Hi guys, I'm Jayne, I'm 21, I'm new to this site but not new to IBS I've been suffering for 8 years now and its not getting easier. Some days, sure, I'm not as bad, I feel strong and then other days I nearly collapse into myself with fear and worry. Hypnosis has really helped but wore off a bit recently so I need to start again. Question, does anyone else feel terrified to go to someone's house incase of flare ups? :(
1 Heart
Hey Jayne,
I dont have IBS but i do have a condition that is very close to it. And yes I go through that wave of fear wondering if the pain will strike and embarrassment of what that pain is warning you of what is to come very soon. I am here if you need to talk.
Thank you so much zombiepenguin :) It means so much to have this support. I'm not used to it :') It is so great to have people I can talk to now when I'm feeling worried or down about my IBS. It's such a relief :) I am here for you too if you need someone :)
I have the flip flop IBS that isn't just caused by food. It makes it really hard to leave the house bc I never know when I'm going to have a flare up. My specialist has suggested checking out the FODMAP diet to see if there is anything that will help manage my symptoms a bit. It actually has helped quite a bit but I still never know when I'm going to have issues.
@truffles_15 hi, I have the same. Its so unpredictable and very frustrating when it could strike at any moment 
I understand how you feel. I tried the FODMAP a few times aswell and yeah it helped but not sooo much. One thing that does help me and it sounds very simple and maybe a bit common sense but i eat like 4/5 pieces of fruit every morning and it helps with my digestion during the day cause it gets your digestive system working properly before you start eating meals
I started the FODMAP diet before knee replacement surgery about 18 months ago! I really avoid the triggers and I could tell the difference within a week. I also take 35 billion units of Probiotics twice a day. I think this has been the biggest help. And I am now gluten free. It's a pain to make my own bread and I can't eat pastries anymore. BUT IT HAS BEEN WORTH IT! I don't worry about very embarrassing situations like I did before. I still take Imodium once in a while but not daily like I did before the changes!
2 Hearts
@Andapanda wow its so good to hear such a positive and hopeful comment!! I am very glad these things have helped for you!! Maybe I should start the FODMAP again … I dont think I was dedicated enough haha ^^ Im gluten free most of the time but its hard when youre out sometimes or at peoples houses
I understand that, when food isn't the only issue then it's a lot harder. Mine is definitely 50/50 anxiety/food related. If I'm really anxious and I havent ate the right foods then I'm screwed but then again, sometimes I even eat the right foods and my anxiety still affects my digestive system. So, for me aswell, it's not so easy to pinpoint. Woah, that's really hard, I admire you for dedicating to it mostly I mean, having a family too makes it much harder. Go you! Yeah I use only oats milk for years and its really good! so light on the system! :) I really understand the whole sometimes having to just eat junk food cause its really hard especially for me cause basically 80% of foods affect me. If I didnt eat anything at all I'd still be bad cause I'd still have the anxiety haha its a vicious cycle! Thank you :) Hypnosis seems to really help :)
You might try looking up Heathers Tummy Tamer website. There is a great printable FODMAP page. It's really good and I keep in on my frig.
1 Heart
Cool! Thank you :D