So I was with some friends the other day and I was explaining how I'm cutting out some foods at the moment (see previous post about my restrictive month-long diet!) and they asked why. Well, I'm never one to admit outright that I have IBS, so I told them it was to try and sort out my 'digestive problems'. At this point one of my friends (who does happen to be rather outspoken anyway, but it's one of the reasons we love her so much!) turned to me and just said so matter-of-factly, 'Is it IBS?'.
My initial reaction was shock. I wasn't really sure what to say as I've never been asked outright like that before but in some ways the bluntness just made the conversation a whole lot less awkward. So I admitted to my three friends that were there that yes, I do have IBS. At this point another one of my friends pipes up that her school friend also has IBS. I did explain to them that there are lots of types of IBS.
However, despite the actual feeling of relief that comes from them knowing I have IBS (and being reassured by them all that I actually can talk to them about 'anything') I still couldn't bring myself to tell them I had 'constipation.' I think this is because there is no more-scientific term I can use to hide behind here. My constipation is really very chronic and to not explain about that means I haven't really explained my condition to them at all, they are not much closer to understanding what I go through than what they were before. I guess I'm embarrassed. No-one wants to talk to their friends about poo, do they? Maybe if it was just me and the very outspoken friend, I would have admitted it, as she frequently shares too much information with us! However, the other two are more reserved, perhaps we would also say more 'polite' with their conversation, and I cannot think of a 'polite' way of talking about constipation, it just cannot be done!
It's sad thought, because having opened up the conversation, I really wish they knew, and I really want to talk them. It would have been a massive weight off my chest, particularly as I'm sharing a bathroom with them at uni this year (which starts in a few weeks!).... :/
So whilst my friends know I have IBS, which is a big step, I wish I was able to confide in them more. I hate having such a secret, especially as it effects me so much. I'm just still on the search for a good way to approach the topic of 'chronic constipation' with them - as it's not something that often comes up in conversation! :)
Any ideas would be really appreciated!
Louisa :) xx
Thursday 25 September 2014
Tuesday 16 September 2014
My wonder foods!!
So, having done a post about avoiding some foods, here is a post about things to add into your diet, and my opinion on how they've helped my constipation:
Linseed/Flaxseed: (they are just two different names for he same thing). I was recommended this by a homeopath, but having done some online research, it's quite a common suggestion for getting a more regular bowel movement. I aim to have about a tablespoon a day, and soak them in hot water first (so they go sort of slimy) and then add them to foods where I'm less likely notice that they're there (such as in rice or mashed potato). Alternatively you can sprinkle them over muesli. I don't have any concrete evidence for just how effective they are, but there definitely can't be a downside to eating more seeds, and anything that's healthy is good! :)
Peppermint- apparently peppermint is really good for getting things moving, with peppermint oil or capsules being quite a common recommendation online for constipation. I take mine in the from of peppermint tea which I have every morning. I find herbal teas good in general, they often stimulate a bowel movement, even if it's just green tea. I have no idea why and it doesn't happen every time but maybe it's something to do with the hot water, especially as I don't have my tea too strong. Anyway, there's no evidence, but I just thought I'd let you all know. ;)
Ginger tea- this is my absolute go-to if I'm having one of those weeks where my IBS is so bad that I feel constantly nauseas and can't eat a thing (the experience which I'll describe more in another post). It's an absolutely miserable experience but ginger is great for settling the stomach, and I find I can slowly sip the tea and t often means I can nibble at some dinner in the evening. I make sure I always have an emergency stash in my cupboard now!!
Fibre- this is perhaps an obvious one for anyone suffering from constipation but it's still worth a mention. Choosing wholemeal bread/pasta etc and eating plenty of fruit and veg can really make a difference. When I was in Spain on holiday, the hotel buffet breakfast actually had a special dietary section and among the low fat foods I actually found some fibre wafers! They were so good and tasted so nice! I've yet to find an English equivalent although have heard rumours of fibre biscuits in my local health food shop so will have to go and investigate! Another great over source is bran flakes, which is my favourite cereal. Having them every day only helps things going (I try and have them instead of toast).
Prunes and prune juice- as much as I dislike both the texture and the taste, prunes are supposed to be extra great for constipation. I used to have a small glass of prune juice every morning, and it's definitely a habit I should try and get back into.
