My Irritable Gut and I

If you’ve got as far as the title then you’ll probably have noticed this post is going to be a little different to normal. And maybe not as glamourous. You see, in honour of Gut Awareness Week, I’m going to be talking about my gut and its issues. Sexy, I know.

Behind the makeup, pineapple prints and love of a fugly shoe, I suffer from Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS). Now this isn’t something I’d normally discuss with strangers as talking about your bloated stomach (I can sometimes look 6 months pregnant after a meal) and toilet habits is seen as being taboo. I’ve got to the point where controlling it is such a big part of my day-to-day life, that I can’t not talk about it, and writing this for Gut Week felt like the perfect time to get it off my chest and digestive system.

IBS is considered a ‘longstanding illness consisting of frequent abdominal discomfort and bowel symptoms that cannot be explained by any other disease’ and something that I’ve suffered with for over 10 years. I pretty much suffer from all of the symptoms, brace yourself, there are quite a few; stomach cramps, intense bloating, bowel upset, indigestion, rumbling stomach noises, tiredness, nausea and back ache. Fun times.

It’s by no means fun and in all honesty is a pretty crippling and embarrassing illness. There have been times where I can’t get out of bed because my cramps are so intense that being curled up in a ball with a hot water bottle is the only way to ease it. Or times where I’ve had to leave parties early after having a severe upset. It’s painful, irritating and a massive daily struggle. I have especially bad flare ups when I’m stressed or run down or if I eat something I shouldn’t. I’m currently in the process of buying a house which isn’t helping matters.

To stay on top of it I mix medication (Apercap and Audmonal before each meal and Buscopan for cramps) with a healthy diet and lots of peppermint tea. I have an intolerance to dairy so stay away from cheese, milk, cream etc and where possible I also go wheat-free, as I find my body can’t break down heavy foods properly, leaving me bloated. To add to this list I also avoid onions, peppers and anything too acidic as they don’t settle well either. In time I’d like to reintroduce some of these foods but I’ve found it better for my stomach if I replace them with alternatives at the moment. Although, I am partial to a slice of cake or two.

Every sufferer will have different triggers and symptoms as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. I’ve had tests for coeliacs and chrohn’s disease which are always negative but there’s no test for IBS. It’s just been a continual process of elimination. Each time I go to the doctors, usually in tears due to the pain, they just ply me with more medication and little advice which is frustrating and pretty soul destroying. There is no cure but by eating healthily, relaxing as much as possible and gentle exercise, it can be tamed. On good days you don’t even know it’s there.

I guess if this post helps inspire just one other person to speak out about their condition, then it was well worth writing it. Who knows, I might even write more about it. Thanks for sticking with it to the end.

Check out fellow blogger, Scarlett London’s post on her IBS challenges here. Or check out Love Your Gut or The IBS Network for more details on digestive issues. Feel free to ask any questions.

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6 responses to “My Irritable Gut and I”

  1. Avatar Jordanne Griffiths says:

    Every single thing you have said above I have experienced. Thank you so so much for sharing this, your blog has been such a massive comfort to stumble across.

    • Jojo Jojo says:

      Hi Jordanne, Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you found this post comforting. I’m very open with my IBS as many people don’t realise or appreciate just how challenging and upsetting it can be, or even how much influence it has day-to-day.
      Jojo

  2. Avatar sophiecliff says:

    I’ve just discovered your blog today and I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to hear somoene talk about IBS! I have found so much comfort in reading that someone else has similar experiences – it can so often feel like an illness that you’re making up in your head, but it can be so debilitating on a day to day basis. Thank you so much for sharing xxx

    • Jojo Jojo says:

      Sophie! Welcome to the IBS bandwagon! It’s where all the action is, I promise. Thank you for your lovely comment, it massively cheered me up after a long day. It’s comments like yours that make sharing my lowest and highest IBS points worth it. After all, gut health is hardly the most sexy of topics. Wanna drop me an email (josclothesblog@gmail.com) and we can chat some more? Xxx

  3. Avatar Sooz says:

    I just found your blog today and it’s such a relief to see that I’m not alone! I’ve suffered from IBS since I was small and am now 31. I use a medley of medication, peppermint, and I avoid certain foods and tight clothing, or being too hot. For the most part it has settled down but being being able to predict when it will flare up makes me not want to go to unfamiliar places or go travelling. Thank you for your bravery in sharing your struggles and determination 🙂

    • Jojo Jojo says:

      Sooz, welcome! You are definitely not alone, there are loads of us! Comments like yours make sharing my story all worth it. One thing I’m constantly working on is the anxiety my IBS brings, and can relate to you avoiding travelling. I’ve actually found that after the initial worry about getting somewhere, I instantly relax on holiday so does my gut. We can do this! Jojo x

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