| My IBS StoryI received my first diagnosis of IBS in my thirties at my first routine colonoscopy. Although, I had been suffering from symptoms of IBS, reflux, chronic pain and bloating since my early twenties.
I had tried a variety of different diets over the years with varying degrees of success and learned to avoid certain foods completely. The most beneficial was a low FODMAP diet which helped with the reflux and hernia, and I still follow that lifestyle today. I was exercising regularly which greatly helped to control anxiety and stress and also to get motility in my intestine during the bouts of constipation. I think the symptom that bothers me the most was urgent diarrhea I would experience during an IBS flare-up. Suddenly, I would have the urge to go to the toilet and would literally only get a two minute warning. I had no way of holding or controlling my bowel, which led to the occasional accident, when I was unable to reach a toilet in time. Over time, it began to curtail my lifestyle more and more. I started to avoid going to the beach, choosing to spend more time at home, always conscious of where I would be going or what I would be wearing if I went out. Travelling was extremely difficult and had to be timed well – either before eating or missing a meal altogether often became my preferred option. I was unsure about what my IBS triggers were. There was nothing obvious to me at the time they would arise. I realised that anxiety and stress played a big role in aggravating my symptoms. I learned how to meditate and do breathing exercises designed for people with IBS. I also noticed a link between my anxiety and certain food triggers. Self-hypnosis greatly helped balance my autonomic nervous system and still does so today. As a Clinical Hypnotherapist I have experimented with various IBS Hypnosis programs and I realised that I needed to create my own IBS Hypnotherapy audio program, which is available to purchase here on – Shop – “Inner River Meditation”. Additionally, the best tools I have to offer are:
To connect with me to book an IBS Therapy session or to find out more please see my contact details. |