Ongoing...

[Ceasersalad]

It seems my IBS is mixed between D and C . I prefer D even though it depletes my energy. I would rather go than not , anyone else feel this way ? I have found it is one big struggle everyday. To live with this disease. Something as simple as eating and drinking is a challenge. Also Something we all have to do is go to the bathroom is a expedition in itself. I have lived with this for 12 years but since October last year its been one flare up after the other . Its completely changed how I see food and what comes out. Atm I'm okay, yet the minute I wake up the toilet thoughts come . "Will I go without any issues " .

[MountainHare1]

Hi. I completely understand where you are coming from on all counts and especially when I wake up and I immediately think about the toilet and do I need to go. Up until recently I was experiencing stress and mainly anxiety every single day and my mood had been quite low especially after experiencing sciatica for the first time and having to manage that on top of my IBS.

I may be wrong put your post sounds as though you experience anxiety too. I have experienced the whole spectrum of anxiety from social through to health and beyond!

I have been reading recently about 'breathing' and how it can make health better or worse if you do it incorrectly. It recommends that you breath in and out of your nose slowly all of the time. For the past week, I have been focussing on trying to breath through my nose, even when I go to bed and sleep, it has been transformative in that there have been no anxiety at all, even when I have do things completely out of my comfort zone.

I would genuinely recommend you try this and see how you get on, it may just help you.

Always if you ever want to talk more.

Take care. x

[Luisa22]

I know the feeling indeed. Going #2 was never any issue for me and it was just like having a pee, and then suddenly it became a threat which blighted my mornings and many of my days. It changed how I felt in myself, and about life. It changed how I woke up in the morning. Not remembering nice dreams about being in woods and fields or some interesting adventure etc...but my first thought a dread of getting up and wondering "what's going to happen on the toilet and how horrible is today going to be?" And my first feelings....checking into the feelings in my belly to see if I felt anything ominous and dreading getting out of bed.

Negative thinking, yes. But based on experience after experience of horrible shocks in the morning so it's hard to shake that instinct of "not being quite safe" when first waking up.

I sometimes do get a short bout of the C. But when I do, I actually feel better. I feel weaker, more exhausted, more uneasy etc when I am looser. But loose stools are better than the pain and struggle of constipation of guts being backed up and spending hours on and off the toilet in pain.

If ever I get the C, it's short lived and a bit pleasant for me because it means I can eat some of the foods I miss. For one day, and maybe even two. And every time those foods resolve it. So I am lucky I know. It's like a mini "diet vacation" for me.

But I know....not like that at all for many people with IBS-M.

[edwangy]

It's good that you can sleep. I have chronic constipation and am in constant pain. I take linoclotide to make me 'go' but even after I go the loo I'm still in pain. Had all the tests, scans, colonoscopy proctogram etc

[Jackie1612]

hi

I often feel the same way and I sympathise with you. It’s been nearly 20 years for me. I used to have periods of a respite, but not any more over the last few years. I feel that all we can do is accept it as it is. I find that meditating, following those on YouTube, particularly Tara Brach helpful.