 |
Coping with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.Most IBS sufferers have individualised ways of coping withIrritable Bowel Syndrome. |
 |
Coping with IBS.Coping with the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be difficult and calls for careful planning. In general we all have different coping mechanism for dealing with life situations. We rely on belief systems, memory, motivation, attitude, self-confidence and will-power.In IBS symptoms vary and symptoms that are stressful for one person may not be for another. The distressing problems are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. The embarrassing problems are urgency and the risk of faecal incontinence, bloating, rumbling tummy and passing wind. Most people control their Irritable Bowel Syndrome by a combination of various treatment of IBS. These include sticking to a diet that works best for them, reducing stress, relaxation technique, exercise, using over the counter medication, using alternative treatments, using drugs prescribed by their doctor, herbal remedies and a positive mental attitude. In addition to the distressing symptoms, there are the embarrassing ones. These symptoms of IBS can lead to absenteeism, avoidance and isolation. Society creates standards for us to comply with. When we cross the line, we confront the law, ridicule or embarrassment. A man can get away with most social indiscretions caused by IBS but it is not that easy for a woman. A woman noisily passing wind in a public, social or work environment is more of an embarrassment because of acceptability and stigma. I once was an anaesthetist. At first I had to shadow a consultant anaesthetist before I was let loosing on patients. On my first day, in a very quiet operating room, the silence was rudely broken by a long loud monotone fart. I instantly looked up. My mentor was disinterested, the surgeons carried on, and the nurses showed no sign of interruption. I wondered if they thought it was me, the new boy. In the restroom, a colleague told me about my mentor. When he started at this hospital he made it clear he had a problem with passing wind. He had no control and he could not stop the noise. We all pass wind but we do it silently. We do it, many times a day and that is normal. He had a problem but it did not stop him reaching the very top of his profession. He contextualised something socially unacceptable to his work environment and made it tolerable. One lady with an extremely noisy rumbling tummy would avoid plays that had long silent spells and would opt for loud noisy ones. She avoided social gatherings and only dined out at the homes of friends and relatives. They knew of her problem and she told them what level she wanted the background music. She preferred to entertain at home where she had better control of her environment. Most Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients know their limitations and live within an umbrella of activity. Urgency in IBS is a major problem for some. Whenever they venture out, they know exactly where the toilets are located. One lady became distressed when her daughter moved 300 miles away. It meant she could only see her grandchildren when they visited unless she was prepared to drive the 300 miles to get there. Here’s how she solved her problem. Several days before her trip, she stayed on the best tried and tested diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome that worked for her. She took imodium before her trip. She noted all the restrooms and services on the route, and mapped out her route. On one stretch of the motorway, there was a gap of 41 miles without any services, so she planned to come off the motorway at the nearest junction and travel on a smaller road. She knew where all the fast food restaurants such as Burger King were located. She carried a little travel bag containing extra undergarments, toilet seat covers, wet wipes, toilet paper and hand wash. Her first trip was a nightmare. She panicked all the way there and back but she made it without any accidents. The next trip she carried a portable toilet in the boot and drove all the way on the motorway. In time she stopped worrying about the trip but continued to prepare well before her journey. Her toilet stops changed from six to four. One morning before she set off on her journey, her daughter phoned and asked her to arrange a birthday party for her granddaughter. All through her journey, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts about this party. Suddenly she was aware that she was near the end of her journey. She could not remember much of her trip and most importantly she did not make a toilet stop. Her subconscious mind was driving the car while her conscious mind was busy thinking up ideas for this party. Urgency, IBS and toilet thoughts were pushed into the background. In many Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients, the conditioned reflex plays a major part in the pattern of symptoms. Sometimes a simple thought can trigger bowel activity. One man whose job made him a frequent flier had a particular problem with IBS. He felt he passed a lot of wind. He also felt that he was releasing a malodorous visceral smell. On his trips he would chose to sit next to a family with a baby or small child. If an unpleasant smell should suddenly whiff past, all attention would be diverted to the little person. Some people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome feel that they will never meet an understanding person to share a life together. Remember when you are attracted to someone, you are drawn to the outer veneer but you fall in love the person inside. The truth sets you free. Talk about your problem early in your relationship and if that person still sticks around then you have the cornerstone for an outstanding relationship. Inhibition and consealment can lead to illness, so talk openly about your Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Dr. Phil Hariram.
|
Caraway.
Home|| Links ||
About Us || Privacy
Policy || Site Map ||Contact
Us
Copyright www.healingibs.com. A website for
Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS).
Copyright www.healingibs.com. A website for
Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS).