Rant: 'Irritable' Bowel Syndrome. Only irritable?

[XDjames]

More like seriously frigging pissed off, very very angry.

The word 'irritable' minimises the condition to outsiders. Oh, like tummy upset then? Just wear nappies in case.

As misleading as 'chronic fatigue'

[Luisa22]

I hear you!!

"Irritable" is not the first description I would think of for my IBS.

I can get irritable if my wi-fi keeps dipping in and out when I'm trying to send an email.

That's a bit different to what IBS inflicts on us.

I often think the best way to describe IBS to anyone who hasn't any idea what it's like is to ask them if they remember their last bad tummy bug or food poisoning, then imagine having that randomly, frequently, and without warning, with no telling when it might pass (or very slightly ease up), but with absolute certainty that it will come back...again and again as often as it likes.

On a lighter but still interesting note. My IBS can feel like living with a "terrible twos" toddler who has taken up residence in my belly.

And I agree; "Chronic Fatigue" is a misleading title for what people with M.E. have to go through

[Paul1066 in reply to Luisa22]

Absolutely agree. It’s the same with back pain which I suffer with on and off and people see me wincing as I try to move and they ask if I have a bad back. No this is pain pure and simple.. Early this year I had an IBS flare up and back pain at the same time… happy days… not…

[Jackie1612]

Absolutely agree XDjames

It makes me so angry. Sometimes it seems a ludicrous condition. I realise that “acceptance” is probably a better way to be, but it’s so hard to do

[RuthBlossom]

I completely understand where you're coming from Describing it as "irritable" definitely minimizes the real, significant impact it has on your life. The frustration and anger you're feeling are totally valid. Many people don't grasp how debilitating IBS can be, often dismissing it as just a mild inconvenience.

It's infuriating when people downplay the constant struggle you face. Living with IBS is far more than just a "tummy upset" — it's a relentless, exhausting battle that affects every aspect of your life. And when you're dealing with so much else, like caring for your family, managing work, it’s completely overwhelming.

Your anger and frustration are completely justified. It's so unfair when a condition that's already so difficult to live with is misunderstood or minimized by others. The comparison to "chronic fatigue" is spot on — both terms don't capture the full, debilitating reality of these conditions.

Sending you strength and solidarity. You're not alone in this.

[greylow]

It should be called Chronic Life Altering Gut Syndrome

[BabsyWabsy in reply to greylow]

CLAGS, I like it.

[MuppetChristmasCarol]

As someone with both IBS and ME - I so do agree!

I have found that totally cutting out my trigger foods/drink does stop my ‘furiously pissed off bowel’ throwing all its toys out of whatever orifice it chooses but it’s such hard work being that self controlled.

I yearn for a good donut 🍩!!!

What doesn’t help is this b’stard of a bowel then goes and decides it wants to add a new food to its list of no-no’s and I have to try and find out what the heck it doesn’t like now!

Respect to all fellow sufferers! 😳

[XDjames in reply to MuppetChristmasCarol]

Thanks, I was worried about demeaning chronic fatigue, and I know there's an issue of switching between labels CFS/ME and ME/CFS (I'd struggle to spell ouME right!). I'm struggling to do stuff this week as it's constant pain, but I push myself and if I can psych myself up I can actually go for out and exercise with a walk, which is good for me -which I believe does not work so well for you. I will get a break tho, I always do, I have to.

[MuppetChristmasCarol in reply to XDjames]

Walking and moving is great to get things moving in your gut but you are right I can’t usually do this with the ME.

What has helped me though is I go to a very gentle and understanding Pilates class - ages 60 (me) to 83!

I don’t always make it but when I’m struggling I just do the movements laid down on the mat instead of standing up and I always go to the loo when I get home!

Also it keeps my joints and muscles moveable. It hurts like hell the next two days but I know that it’s one thing I’m prepared to do to keep my mobility.

Plus I love the ladies I do it with 🙂

[Elgar1961]

Quite agree with you

[xjrs]

I've always said it has a bad name. The word irritable really trivialises things, as if somehow you are the cause. Who wants to use the words "irritable" and "bowel" in the same sentence? No wonder no one in the real world wants to talk about, meaning those without it don't take it seriously, including those who have the ability to fix it.

[Zantecat]

It used to be called spastic colon, don’t know why it changed to irritable bowel

[Shoosh_kw]

Because of the agony we go through from IBS many doctors recommend the patients to take antidepressant pill to help them with the anxiety and frustration they get which I know it might work for some people. It is way more than the word Irritable ,, it stops you from enjoying your life to be honest. Hope scientests find a solution for us.