That's all I can think of for now but would love to hear of any more things that work for people!
Louisa xx
Linseed/Flaxseed: (they are just two different names for he same thing). I was recommended this by a homeopath, but having done some online research, it's quite a common suggestion for getting a more regular bowel movement. I aim to have about a tablespoon a day, and soak them in hot water first (so they go sort of slimy) and then add them to foods where I'm less likely notice that they're there (such as in rice or mashed potato). Alternatively you can sprinkle them over muesli. I don't have any concrete evidence for just how effective they are, but there definitely can't be a downside to eating more seeds, and anything that's healthy is good! :)
Peppermint- apparently peppermint is really good for getting things moving, with peppermint oil or capsules being quite a common recommendation online for constipation. I take mine in the from of peppermint tea which I have every morning. I find herbal teas good in general, they often stimulate a bowel movement, even if it's just green tea. I have no idea why and it doesn't happen every time but maybe it's something to do with the hot water, especially as I don't have my tea too strong. Anyway, there's no evidence, but I just thought I'd let you all know. ;)
Ginger tea- this is my absolute go-to if I'm having one of those weeks where my IBS is so bad that I feel constantly nauseas and can't eat a thing (the experience which I'll describe more in another post). It's an absolutely miserable experience but ginger is great for settling the stomach, and I find I can slowly sip the tea and t often means I can nibble at some dinner in the evening. I make sure I always have an emergency stash in my cupboard now!!
Fibre- this is perhaps an obvious one for anyone suffering from constipation but it's still worth a mention. Choosing wholemeal bread/pasta etc and eating plenty of fruit and veg can really make a difference. When I was in Spain on holiday, the hotel buffet breakfast actually had a special dietary section and among the low fat foods I actually found some fibre wafers! They were so good and tasted so nice! I've yet to find an English equivalent although have heard rumours of fibre biscuits in my local health food shop so will have to go and investigate! Another great over source is bran flakes, which is my favourite cereal. Having them every day only helps things going (I try and have them instead of toast).
Prunes and prune juice- as much as I dislike both the texture and the taste, prunes are supposed to be extra great for constipation. I used to have a small glass of prune juice every morning, and it's definitely a habit I should try and get back into.
That's all I can think of for now but would love to hear of any more things that work for people!
Louisa xx
Is it worth cutting out certain foods?
Is it worth cutting out certain foods to help get rid of the IBS symptoms?
When I was really young, doctors diagnosed me with a dairy allergy, and so when I was about 3 dairy was cut out of my diet. However, this only lasted a year or so and apparently I 'grew out of it' so was able to go back on dairy for the text of my childhood.
So what happened next is that when I was about 12, my mum took me
To a homeopathic surgery for a good intolerance test (using a VEGA machine), and this flagged up that I should avoid cows dairy (but was ok to have goats milk). So I have always tried to avoid dairy as much as possible (although not completely, I do like the occasional ice-cream) especially as I've read online that several people do find that dairy aggregates their IBS. I'm not sure though whether it actually made a difference, as I was still very constipated. I think perhaps any improvements just came from the fact that I was no older and could manage my condition much better.
Given how I'm still not too great though, mum took me back last week, and this time I've been told to have a whole month without dairy (any), yeast, wheat and sugar(including fruit!). I am aware I eat too much sugar as I have quite a sweet tooth, and have heard that sugar can again aggregate IBS so it's been good so far in that it made me aware of how much sugar I do eat, but I'm not sure going cold turkey is the answer, especially as not having any fruit can't be helping! My IBS has been much worse this week than it is usually.
I know there are lots of sceptics to the homeopathic approach, and I may be one of them (especially as everyone seems to come out needing to cut lots of foods out and I'm not allowed fruit but they let me have tomatoes still....) but in all honesty I'm willing to give it a go, especially as it's only for a month.
I know there are certain foods that are good to ADD to your diet for IBS (but that's for another post!), but I'm still undecided as to whether certain foods should also be cut out. Let me know what you think!
Louisa xx
When I was really young, doctors diagnosed me with a dairy allergy, and so when I was about 3 dairy was cut out of my diet. However, this only lasted a year or so and apparently I 'grew out of it' so was able to go back on dairy for the text of my childhood.
