IBS in America- Don't Wait to Talk to Someone

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 http://bit.ly/1LwtDgp.

I want to start by saying that I do not personally have IBS, but a few of my friends do. I have had weight loss surgery and many times the “side effects” from surgery are often very similar to IBS. IBS can differ in everyone so nobody really has the same symptoms. Ones I will be talking about are ones that my friends shared with me or ones that I have experienced that are close to what they go through.

I recently watched a really great webinar called “IBS in America”. I learned that so many people are ashamed to discuss their bodily functions even with their own dr’s. As a mom and a patient I can see how it can be embarrassing to discuss but also at the same time is so natural to discuss.

IBS can certainly control your life in a lot of ways. I know for me I have to be very careful on what I eat. I can’t eat something new in a place other than my home. I never know how I’m going to react to it. My friends with IBS say it’s the same thing with them. They never know when they will have an “episode”

If you are experiencing any discomfort in bodily functions like chronic constipation to chronic diarrhea or stomach pains you should definitely speak to your dr. Seeing a dr early can save you from so much unnecessary pain and illness. It is estimated that 35 million people have IBS. That is a crazy high number! So there is a high likelihood that you may even have a few friends that have IBS and either they don’t know it yet or they haven’t even shared it with you yet.

67% of the people that completed the “IBS in America” reported experiencing abdominal and bowel symptoms for more than a year before talking with a doctor, about 11% waited 10 years or more! I can’t imagine living that long in discomfort and not seeing relief. That is why it is so important to talk to your dr. While you may not think anything will help you, it’s worth making an appointment just to see if there is an option.

The survey even showed that people would give up caffeine (55 percent), their cell phone/internet (47 percent) or even sex (40 percent) for one month for the chance to feel one month of relief. Some days I would even agree though it’s hard to get me away from my phone/laptop (kidding, kind of).

If you can relate to recurring abdominal and bowel symptoms, make a resolution to take care of your GI health and break the self-help cycle. You don’t want to start another year in pain, feeling sick etc. Please tell your medical team everything that is going on so that they can help you. If they don’t know, they can’t help. Join the discussion – #IBSinAmerica.

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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 http://bit.ly/1LwtDgp.

This post was sponsored and financial compensation was received for this post. The sponsor and any compensation received for this post in no way affected my opinion or any statements presented in this post. Top Notch Material blog always provides honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products and services reviewed. The information presented above is NOT to replace the advice of your medical professionals and is for informational purposes only. Please speak with your physician or other medical providers prior to taking any supplements. If you have any questions or would like your product, service or company featured on Top Notch Material, please contact katrina from The Nurse Mommy at katrina dot gehman {at} gmail [dot] com. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.