Let's do this.

Okay let’s face it: IBS does not stand for “I Be Sexy.” It stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is about as unsexy a condition as I have ever met. But, understanding that this is perhaps the most embarrassing disease there is, did they have to give it a name like that?! Perhaps you prefer one of the less common, alternative names like Spastic Colon. Not much improvement there. Thanks, Science!

And really, this disease is humiliating. In my opinion, there is truly nothing as humiliating as a pooping problem. And so we are silent. And so we invent elaborate stories to remove ourselves from dinner parties or meetings, or maybe we don’t go to them at all. And so we become removed. And so we are afraid to leave our homes. And we become more anxious, which of course leads to more symptoms, which lead to more anxiety, etc, etc.

Our bodies betray us. Even if we treat ourselves well, eat right, exercise, reduce stress…STILL our guts can go on strike at any time and hurt us. And when I say HURT, you know what I mean. We’re not talking about “discomfort” here. Sometimes we are unable to walk or drive, much less work or have fun. Sometimes we are unable to do anything except curl up and wait for it to subside. Sometimes we pass out from the pain, or we end up in the ER or urgent care clinic.

Most people with IBS have seen numerous physicians and/or GI specialists if they can afford the costs. They’ve tried several prescription and non-prescription drugs…anti-spasmodics, anti-depressants, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-cholinergics, painkillers, vitamins, fibers, probiotics, yogurts, teas, herbs, acupuncture, hypnosis, psychoanalysis. Some don’t eat wheat, or dairy, or meat, or fruit. Some don’t drink coffee, or tea, or soda, or juice.

Do any of these remedies help? I think the typical answer is: “somewhat.” But there is no cure.

How many hours per week do you spend worrying about or dealing with this condition? How many days, weeks, months, even YEARS of your life have you spent fighting it? How many times have you had to call in sick at work? How many times have you wanted or needed to spend time with friends, family, clients, and co-workers, but couldn’t because you were paralyzed with fear at what would happen when you sat down at the dinner table? How anxious have you been about an upcoming family vacation, a road trip, a plane trip, or just an afternoon walk?

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. This is a disease that affects MILLIONS of Americans. The National Institute of Health (NIH) claims that up to 20% of our population suffers. It costs BILLIONS of dollars in medical care and lost productivity in the workplace. And of course, I’m just talking about America here. This is a worldwide problem that deserves first-class attention.

And YET! IBS research is underfunded. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) writes that “federal funding for functional GI and motility disorder medical research currently lags behind that of some less serious and less prevalent conditions, and patients frequently face issues regarding access to care and availability of treatment options.” (http://www.iffgd.org/site/advocacy/).

WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?!

Let’s change this, people.

Okay, so, we have a disease that involves poop. Poop is gross and embarrassing and all that. Yes. NEXT!

Please join me. Let’s figure out how to get IBS the attention it deserves. Let’s feel better and be more free to live our lives however we choose, and not be controlled and tormented by this despicable condition. Let’s cure IBS!!!