IBS can be super embarrassing, I get that, but in a bid to help break the poo taboo (one of my fave phrases), I’m sharing more of my story. And yes I will always have my top jeans button popped. Long live smock tops.
You sure you’re ready for this? Let’s go.
1. I’ve started wearing maternity jeans to maximise comfort levels when I’m bloated, which is about 90% of the time. If I’m in normal jeans, I’m likely to have popped the button by lunchtime.
2. My stomach has a tendency to gurgle loudly at really inappropriate times. Watching a film, in the middle of a super intense quiet moment, cue rumble. In a meeting at work during a presentation, gurgle. Always.
3. I’m quite gassy. When I say quiet, I mean very. That’s part of the bloating problem I think. It literally doesn’t matter what I eat. Although funnily enough, I’ve been sneaking glorious baked beans back into my life and haven’t had any issues with them at all. The gut’s a funny old thing.
4. I’ve missed parties, work, cinema trips and trains because of the urgent need to empty my bowels. Sounds nasty, is nasty and is a constant worry to me.
5. I’m the go-to person with friends and family to discuss poo. With my family there is literally no poo taboo. We’re very and I mean very, open with each other. I’m the one they turn to when they need advice on the brown matter. If the cap fits!
6. My shiz does not smell of roses. In fact, sometimes it can be so bad that I have to warn Al to give it 10 minutes. I’m definitely in the market for some Poo Pouri.
7. I have to go to the loo at least twice to three times a day. Although this can be even more if I’m in the midst of a flare up.
8. I can remember one particular flare up which decided to attack while on my 50 minute train journey home where there are NO LOOS! I was in so much pain I had my jeans button undone and was in floods of tears in a huge panic attack, until Al picked me up and whisked me the 10 minute drive home. And yep, this was in front of other fellow commuters.
9. I always know where the nearest loo is, no matter where I am. You never know when IBS might strike and I like/need to be prepared.
10. I have been given a seat on the train before because my bloated belly had given the impression that I was pregnant. Yup. That’s a thing. I always have to juggle the pros and cons with this one.
So there you have it, 10 embarrassing things about my IBS. I’m sure there are tonnes I’ve missed so hit me with yours below.
Read More About My IBS Journey:
IBS, the Down Days and the Guilty Feeling
10 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone with IBS
10 Reasons I Want to Buy Me IBS Some Maternity Jeans
The Highs and Lows of Living with IBS
NEW VIDEO: IBS, Anxiety and Me
How I’ve Learnt to Talk Myself Out of an Anxiety Attack with My IBS
10 Things You Only Know if You Have IBS
NEW VIDEO: 14 Tips for Travelling Abroad with IBS
Meditation + Yoga + IBS = A Happy Body
What’s the Fuss About Probiotics and Why I Swear By Symprove
Why I Need To Hang Up My High-Waisted Skinny Jeans
8 Things I Swear By To Help My IBS
Not Just IBS: My First Vlog on All Things Poo Taboo
Right where do I start with this? I related to ever single point here. I wear maternity dresses all the time, they have saved my wardrobe on a number of occasions. I was only saying the other day to a friend that one of my special skills is that I know exactly where there are toilets in places I have been before! Also, for the smell problem, have you ever tried sweet cheeks? You spray it in the toilet before you go and it makes like this scented oil layer that sort of traps the smell!
Charlotte | http://www.discoveringcharlotte.co.uk
Hey Charlotte, thanks for the comment lovely. It makes me sad to know that you’re with but also comforting in the fact that we’re not all alone! Knowing the location of every loo is most definitely a skill. I haven’t even heard of Sweet Cheeks but need to find out more immediately. Thanks for the tips. Jojo xx
Yep, I’ve definitely experienced number 8 before – the worst wave of dread EVER x
Sophie Cliff
Oh Sophie, number 8 is the worst. Thinking about it now still makes me feel slightly anxious. The fear is the worst and the fact that it’s all so uncontrollable is horrendous. How are you doing now? Jojo xx
You’re summing up my life perfectly! But when it comes to embarrassing gurgles….I find they surface at the worst possible time (i.e. in times of romance with the partner) and are a complete mood-killer! Good job, I have very understanding friends and family.
Hey Lara, snap! The gurgles are a right passion killer aren’t they! I agree that having a partner, family and friends who get it is a blessing. And means I can dash off whenever I need to without any questions asked. Jojo x
Only just come across your blog tonight, but I’m so glad I have! As a fellow IBS suffer I am having trouble controlling my anxiety surrounding this lovely syndrome. Your blog is already helping me see the light at the end of what seemed like a very dark tunnel so thank you!
I would love it if you could share some tips on how to mange IBS and the anxiety surrounding it within a work environment 🙂
Jodes! Welcome my lovely! I feel you with the anxiety side. This is something I definitely struggle with and am still learning how to best manage as I don’t think there’s one cap fits all here. My anxiety is all about worry and stress and this goes crazy at work, especially if I’m also experiencing IBS symptoms at the same time – nightmare. Let me have a think and maybe dedicate an entire post to this. Might take me a little while as I want to make sure I capture everything. But first, two simple tips, if you feel like you’re having an anxiety attack, remove yourself from the situation and go somewhere calm – I always choose the loos – when there, do box breathing, so in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4. I find that this slows my heartbeat and makes my mind concentrate on something else.
Hope that helps,
Jojo xx
Thank you! It’s makes me feel better and not so alone knowing I’m not the only one suffering. Thank you I will have to try this. I’ll look out for the post 🙂 thank you for being so open in your blog, it really has give me the push I need to finally begin dealing with this xox