|
A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, together.
|
| Group Home | Forums | Articles | Members (614) | Diaries | Videos | Leaders | Guidelines |
|
| Don't Suffer with IBS Symptoms in Silence |
|
|
| Written by littlebopeep1 | |
| 02 November 2008 | |
|
But you can ease your IBS symptoms, and maybe even eliminate them. While there's no sure cure that works for all IBS sufferers in the same way, you can take control of your symptoms and get some relief through adaptation, lifestyle changes and medication. If you're plagued with gas, bloating, stomach pain, constipation and/or diarrhea and are not sure why — you probably have IBS and don't know it. As many as one in eight people suffer with the same symptoms, and between one in four people1 or 70 percent of people2 with IBS don't go to see a doctor for fear that the doctor won't take them seriously or that they'll simply be too embarrassed to talk about their digestive distress. If this sounds like you, know that not all doctors are made alike. Find one you feel comfortable discussing your symptoms with and give his advice a chance. Here's what to expect The changes you may be asked to make could include altering your diet, reducing the amount that you eat, eating your last meal of the day a few hours before bedtime and exercising regularly, according to Douglas Drossman, M.D., a professor of medicine and psychiatry in the School of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, and co-director of the university’s Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders. (GI stands for gastrointestinal.) Some doctors may even take a mind-body approach and recommend alternative therapies like yoga, meditation, massage or cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to better manage fear, worry and anxiety. These are stressors known to aggravate IBS symptoms. written by maryanne November 2,2008 |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|