It’s horrible to think we often allow something to control our lives to the point we miss work and are in pain because we are embarrassed. IBS symptoms can be embarrassing but it’s time to take control of YOUR life and learn about IBS! I had always been such a baby when I had a tummy ache, especially over the past few years. After my husband had made me visit the doctor to see what was going on in there and why I was having so many problems, I learned about IBS. It’s a super sensitive subject, and I know, but it’s also important we learn to talk about these issues openly. Whether you believe it or not, there are more people out there living with IBS than you may realize and your doctor won’t giggle, unless of course you’re like me and try and crap some crappy jokes while you are there.
Take Control of YOUR Life. Learn About IBS
Many struggles with making an appointment with the doctor because they are embarrassed to discuss certain health issues. I understand, it can be embarrassing, but it’s not worth putting off due to embarrassment. Knowledge is power, and the only way you can know what is going on inside your body is to visit a doctor. I’m a firm believer that the more we openly talk about embarrassing things such as IBS symptoms the more we learn and are willing to turn to our doctor for help. Which is why I’m happy to be partnering with American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) which commissioned the “IBS in America Survey.
“IBS in America” Survey
“IBS in America” is the most comprehensive IBS survey for both physicians and patients that has ever been conducted. They polled more than 3,200 IBS suffers and 300 physicians to try and get a better understanding of IBS. “IBS in America” survey has brought some interesting information to light, like the survey finding that 67% of IBS sufferers often experiencing bowel symptom and abdominal pain for more than one year before finally taking the steps to talk to their doctor. I can honestly relate to 67% of American’s on this, my husband ended up making me visit the doctor because he was worried about me, I likely would have put it off for as long as possible. If left up to me I likely would have been able to relate to the 11% waiting a decade or more to talk to my doctor.
The survey also suggests like me, 85% (8 out of 10 respondents) discussed IBS with someone in addition to their doctor, and 59% of respondents reported to getting advice from people who were not doctors, and 9 out of 10 reported following the advice they received. It’s horrible we feel too embarrassed to open up with our doctor about IBS symptoms, and it’s time we start doing so and replacing the speculation with science.
What are some IBS Symptoms?
Did you know there are almost 35 million American’s who understand my pain about IBS? Yes, they too know the abdominal pain and discomfort, which include diarrhea and even constipation throughout the year. There are so many people out there who are suffering from IBS and not aware of it because they are embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with anyone, even a doctor, so I wanted to share a little information about “IBS in American” survey.
IBS sufferers often experience recurring symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating which can without a doubt impact a person socially, physically and emotionally. IBS symptoms can become so uncomfortable people find themselves giving up things like 40% of respondents giving up sex, 47% of respondents giving up their cell phone and the internet, and 55% of respondents cutting ties with coffee.
IBS symptoms can interfere with your life and defiantly cause problems with a personal performance and productivity at home as well as at work. According to the “IBS in America” survey, IBS was the cause of missing school or work about two days a month and affecting performance and productivity an average of nine days out of the month.
Even with all the symptoms affecting their personal and professional 77% reported trying about three over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that left few feeling “very satisfied” with the OTC products before visiting the doctor. It’s horrible to think we would allow ourselves so much pain and discomfort for such a long period because we are embarrassed about our symptoms, but I do understand. Looking back, I wish I wouldn’t have felt so embarrassed about talking to my doctor because getting help from my doctor was the best thing I could have done. If you’re suffering from anything that is causing you pain or discomfort in your daily life, GO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR! I can almost promise your symptoms are not going to be the strangest thing they have ever heard; it’s rather common.
It’s a good time to talk about IBS; the holidays tend to be a time many of us overindulge and enjoy those large meals and rich foods which often make us more aware of our insides.
Is there a cure for IBS?
There is not currently a cure for IBS, and it may be difficult to talk about, but you can’t let that hold you back because symptoms can be managed and 65% of responders’ report they are satisfied with the care they receive. Treatments can be something as little as diet or lifestyle changes to taking an OTC or prescription medication.
Knowledge is power and it’s important that we learn more about IBS and that we do not have to be embarrassed to talk about things like IBS. Did you know IBS impacts almost 35 million American’s as well as causes constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and the seventh most common diagnosis made by doctors as well as the most common diagnoses made by gastroenterologists? Of course talking about our bowel habits is uncomfortable but knowing how many people out there are dealing with IBS and doctors diagnose it should help put some of your minds at ease. Knowing this would have helped me talk about uncomfortable symptoms with my doctor, and I hope it helps you to do the same.
You can learn about IBS and the “IBS in America” survey
While all experiences and opinions are my own, this post is sponsored by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), which commissioned the “IBS in America” survey, the most comprehensive IBS survey of both patients and physicians ever conducted, polling more than 3,200 sufferers and 300 physicians to better understand this condition, with the financial support of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Allergan plc. For full survey results, visit .