So what happened next is that when I was about 12, my mum took me
To a homeopathic surgery for a good intolerance test (using a VEGA machine), and this flagged up that I should avoid cows dairy (but was ok to have goats milk). So I have always tried to avoid dairy as much as possible (although not completely, I do like the occasional ice-cream) especially as I've read online that several people do find that dairy aggregates their IBS. I'm not sure though whether it actually made a difference, as I was still very constipated. I think perhaps any improvements just came from the fact that I was no older and could manage my condition much better.
Given how I'm still not too great though, mum took me back last week, and this time I've been told to have a whole month without dairy (any), yeast, wheat and sugar(including fruit!). I am aware I eat too much sugar as I have quite a sweet tooth, and have heard that sugar can again aggregate IBS so it's been good so far in that it made me aware of how much sugar I do eat, but I'm not sure going cold turkey is the answer, especially as not having any fruit can't be helping! My IBS has been much worse this week than it is usually.
I know there are lots of sceptics to the homeopathic approach, and I may be one of them (especially as everyone seems to come out needing to cut lots of foods out and I'm not allowed fruit but they let me have tomatoes still....) but in all honesty I'm willing to give it a go, especially as it's only for a month.
I know there are certain foods that are good to ADD to your diet for IBS (but that's for another post!), but I'm still undecided as to whether certain foods should also be cut out. Let me know what you think!
Louisa xx
Monday 15 September 2014
Getting all emotional
I thought it would be good to write a post about how my IBS affects my mood. I know it's a physical illness, but it does have 'mental' side effects. To wake up feeling bloated, sluggish, uncomfortable, with an achey stomach and a horrible taste in your mouth (as a result of all the toxins in my body) is hardly going to put me in a sunshiny mood for the day ahead!
The sluggish feeling is perhaps the worst. All day long I often feel lethargic, and even climbing the stairs becomes such a chore, I'm so uncomfortable (and I'm young with reasonable fitness levels so this should not be the case!!). If I'm out with friends doing something physical, it is then embarrassing when I tire so easily, and I feel like I'm being perceived as lazy/unfit/fat.
That then links with a general feeling of anxiety. I worry about what people think, of course I do. It's somewhat ironic that the reason I don't tell people I have IBS is because I worry about how they will view the news, yet this then leads to me becoming yet more anxious about how I am perceived by others. The constant sweating, halitosis (really bad) and smell that come (no matter how good my hygiene is!) from all the toxins that are building up inside my body, make me embarrassed to see my friends. Then I can become lonely and withdrawn. It's no wonder I've had bouts of depression then.
This may sound like I'm over-reacting or I'm a bit of a drama queen (I probably am) but this is an issue that needs addressing. I've never once been asked by a doctor what the effects of IBS are on my everyday life or how I'm coping, and I've yet to did information about how to talk to your friends about the fact that you're suffering from IBS.
This wasn't supposed to be such a whiney post, but I thought it would be important to highlight the impact this has on my life, so sorry to anyone that now feels thoroughly depressed! :)
Louisa xxx
The sluggish feeling is perhaps the worst. All day long I often feel lethargic, and even climbing the stairs becomes such a chore, I'm so uncomfortable (and I'm young with reasonable fitness levels so this should not be the case!!). If I'm out with friends doing something physical, it is then embarrassing when I tire so easily, and I feel like I'm being perceived as lazy/unfit/fat.
That then links with a general feeling of anxiety. I worry about what people think, of course I do. It's somewhat ironic that the reason I don't tell people I have IBS is because I worry about how they will view the news, yet this then leads to me becoming yet more anxious about how I am perceived by others. The constant sweating, halitosis (really bad) and smell that come (no matter how good my hygiene is!) from all the toxins that are building up inside my body, make me embarrassed to see my friends. Then I can become lonely and withdrawn. It's no wonder I've had bouts of depression then.
This may sound like I'm over-reacting or I'm a bit of a drama queen (I probably am) but this is an issue that needs addressing. I've never once been asked by a doctor what the effects of IBS are on my everyday life or how I'm coping, and I've yet to did information about how to talk to your friends about the fact that you're suffering from IBS.
