it will give me pleasure in the long term. Also the good thing about having projects like these is that I know I am improving as a player and that I am able to look back on what I have achieved. The added bonus is that on several occasions I felt more confident in myself, which is a wonderful feeling to have!

Other long term projects include me trying to be an artist of sorts and I love painting wildlife in oils in a photorealistic style. I am lucky enough to have had some of my paintings sell and the pleasure I get from knowing that there is someone out there in the world who has one of my paintings is wonderful. I also know that, if the painting is looked after properly, it will last a life time and beyond!

My 'happy accident' long term project

As any artist will tell you, myself included, that when I paint I often have 'happy accidents' that weren't intentional but often enhance the painting when it is finished.

A few weeks ago I came across an other 'happy accident' in the form of the IBS network in that I have a new long term project in being involved with this IBS network. I know I will be involved for a long time to come…

A little warning…

From my experience of being an artist, I know that having a long term project can be challenging at times as quite often when I am half way through a painting, I hate what I have done, but with persistence and taking a few steps at a time, I soon getting back into my painting and when I have finished I get great pleasure and sense of being proud for what I have achieved!

Find your long term project(s)…

I would urge you to find a long term project to help with your IBS. If you can find a project that will improve you health in terms of exercise, for example, I have a book on local walks to where I live and I plan to walk all of them in 2024. I am 100% confident that being outdoors and being nature will improve my health enormously!

Also think about having a long term project that you can do at home in the evening (especially on a cold winters night) that for the most part you will enjoy! Recognise that sometimes you won't feel like working on your project, but that is ok. The key is that the project must be something that you will be able to do long term and that you will enjoy!

Don't be disheartened if you don't find a project straightaway! Just have an open mind and a sense of curiosity when looking for a project to work. If you have tried to find something and it hasn't work. That is ok. Close the door and open another!

Take care x

[Ceasersalad]

Thank you for your insightful post . I too have had to accept my diagnosis 13 yrs on , it helps I'm not alone in this . I agree having a goal keeps one's mind off this wretched syndrome. I'm saddened that not many people understand this illness , my family have been very supportive, yet at times I feel alone in this . I am thankful for this group .

Wishing you a happy healthy New Year x

[MountainHare1 in reply to Ceasersalad]

First of all, let us get one thing straight. From now on you are not alone! You have this IBS community and you have me. I will be on this hub on a daily basis and should you wish to contact me, I will there for you!

It is great that your family are supportive but I understand your sadness that not many people understand the illness and how it impacts our daily lives. To be fair, each and everyone of us has issues, some to do with health, on a daily basis that we perhaps cannot understand because we are not them. I am sure that I will not completely understand someone who has cancer for example. I am just so grateful I don't have it! Unfortunately no one, unless they have IBS, will fully understand what we go through.

Perhaps may I suggest that you gently educate your friends about your illness so that they can start to appreciate your situation. For me, who doesn't have many close friends, the friends I do have are happy to just to listen to my worries, without judgement or trying to fix my problems. That is all I want.

However, I am conscious that it is not a one way straight and I want to hear what is going on with their lives, again without judgement. If you help other people, I guarantee it will help you become a happier person.

The IBS community and me are here for you. Period.

Take care. x

[Ceasersalad in reply to MountainHare1]

Aww you are very kind , I too don't have many friends, more colleagues, some are sympathetic enough. It just feels like a lifelong battle I just can't win , I was telling my husband that something so simple as going to the bathroom is just anxiety fuelled . Well if you too want to just rant and rave I'm more than happy to listen.

I'll say it again you're very kind !

[MountainHare1 in reply to Ceasersalad]

May l suggest that a few minutes before you go to the bathroom that you do some breathing exercises until you feel in a state of calmness. Continue to try and breathe slowly in the bathroom and afterwards. Hopefully given time and continuing with the breathing exercises will help you feel better about going to the toilet. It has certainly helped me as l have felt anxious in the past. It no longer bothers me what happens in the bathroom and just move on. Take care x

[Ceasersalad in reply to MountainHare1]

Well that sounds like a plan, as I have IBS D this is not always possible, but will give it a try . Thanks for the advice

[MountainHare1 in reply to Ceasersalad]

I have to admit I am unfamiliar with IBS D so l am not sure what sort of symptoms you have or experience. Do you meditate? If the breathing exercises don’t work, perhaps spending some time meditating. Alternatively is there something that you enjoy doing that will make you feel calm before you need to use the bathroom? I hope that you will keep turning over the stones until you find something that works for you. Take care.x

[Ceasersalad in reply to MountainHare1]

IBS (D) is diarrhoea based, so in my case if I eat I usually have to go to the bathroom, so it's a bit of a pain especially when I'm at work, so I don't eat unless I know I'm not going out. I'm a care worker for people with mental health. It's been pretty bad these last few months , the flare ups especially. I've had some very good advice from people on this forum , about meds and probiotics. It has helped somewhat. Now to work on my anxiety

[cherrabah in reply to Ceasersalad]

Mine has been diagnosed as collagenous colitis (often misdiagnosed as IBS D. I understand your feelings!

