Belly pain, nausea, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and lots of tears. This is what October 2010 looked like for me. Two months into my first big girl job I got knocked down to my knees, quite literally. Take a little trip with me down memory lane to experience my diagnosis, and learn how I manage my IBS symptoms.
Please note that any information shared today is a recount of my personal experience and what I have found to be helpful. It is in no way medical advice. I’m just a girl who wants to help others not suffer as long as I did! If you are looking for medical advice for gut health, may I suggest looking for a functional medicine doctor in your area. This was not an option for me in 2010, but it is currently on my 2023 roadmap.
How it began…
Beep…bop…bob! What is that you might ask? Our time machine transport back in time, of course.
We have stepped back to October 2010. I’m a bright-eyed, naïve, newly graduated 22-year-old.
2 months prior, I started my first big-girl corporate job and rented my first apartment. I’m on top of the world only 5 months out of college and totally crushing adult life.
UNTIL, I woke up one morning with extreme nausea, belly pain, and fatigue. I push forward and went to work. Since I’m the newbie I surely don’t want to call out sick so soon.
I’m miserable at work. I have never felt pain like this before. The nauseous growling in my stomach will not stop and all I can do is lay my head on my desk and take deep breaths.
I think to myself, “this is just a one-day thing, push through and tomorrow will be better.” Besides, it isn’t.
For a week, I push forward with no relief. It was time to call a doctor.
The doctors start me down the road of elimination. Abdominal CT scan, upper GI endoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy (similar to a colonoscopy just doesn’t examine the upper part of the colon), ultrasound, and blood tests.
Tummy issues are not easy to diagnose because many share the same symptoms. The best way to diagnose is to eliminate possibilities.
What were they looking for? Cancer, coeliac disease (gluten intolerance), celiac disease (gluten intolerance), Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal bleeds, and ulcers just to name a few.
Diagnosis
After being poked and prodded for weeks, I had my answer.
I was fortunate that my diagnosis was not one of the more serious illnesses on the list. Thankfully, I didn’t have to undergo any surgeries or eliminate complete food groups from my diet.
Unfortunately, there was no cure for my disorder. I would have to learn how to control and simply just “deal” with the symptoms.
I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or what some call “spastic colon”. Which is appropriately named because that’s exactly how my stomach feels oftentimes “spastic”.
No two days are the same. One day a certain food can set it off and the next it is perfectly fine.
Ok now let’s just lay it out on the table, clear the elephant in the room. Many people associate IBS with poop; diarrhea or constipation take your pick. They are not wrong, but it goes much deeper than that.
The worst symptoms lie in abdominal pain, cramping, and nausea. THOSE are the symptoms that take you down for the day, week, or even month.
Then don’t forget about the added discomfort of bloating and gas. Whomp whomp.
IBS is the most commonly diagnosed digestive disorder in America. 10%-20% of American adults are affected by it, and women are twice as likely to be diagnosed than men.
We win another one ladies! Guess who is the culprit? That’s right those lovely hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Thanks, EVE!
Alas we are given the hand we are dealt, and we need to learn how to manage the symptoms.
Management
The main IBS agitators are inflammatory foods, hormones, and stress.
Not much we can do to manage the hormones.
Other than I will say I felt my very best when I was pregnant.
What I have now learned, was that my hormone levels weren’t dropping before my period would start. Day 24-28 of your cycle will often be when you notice an increase in your IBS symptoms.
That will be a topic for another day. Today let’s talk about learning to say no to certain foods and managing stress.
Food Adaptation
I learned to limit greasy foods. Which isn’t the easiest feat in the South, if it exists we like to fry it, ever heard of deep-fried twinkies? My stomach just did a flip thinking about it, ugh.
Avoiding foods that produce gas like beans and broccoli, didn’t really have to twist my arm there.
It is suggested to limit dairy products, but I didn’t find that I had many issues in this area. My Greek yogurt helps my gut microbiome due to its fermented properties. Cheese also doesn’t seem to cause me discomfort, which I’m oh-so thankful for.
Limiting coffee and alcohol intake due to acidity. I find that I have to be very careful with tomatoes too for the same reason.
Food adaptation is different for everyone. It can take a bit of trial and error to figure out what sets you off.
