Let’s Talk About IBS

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                                                                                        Let’s Talk About IBS 

                                                            (Since No One Else Wants To)


Let’s talk about something no one really wants to talk about: Irritable Bowel Syndrome — better known (to those of us who live with it) as the condition that hijacks your gut, your plans, and sometimes your self-worth.


IBS isn’t cute. It’s not something you bring up in casual conversation. It’s messy. Embarrassing. Sometimes downright humiliating. And yet, it’s part of my daily reality — another unwanted guest alongside fibromyalgia and everything else my body carries.


I didn’t ask for this. No one does.


But here we are.


There are days I feel like my body is on high alert from the moment I wake up. My stomach gurgles like it’s speaking its own language. The cramps roll in without warning. I’ve had to cancel outings, pull over during car rides, or map out bathrooms in public places like I’m on a scavenger hunt. And don’t even get me started on the bloating — the kind that makes you look six months pregnant in the middle of the day for no reason at all.


IBS doesn’t care if it’s your birthday. It doesn’t care if you have plans or if you finally felt good enough to go out. It shows up uninvited, like that one person who never gets the hint.


What’s worse? Most people don’t get it.

“Oh, you just need more fiber.”

“Try yoga!”

“Are you sure it’s not in your head?”

Yes. I’m sure. And no, I don’t want another cup of peppermint tea — I want my life back.


The emotional toll is real. It’s isolating. I’ve felt embarrassed, ashamed, and broken because of it. I’ve cried in bathrooms. I’ve changed outfits a hundred times because my bloated belly didn’t fit what I wanted to wear. I’ve skipped meals out of fear. I’ve apologized for things I can’t control.


But here’s what I’ve learned — and what I want anyone else living with this to hear:

You are not disgusting.

You are not weak.

You are not a burden.

You are someone navigating a complicated, exhausting, and often invisible condition — and you’re doing the best you can.


It’s time we stop whispering about IBS like it’s something to be ashamed of.

Because the truth is: the more we hide it, the more alone we feel. And none of us should have to sit in shame over a body that’s just trying to function.


So here’s me, saying it out loud:

I have IBS. It sucks.

But I’m still worthy of love, fun, softness, joy, and a life that feels full — even if my stomach doesn’t always agree.


And if you’re reading this, clutching your heating pad with tears in your eyes, wondering if anyone really gets it — I do.

You’re not alone.


–

Flare & Flourish

Because even the messy parts of our story deserve to be told.

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