Let’s talk about a not-so-fun, kind of humiliating topic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome*, or as I like to call it, “IBS, this is BS!” IBS tends to affect women more than men. To which I say, “Suck it, IBS!”
First, a quick rundown of what IBS is. A digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, causing all sorts of symptoms. Bloating. Gas. Abdominal pain. Diarrhea.
Let’s start with bloating. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about. Feeling like you’ve swallowed a balloon and you’re about to pop. No matter how much you suck in your stomach, that bloat doesn’t go away. Food baby, anyone? Nope, it’s not as cute as it sounds.
Next up, gas. Where do I even begin? Have I been called the queen of the toot and cover? Maybe. While there’s no real way to mask gas in public—fake coughing and sneezing only invite more farting—I have said, “What was that?” and looked around the room as if trying to figure out who let one rip. Then I took off for home ASAP, my (face) cheeks blazing.
Now, let’s talk about diarrhea and the stress of never knowing when it’s going to strike. One minute, I’ve felt fine, and the next, I was sprinting to the bathroom like my life depended on it. And of course, most episodes have happened at the most inconvenient time, like when I was on a first date or stuck in traffic. And don’t even get me started on those public restroom experiences. Let’s just say I carry an Oh Crap bag in my purse loaded with air freshener, wet wipes, a disposable toilet seat cover and clean underwear.
Lastly, the pain and cramping–the unwelcome guest to any party. While we might not be able to control our guts, we can control how we react, in my case, medication, heating pad and a good book.
So, there you have it–a taste of living with IBS. It is a crappy (pun intended) condition, but I refuse to let it slow me down.
With love and care,
AnnaKay
*Please Note: I am not a medical professional. This is me sharing my experience. Do NOT take what I write, sing or dance as anything other than the musings of a woman with a keyboard. Please always speak with your doctor about any and all health concerns.