[Frasina in reply to cherrabah]

There is a bowel support group in this site or the fb crohns and colitis is immensely helpful for your condition. I also have IBD alongside IBS; the problem is so many people assume these are one of the same when they are not!

[cherrabah in reply to Frasina]

Thanks Frisian, I’m on the fb one but will look at the one at this site 👍

[Ceasersalad in reply to cherrabah]

Thank you ! It's difficult. I hope you a happy and healthy new year

[Sara66 in reply to MountainHare1]

I feel alone in this an awful lot, and feel that acceptance is probably the way to go. I do agree with a lot of what you said about finding a project/plan of something that gives you pleasure so am definitely going to do that and also try to get healthier/walking more etc. Nice to know there are others out there who understand.

Happy New Year xx

[TedsMum247]

Good to read your post, also good to know that we're not alone in here and are with like-minded people with the same debilitating problem. My instead got worse over the last 6 months, I've had it for about 10 years or more. It's now ruling my life. Wishing you a better year in 2024.

[MountainHare1 in reply to TedsMum247]

I am determined TedsMum247 that IBS is not going to rule your life. Period. Make a commitment in 2024 to do some of things I have suggested already in my posts and others posts that I will continue to write in 2024.

I can guarantee you that the suggestions will transform your life for the better. I am confident in saying this as already, after only being involved in this community for just over a week it is beginning to transform my life and my relationship with IBS.

To me, happiness comes to me when I can help other people. I have found a platform with the IBS network, that I can share my experiences, comment on other people's posts in a positive way to empower them and write posts that will fellow sufferers food for thought!

As with any of my suggestion, taking the first step will be hardest, but every step it becomes easier I assure.

Make another commitment to visit this forum every day and take a few moments to comment on and help a fellow sufferer. Choose one that hasn't been commented as no one who wants to feel alone with their IBS symptoms. You will feel empowered and happier knowing that you have tried to help someone else.

Let us all work together to make a better future and not let IBS define us. Remember you are good person and you deserve a good life.

Take care.x

[TedsMum247 in reply to MountainHare1]

Thank you so much for your encouraging post, I will certainly keep a close watch on posts on here. I work from home and even get stressed out when people come to collect orders. With me it's the anticipation of things like leaving the house, getting ready for a customer collecting, traveling. Thanks again for you reply, all the best to you in 2024🙏

[Mwn72 in reply to TedsMum247]

Hi there, I just wanted to say I so hear you! My IBS d is similar, it's mostly okay when I'm working from home, trying to stay calm/relaxing, but whenever I come to get ready to leave, anticipate a journey etc it can be a nightmare! My gastro has recently suggested I try a low dose of propranolol (beta blocker) as he thinks this will control the stress response in my body in these situations to help me not rush to the toilet. I haven't started it just yet but wanted to mention it in case this was of any use! I also find my low dose of amitriptyline daily helps take the edge off things as well. Happy new year and very best wishes! ☺️

[MountainHare1]

I too work from home and know how you feel about customers coming to your door. If you are feeling anxious then and also before you get out the front door, try doing some breathing exercises until you feel a sense of calm. It shouldn’t take long and you will feel better afterwards. Keep doing this and after a period of time you will feel calmer and more confident in meeting your customers and going out.

[Elgar1961]

Great post thanks. Great advice.Good luck and happy new year

Paul

[ConfusedRabbits]

Who said IBS was for life? I've worked with people written off as having IBS by various hospitals yet once their root cause was discovered all symptoms vanished. Don't give up on looking for the root cause! Try working with a nutritional therapist and an emotional freedom technique (EFT) practitioner!

[Frasina in reply to ConfusedRabbits]

There are people who will find their IBS diminishes if they are able to find the root cause but for so many others, this is not the case. We all have individual differences per se; for me personally I know that stress in large quantities will offset a flare of some sort (and whilst I have had 30 plus years of IBS, I also have IBD since 2021). Eating healthily as in a balanced diet regardless of gut issues is something everyone should do as the evidence tips this way for overall health. However, those in a bad flare will want to eat low residue foods as psychologically they feel 'safer' until the flare subsides. An ongoing debate nonetheless...

[MountainHare1 in reply to ConfusedRabbits]

ConfusedRabbits – Would you be kind enough to share in a Post that everyone can read about your thoughts on how to treat IBS. I also acknowledge what Frasina has mentioned that perhaps some types IBS have to be managed through eating healthy for overall health. Thank you. Take care.

[MountainHare1]

Thank you for giving me hope and the advice given is greatly appreciated it!