This wasn't supposed to be such a whiney post, but I thought it would be important to highlight the impact this has on my life, so sorry to anyone that now feels thoroughly depressed! :)
Louisa xxx
Thursday 11 September 2014
Medications
So I have been given medication by doctors pretty much my whole life. Mostly, this has involved laxatives, which would be given to me after my mum had taken me kicking and screaming to the doctors. I thought it would be useful to list all the different options and write about how I found them, because doctors are often keen just to prescribe senna tablets rather than considering all of the options:
Lactulose: This is a kind of sugary syrup that you get given to take every day. I have memories of having this as a fairly young child, but it's hard for my to really say how effective it is as I've taken it for so long. Nowadays, certainly, it doesn't seem to have any effect, but maybe that's because either my constipation is too bad, or because my body is so used to it. I find some medications (and this is perhaps one of them) are better for people who have normal bowel movements most of the time and then have constipation as a one-off or infrequently, rather than for someone like me who is permanently 'blocked up.'
Senna Tablets: These are another standard mediation, which works as a laxative. I tend to find senna tablets (I use the brand 'senakot') work quiet well for getting things moving, although I find I have to take several days worth of tablets before anything happens now, but they aren't really suitable for long-term us (no laxatives are, as they make your colon 'lazy' and actually make the problem worse long-term).
Glycerol Suppositories: I'm not going to lie, these are about as grim as it gets. I first had these when I was about 8 years old. The nurse said it would feel 'like a jelly baby.' Well, let me tell you, it feels nothing like it!! It's particularly uncomfortable to administer but does have the advantage of acting fairly quickly, although you have to resist initial urges to go to the bathroom to ensure that it has gone far enough in and has worked. I find that sometimes they have not worked or gone in far enough which is particularly frustrating, and they are my least favourite option (I would rather be in pain for a few days waiting for the senna tablets above to work in all honesty). However, there is no doubt that they are a very effective instant relief. Just a bit grim.
Movicol: Not going to lie, this is my favourite and really transformed my life whilst I took it. It's a powder that dissolves to make a not-too-unbearable drink and can be taken up to three times a day. It works (I think) by absorbing more water into the gut, so it doesn't act on your muscles in quite the same way as some of the other laxatives do, and the plan was to take this long term, as it made my stools much softer and for the first time in my life I was able to empty my bowels daily, which felt so amazing! I went on holiday and didn't have to worry about it at all! HOWEVER, I was unfortunate enough to suffer one of the rarer side effects of heart palpitations and so had to stop taking it. :( But I would definitely recommend it!
Then, in addition to those above, there are also two medications I have tried which are fairly new to the UK:
Prucalopride: A tablet which unfortunately had horrific side effects for me, and made me really very sick. However, on the plus side I did have diarrhea so maybe it can be effective. I didn't take it for long enough to find out, but would be interested to hear from anyone that ever has.
Linaclotide: Tablets that I took for a month (the hospital had to get them in especially) which didn't appear to have any effect whatsoever.
So after all that, I am currently not taking any medication long-term (just senna when I really need it), but have been having natural products and fibre products instead, which I will hopefully post about soon, as I've found several that do help a bit. Nothing is as effective as movicol for me yet though...
Louisa x
Lactulose: This is a kind of sugary syrup that you get given to take every day. I have memories of having this as a fairly young child, but it's hard for my to really say how effective it is as I've taken it for so long. Nowadays, certainly, it doesn't seem to have any effect, but maybe that's because either my constipation is too bad, or because my body is so used to it. I find some medications (and this is perhaps one of them) are better for people who have normal bowel movements most of the time and then have constipation as a one-off or infrequently, rather than for someone like me who is permanently 'blocked up.'
Senna Tablets: These are another standard mediation, which works as a laxative. I tend to find senna tablets (I use the brand 'senakot') work quiet well for getting things moving, although I find I have to take several days worth of tablets before anything happens now, but they aren't really suitable for long-term us (no laxatives are, as they make your colon 'lazy' and actually make the problem worse long-term).
Glycerol Suppositories: I'm not going to lie, these are about as grim as it gets. I first had these when I was about 8 years old. The nurse said it would feel 'like a jelly baby.' Well, let me tell you, it feels nothing like it!! It's particularly uncomfortable to administer but does have the advantage of acting fairly quickly, although you have to resist initial urges to go to the bathroom to ensure that it has gone far enough in and has worked. I find that sometimes they have not worked or gone in far enough which is particularly frustrating, and they are my least favourite option (I would rather be in pain for a few days waiting for the senna tablets above to work in all honesty). However, there is no doubt that they are a very effective instant relief. Just a bit grim.
