It's Called "IBS"

Most of you are not related with the term "IBS" (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and some of you are. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (http://www.aboutibs.org) 10-15% of the U.S. population suffers from IBS. I, ladies and gentlemen, belong to that 10-15%. Yes! I am not embarrassed to admit it either! I have lived with this syndrome over almost ten years. Sometimes is good, and sometimes it is really, really BAD...

But... what is "IBS"? Officially, according to WebMD.com, “irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as "spastic colon," is a common disorder. While most people experience digestive troubles once in a while, what sets IBS apart is belly pain and diarrhea or constipation that comes back again and again. The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain accompanied by a change in bowel habits. This can include constipation, diarrhea, or both. Gas and a visibly bloated belly are also common. The condition does not damage the digestive system, but persistent pain and frequent trips to the bathroom can interfere with everyday life.”

In my words: it is a horrific gastrointestinal (GI) track syndrome where anything from spicy food (hello I am Mexican), anger, stress (both mental and physical), again: I am Mexican, sadness, nervousness, lack of sleep, skipping meals, high-fat foods, alcohol, among many other stress-related things, can affect your GI track. Yes, you become best friends with the toilette. Going number two is a painful and high stress related experience. You are scared to eat out. You are scared to travel long distances after eating because you don’t know what could happen or if you will be in the sudden need to use the bathroom. It’s also not constant! All your friends will always ask you, “You get sick a lot, don’t you?” No, honey, this is my life. Don’t even get me started with nerve racking related events!!! All you will know is where the bathrooms are! Pepto-Bismol, diarrhea relief medicines, all of that don’t work! And in the hospital all they tell you is, “you have to lower your stress,” no shit Sherlock!

Oh, but we cannot be all negative… nooooo…. “IBS” has its benefits too! Gaining weight…never! You get to know every single bathroom everywhere you go. You have this mentally embedded bathroom radar, like your brain’s priority is to spot the bathrooms as soon as you get to a place. I will always know when I am stressed, tired or any nervous system altering emotion because guess who will let me know with a simple hot-flashy bowel movement? Yes! My GI track! LOL.

I guess all I can do is my best to live with this syndrome that has no treatment by living a more chill life. Laughing is always the best medicine, so why not laugh about it! With that said, if you ever see me run away, it’s definitely not because I don’t like you, but because I need to find a bathroom. ☺