#justibs asks

[justibsthings]

hello, I think I may have ibs but I'm new to learning about it. what do the different letters after "ibs" mean? like A, C, D, M? I'm guessing the c and d are constipation and diarrhea but what are the others

A - Alternating

M - Mixed 

D - Diarrhea

C - Constipation 

[justibsthings]

I go to a community college and am going to transfer to a university soon. I'm really scared because although something close would be nice but I am really afraid of going somewhere farther and doing that dorm life. I am afraid of ibs flare ups and not having understanding room mates and the embarrassment !! Any tips i don't know what To do

I’m glad replies are finally back. 

Anyone have any suggestions?

[justibsthings]

Sorry if this is tmi but I have ibs and was wondering if anyone else has felt like their bowels just aren't moving things properly? As in my muscles seem to have exhausted themselves so I can't just poo by myself but have to basically clear out my constantly wiping with loo roll a bit inside my butt (so tmi I know just wondering if anyone has any advice I feel so grim and dirty all the time :( ) x

I’m sure it’s not just you who feels this way. Maybe this is something you need to ask your doctor about to help you have more complete bowel movements?

[justibsthings]

So I was feeling pretty bloated yesterday as I hadn't pooped in like 5 days, got sick of it so had a massive bowl of chocolate ice cream. I'm lactose intolerant. I was fully cleared out within 2 hours it was amazing, 100% recommend

Fantastic! I’m glad it worked for you!

[justibsthings]

Is it concerning that I can only go to the bathroom if I take a laxative or an enema? I get so bloated and the pain gets extremely difficult to tolerate and even when I take a laxative it doesn't always work. Does anyone with IBS deal with this?

I would say yes, it’s very concerning. The problem with taking laxatives in the way you describe is that your bowels become used to not having to do the brunt of the work, so to speak. Becoming dependent on laxatives is a bad road. I’d suggest going to your doctor or trying more natural ways to relieve your constipation, like prune juice, or sugar free candies.

[justibsthings]

I want to know how people feel about how IBS is portrayed in the media. To me it seems like it is being portrayed as a "comic" illness, and mostly just comes up in comedy shows as (pun intended) a butt joke. However being a comedian myself, who has this chronic illness I find it kind of hard to laugh about people joking about a chronic illness. No one jokes about cancer. Yes, you die from cancer and you don't from IBS...but still, I don't know, is it wrong to joke? Or is it really funny?

I personally have two different opinions about the way IBS is portrayed in media. Depending on the context, it can either be good or bad (it’s usually bad). There’s an episode of Bridezillas where the bride and her husband to be both have IBS, and she jokes that they both spent the night in the bathroom because of their rehearsal dinner. To me, that brings a humor and a normalcy to a chronic illness that most people are embarrassed about. 

Now, on the flip side, the most prevalent negative IBS portrayal in media is the Doritos commercial where a man is reading a book about IBS to make people stay away from him on the plane/train/bus, whatever it was. This makes me, and I’m sure a lot of people, VERY ANGRY. This portrays that this illness that affects 25 to 45 million Americans is something that is disgusting and that the people who suffer from it should be outcast from society. 

On a more personal note, it’s good to have a sense of humor about your chronic illness because it is chronic, and if you don’t laugh about it, you’re gonna cry/be mad/be depressed about it. Which is why I felt it was incredibly important to find a support group somewhere to help myself and others suffering from IBS. 

Your feelings are valid! Don’t feel bad for being offended by offensive portrayals of IBS. You have every right to do so.

[justibsthings]

Hey, I kind of got diagnosed with ibs about 1,5 years ago after doing all those steps in the hospital with the cameras up your butt etc. I'm in really bad pain, my anxiety is reaching through the roof and my intestines are cramping EVERYWHERE. I never got any tips and tricks in how to live with this from any doctor, and I guess I just wanna ask you people here if you can feel hot, cramps everywhere and shaky during a bad period? And if a period can last like half a freaking year?Just help me,pls

Anyone have any insight?

[justibsthings]

do you have any tips for having a flare at school? I had one today and was miserable

I just answered a similar ask, but taking precautionary measures/packing an IBS bag that has things that may help might be a good idea.

If you have any more tips, please respond to this ask.