Knowing that an IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) attack is on its way can be incredibly distressing; the desperation to find a bathroom, the fear that you won\’t get to one in time, the embarrassment that comes from having to rush out of a meeting or away from a friend. The attack itself can be equally distressing; the pain, not knowing when it will be over, worrying about being late for something because you can\’t leave the bathroom.
Prevention is always better than a cure, and there\’s a wide range of incredibly effective natural IBS treatments we can offer you; if you suffer an attack between now and getting in to see us, here\’s some simple things you can do to get through it.
Be honest with people about what\’s going on – that you\’re suffering some stomach problems and you haven\’t been able to get medical treatment. They can help you find a bathroom, and will be more understanding if you suddenly rush off.
When you arrive in an unfamiliar environment, scout out the nearest bathrooms – whether they\’re well stocked, private, etc. Stress is a major trigger for IBS, so if you feel prepared and confident that you\’ll be able to handle an attack if it does happen, that may well prevent the attack from happening in the first place.
Use calming self-talk. Your body is very good at holding things in, if you can stay calm, your rectal muscles will do their job. Everybody has had stomach trouble at some point, so they\’re not going to judge you. The pain will eventually end.
Breathe deeply. This tells your body that there\’s no emergency (as well as being a trigger for attacks, stress can make IBS worse), and will help to reduce your pain.
Try and distract yourself. Having a few good books (or audiobooks) downloaded to your smartphone can make a huge difference, as you\’re not just sitting there focusing on the experience. If you haven\’t got anything with you, try and find something you can plan or focus on. Think about what you\’re going to do this weekend, count ceiling tiles, list everything you can see out the window.
When the attack is over, give yourself some time before leaving the bathroom – walk around, see how you feel. Take some more deep breaths. Don\’t stress about what people are going to say; if they ask why you were away so long, just tell them that you were sick. Again, people are more understanding than you think.