The Poo Post

One of the most frustrating and embarrassing syndromes that frequently accompanies Fibromyalgia is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. The NIH definition of the disorder:

Irritable bowel syndrome^* (IBS) is a “syndrome,” meaning a group of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool.

IBS is not a disease. It’s a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn’t work, or function, correctly.

Some IBS sufferers have chronic diarrhea. For some, any outing means scouting out the bathrooms and a quick escape route. Outings sometimes end early due to embarrassing accidents, leaving young-to-middle-aged sufferers considering protective undergarments. In milder cases, a patient with IBS with diarrhea will still pass loose stools 3-4 times a day or more, or after every meal and snack.

Gas, bloating and cramps are probably the most embarrassing aspect of IBS. It's harder to hide gas than the other aspects of IBS; attacks often come without warning and in inconvenient public places. Chronically bad gas can lead one to feel like a social pariah.

Others have chronic constipation. Chronic constipation is probably the most painful aspect of IBS, often accompanied by cramping and an urge but an inability to pass a stool. Stools passed are hard and infrequent. Stool can back up in the colon and cause discomfort, especially after eating. Nausea and reflux or vomiting can be related to constipation.

The insidious thing is the "and/or." It is possible to suffer alternately from diarrhea and constipation. This makes IBS particularly difficult to treat medically, as the treatments for each exacerbate the other.

The direct causes and mechanism of IBS are unknown, but there is thought to be a genetic component. Diet and exercise make a difference to frequency and consistency of bowel movements; a diet high in fiber and low in empty starches can help some IBS sufferers.

As with any other time a part of your body "doesn't function correctly," try to learn what works for you to let your body function in the healthiest, most comfortable manner possible. Gentle exercise and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables may help. If not, don't feel awkward bringing it up to your doctor. He's heard it before.