April 2021 - Wheelie MS Advocate

*Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habit ( chronic or recurrent diarrhoea, constipation, or both – either mixed or in alternation)*

*aboutIBS.org

My Experience

IBS though not life-threatening is still a debilitating illness that can affect everything you do, I was diagnosed with IBS at 19.

IBS is one of those illness's that can be a symptom of so many others, mine was definitely worse when I was on my periods Share on X

IBS, where do I start, IBS it’s one of those illnesses that can be a symptom of so many others.

Mine was definitely worse when I was on my periods and I later found out it can be a symptom of endometriosis – I wrote about this on the March Link Up.

At the time I was working for a trawler company and had the benefit of health insurance and was able to have my bowel problems investigated, I saw a Consultant and then had a barium enema (not pleasant) and was diagnosed with IBS.

Diagnosis

When I received my diagnosis, this is when the fat-shaming started, as he referred me to a dietician who at my first appointment put me straight onto an 800 calorie diet and advised me to sprinkle bran on every meal.

Have you tasted raw bran? it is absolutely disgusting, but she wanted me to even sprinkle it on salads urgh!

Prior to my first weigh-in, because this is now what it was about, me losing weight; it was never about my health, I can see that now, I had persistent diarrhoea, which increased the spasms in my stomach, therefore it was no surprise to me I had lost 8lb in a week.

Do you know what I got a star and a big pat on the back for losing weight, no mention of how ill this so-called diet was making me, so off I went with my pat on the back and my little card with a star on to continue with her diet.

By now I was having accidents and for a 19-year-old just starting out her working life, I was embarrassed and the weight was dropping off me. I can’t remember when I stopped going to see her, but I remember it was because I refused to put bran on my food anymore.

Ongoing

The consultant signed me off because I had left the dietician and therefore didn’t need to see me again. If I had any further problems, I had to go to my GP. This was obviously because I wouldn’t accept it was my weight causeing my IBS.

Over the following years there would be many A&E hospital visits when the pain got too much, I have laid on the bathroom floor in agony while it feels like everything inside your body is twisting with spasms washing over me. If I had to pain score it at its height in would be a 10 all day long.

I have lost count of how many events and days out I have got through with the use of Imodium and Buscopan and the changes of clothes I have gone through.

But like many invisible illnesses that there is no cure, you just have to learn to manage it whatever way you can, I know many of my triggers now but the worst one is the one I can’t control and it used to see me taking weeks off sick from work and that’s stress.

How ironic it is also a symptom of MS and it has gradually got worse and happens more often, I always have pain when I need a poo, but then I also get excruciating pain followed by diarrhoea, hot sweats and I have even been known to black out. Now that one is scary 🙁

I seem to say this a lot with any of my illnesses, but please don’t be fobbed off like I have been over the years and led to believe everything was down to my weight.

This is a get-out clause so they don't have to look any deeper, I must admit now everything is just down to my MS so I suppose that's one up on my weight. #MedicalGaslighting Share on X

This is a get-out clause so they don’t have to look any deeper, I must admit now everything is just down to my MS so I suppose that’s one up on my weight, though people have told me to lose weight as it might help my MS too.

When I moved and changed GPs, at my first appointment which just happened to be after another impromptu A&E visit for nearly passing out, why no one could tell me what was causing it and when I asked my neurologist he just shrugged his shoulders and changed the subject. My GP’s response was, he doesn’t know the answer, so that’s why and rather than admitting it was easier for him to change the subject.,

FAQ

How common is IBS? IBS is the most common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It affects males and females, adults and children.

How serious is IBS? The impact of IBS varies with each person. For some people,
IBS causes symptoms that are manageable, for others, IBS may severely reduce their quality of life or be disabling.

What are the symptoms of IBS? Abdominal pain is a key symptom of IBS when it is associated with changes in bowel habits, such as, periods of diarrhoea and/or constipation.

Should I document my symptoms? Keeping a diary for one to two weeks may help identify factors that bring on symptoms or make your condition worse.

What are some common foods/drinks that affect IBS symptoms? Four common food/drink offenders are caffeine, chocolate, fibre, and nuts. Speak with your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your symptoms.

I hope this post has provided you with some helpful information. Please talk to me in the comments or on social media