Movicol: Not going to lie, this is my favourite and really transformed my life whilst I took it. It's a powder that dissolves to make a not-too-unbearable drink and can be taken up to three times a day. It works (I think) by absorbing more water into the gut, so it doesn't act on your muscles in quite the same way as some of the other laxatives do, and the plan was to take this long term, as it made my stools much softer and for the first time in my life I was able to empty my bowels daily, which felt so amazing! I went on holiday and didn't have to worry about it at all! HOWEVER, I was unfortunate enough to suffer one of the rarer side effects of heart palpitations and so had to stop taking it. :( But I would definitely recommend it!
Then, in addition to those above, there are also two medications I have tried which are fairly new to the UK:
Prucalopride: A tablet which unfortunately had horrific side effects for me, and made me really very sick. However, on the plus side I did have diarrhea so maybe it can be effective. I didn't take it for long enough to find out, but would be interested to hear from anyone that ever has.
Linaclotide: Tablets that I took for a month (the hospital had to get them in especially) which didn't appear to have any effect whatsoever.
So after all that, I am currently not taking any medication long-term (just senna when I really need it), but have been having natural products and fibre products instead, which I will hopefully post about soon, as I've found several that do help a bit. Nothing is as effective as movicol for me yet though...
Louisa x
A bit about me and about my blog
Hi,
I'm Louisa and I'm 20 years old, and I have suffered from severe constipation for as long as I can remember, but was only finally diagnosed with IBS-C last year. To be honest, for me, the diagnosis didn't really change much because I'd always been treated for chronic constipation, but having a name to put to the illness is beneficial in that it means it is less embarrassing to describe to people what is wrong with me. However, having just finished my first year at university, I still find it hard to tell people what is wrong with me... I don't want people to laugh, and I can't help but feel that people don't realise how much it effects my daily life, and how serious it is (I know my brothers certainly don't - but that's brothers for you!).
The aim of this blog is to discuss issues with IBS bluntly, with no need to be politically-correct or politely spoken. Poo will be referred to as poo. To call it anything else is honestly far too scientific for me and distracts from the whole down-to-earth feel I want this blog to have.
This will hopefully also be the place where I can share my own stories and experiences with you - things I've found that have and haven't helped (although everyone of course is individual).
My friends don't know about my IBS so this will also be a place for me to ramble on about how I'm finding it - even if I'm the only reader! I think there needs to be more awareness for IBS and more support for sufferers of it. I told my college nurse I had IBS-C and she said 'that must mean you get a bit of a tummy ache sometimes.' I mean, yes, I DO get stomach aches, but there are also so many other symptoms that people may simply not realise come with being chronically constipated (lethargy, sweating lots, dry mouth, halitosis, dehydration, bloating etc....).
So that's it from me as an introduction, and I will try and post more as soon as I can!
Louisa x
I'm Louisa and I'm 20 years old, and I have suffered from severe constipation for as long as I can remember, but was only finally diagnosed with IBS-C last year. To be honest, for me, the diagnosis didn't really change much because I'd always been treated for chronic constipation, but having a name to put to the illness is beneficial in that it means it is less embarrassing to describe to people what is wrong with me. However, having just finished my first year at university, I still find it hard to tell people what is wrong with me... I don't want people to laugh, and I can't help but feel that people don't realise how much it effects my daily life, and how serious it is (I know my brothers certainly don't - but that's brothers for you!).
The aim of this blog is to discuss issues with IBS bluntly, with no need to be politically-correct or politely spoken. Poo will be referred to as poo. To call it anything else is honestly far too scientific for me and distracts from the whole down-to-earth feel I want this blog to have.
This will hopefully also be the place where I can share my own stories and experiences with you - things I've found that have and haven't helped (although everyone of course is individual).
My friends don't know about my IBS so this will also be a place for me to ramble on about how I'm finding it - even if I'm the only reader! I think there needs to be more awareness for IBS and more support for sufferers of it. I told my college nurse I had IBS-C and she said 'that must mean you get a bit of a tummy ache sometimes.' I mean, yes, I DO get stomach aches, but there are also so many other symptoms that people may simply not realise come with being chronically constipated (lethargy, sweating lots, dry mouth, halitosis, dehydration, bloating etc....).
So that's it from me as an introduction, and I will try and post more as soon as I can!
Louisa x
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