I know some people with IBS who are sent to the bathroom with a bite of lettuce, and then others who have to avoid the red mixed drinks at bars. Hi, it’s me! No cranberry juice, please!
If you are suffering from IBS or digestive issues in general. I suggest starting a food journal to take note of when you feel the most discomfort. After a few weeks, you can often trace it back to the culprit that sent you spiraling.
My biggest piece of advice, up your fiber game! This is a game changer that I waited way too long on.
If you want to know the fiber that finally got me “on schedule” and that my clients rave over, I got you. It can be added to your morning smoothie no muss no fuss. (Let’s talk before you order, never pay full price!)
Stress Management
Stress is the quickest way to land myself doubled over in bed crying and watching Netflix all day.
The kind of pain that makes you repent all your sins and beg for mercy just to feel better. No matter who you are I know you feel me on that one, we have all been there!
Naturally, I try to avoid these days at all cost. Though it is not easy for my type A, over-achieving, people-pleasing personality. I’m working on it.
Exercise is the #1 way to lower my stress level. The movement also helps my colon not be so spastic. I exercise 6 days a week. That is how important it is to me.
Journaling is a new habit I’m adding to my day. This practice allows me to become more clear on what events cause me stress.
I’m the kind of person who powers through tough situations with a positive attitude.
This is great, besides when it’s not. My brain and smiley face are saying happy and my gut is taking all the punishment. No bueno!
Meditation is another new practice I’m trying. This always seemed foreign to me. Mainly because I didn’t believe I could sit still and not have my brain run 10,000 miles a minute.
I’m learning that the calming sensation is in being present in the moment. You don’t have to strike the unofficial fingers-touching over the knee’s pose.
You can meditate and still be washing the dishes or playing with the kids. Slowing down helps!
Planning ahead can eliminate unneeded stress. Cue how I became your favorite plan-ahead guru!
Part of planning ahead is being prepared for things to change. If you get too hard set into your plan then a lot of stress can occur when things don’t go to schedule.
Boundaries are another helpful tool that I’m working on implementing. As a typical yes-girl, a recovering people pleaser, I can get myself involved in too many projects.
I have to learn that it is ok to say no. “Every yes is a no, every no is a yes.” Can you hear me reciting this daily, sometimes hourly? You should join me, it’s fun and empowering!
Takeaway
Wow, I unpacked a lot for you today. I felt compelled to share my story because I know so many women suffer from IBS but it’s not discussed nearly enough.
Some women may not even know they have it. I know I wouldn’t have got the diagnosis if I hadn’t had that one bad attack. In years prior to the diagnosis, there were signs pointing toward the disorder, but it wasn’t enough for me to do something about it.
Keep in mind not everyone who has digestive issues has IBS. Please don’t go down a WebMD rabbit hole into a self-diagnosis frenzy. Been there, done that!
Something sparked damage to your gut health and you are trying to heal it. I feel your pain in this unknown territory. The good news is gut health knowledge has advanced greatly since 2010.
There are now doctors, functional medicine, who can work with you to heal your gut or help you manage your symptoms. There are natural supplements that help you build a strong gut microbiome. Hello prebiotics and probiotics!
The best part is that people are starting to talk more about living a healthy lifestyle and taking control of their health issues. Information is flowing my friend.
Go slow, and adopt some healthy habits that work for YOU. If it is something that doesn’t fit into your life then adapt it. It needs to be easy, hard won’t stick.
Unfortunately, there is no quick solution, but small victories are right around the corner sweet friend.
Next Steps
As I mentioned at the beginning of the post. I’m not a medical expert, but I have lived with IBS for 13 years and have tested and tried many methods of management. I would love to share my knowledge with you and help you get back to living a happy and healthy life.
This year I started an Arbonne business that allows me to work with people who have been struggling with digestive issues. It brings me so much joy to help others find solutions. I’ve been there I know and understand how horrible it feels.
There is no consultation fee, but I will share products that I have used to relieve digestive discomforts like bloating and gas. Along with other practices that keep you feeling your best.
Think of me as your gut health accountability partner!
I’m truly blown away by how much better I feel after starting supplements. I oftentimes wonder why I waited so long!
If you are interested in talking more, I would love to help you step up your gut health! Happy gut, happy life; P Let’s chat!
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