Navigating the Rollercoaster of IBS: A Personal Journey
Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride – with its unpredictable flares and moments of relief. I’ve often found my IBS symptoms improving for a while, only to worsen at other times. It’s a bit like that thrilling but unpredictable amusement park ride!
One of the significant triggers for my symptoms can be stress. Stress and anxiety are believed to have a profound impact on the development and onset of IBS symptoms. It’s a two-way connection between the brain and the gut. You can read more about this here and here (Monash University).
How Stress Affects Me Personally
When I’m invited to dine out, my mind immediately starts racing. I contemplate the type of restaurant, the menu options, and whether I can stick to my Low FODMAP Diet. I worry about potential food mistakes and the consequences they might bring.
My level of concern varies depending on the event – whether it’s a family gathering, a casual café visit, or a formal restaurant dinner. I’m especially anxious when invited to friends’ or family’s homes because I’m not in control of the meal preparation. I want to ensure my dietary restrictions are crystal clear. Sometimes, I feel that people don’t take my food restrictions seriously, which only adds to my anxiety. In my daily life, I don’t see my diet as a big issue because minor adjustments can still result in fantastic food.
In other words, I find myself pondering whether I’ll have a flat tummy on the day of the outing, or if I need to have a wardrobe backup plan. These thoughts multiply rapidly and often trigger bloating almost immediately. Surprisingly, it can be over seemingly trivial matters. I’ve even surprised myself with how much I can stress about things. The more I worry, the worse my symptoms get, creating a never-ending cycle.
An Example of a Bloated Day
Allow me to share an example of a day when I experienced bloating. Those days aren’t much fun! My thoughts were racing, and I contemplated not going out because I wasn’t feeling well. All I wanted was to throw on comfortable clothes and watch a movie. There have been times when I’ve opted to stay home, which I’m not proud of. That was how I felt at the beginning of my journey. However, I made a conscious decision not to let my bloated stomach dictate whether I socialize or not.
What I Do When My Tummy Gets Bloated
When my tummy bloats up, it can appear as if I’m six months pregnant, making some of my clothes, especially jeans, uncomfortable to wear. The thing is, I love wearing jeans, so that’s a bit disappointing. Fortunately, I now have a pair of jeans that I reserve for bloated days, which helps a bit. I often find myself rummaging through my closet, pulling out tops, and then putting them back because they feel uncomfortable. Loose-fitting tops tend to be my go-to on bloated days. The pain and discomfort from bloating can also affect my mood.
Most of the time, I suffer from the consequences for about 3-4 days after consuming something I shouldn’t have. I experience significant bloating, constipation, and belly pain. It might not be the most glamorous topic to discuss, but that’s my reality.
The best self-care I can offer on those days is wearing pyjamas or super casual attire and engaging in activities I enjoy. I drink plenty of hot peppermint tea or add a few drops (3-5) of mint to cold water – that helps me a lot. The most significant change since I adopted the Low FODMAP Diet is that I start feeling great again after a few days. That makes a world of difference. Before, I used to meticulously analyze every food item and try to pinpoint the trigger. Now, everything is much more manageable.
I often find myself frustrated with my tummy and the constraints my dietary restrictions impose. But, like other challenges in life, I’ve chosen to accept my limitations and maintain a positive outlook. I’ve found a great balance, and I’m content with how far I’ve come.
In Conclusion
Each dining experience teaches me a valuable lesson. I’ve learned that I need to be more open and specific about my dietary needs. Eating out can sometimes be a bit tricky, depending on who I’m with and how detailed I need to be in explaining my restrictions. Finding the right balance can be challenging, but I’m confident that I’ll get there. Learning is a lifelong journey, after all.
For what it’s worth, I’ve learned from my mistakes when I’ve consumed something I shouldn’t have. I now know that the discomfort will pass in a few days. I’ve come a long way, and I’m proud of where I am today. Some days are easier than others, but overall, I’m content with my progress.
My goal is to take one day at a time, but as with many things in life, it’s easier said than done. I’m trying, and I’m making progress! Every improvement makes me incredibly happy, and I encourage you to give it a go too.
I’ve debated with myself about sharing pictures of my bloated tummy because it’s a sensitive topic for me. When I first started my journey, I wished I could see photos of other people’s tummies and how they managed their diets. I thought it might help others understand how it affects me. On the other hand, I know I’m not alone in this, and if sharing my pictures can help even one person, I’ll be delighted.
