Irritable bowel syndrome can take over a person’s everyday life

Gemma Savory

Community Marketing Manager, Bladder and Bowel Community

Over 1 in 10 people in the UK are thought to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the UK.

It is not quite known what causes IBS, but there are certain triggers such as emotional stress or sensitivities to certain food. A gut infection such as food poisoning or gastroenteritis and certain medications can trigger IBS as well.

Symptoms and causes of IBS

The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain/cramping, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation and sometimes, a mix of both. Symptoms can be worse after eating.

Mhairi Jarvie, 49, from Inverness was first diagnosed with IBS in 2001 after going through a traumatic divorce.

“I was told I had IBS back in 2001 after going through a particularly horrible divorce. I was told it was all stress-related, and it certainly was the case then. However, I worked out what was ‘normal’ for me when it came to bowel movements and got on with life.”

The biggest change is that I now experience
urgency — I need to go without any
warning, and this has impacted my life.

Mhairi Jarvie

Issues surrounding IBS

“Fast-forward to March 2001, when I woke up one morning screaming in agony. My bowel had become twisted, and I ended up needing emergency surgery. It was unrelated to IBS at the time,” says Jarvie.

“Since my surgery, my IBS has become drastically worse. I’ve tried removing certain foods for six weeks, which didn’t work, and I panic when I experience stomach cramps. My GP believes my surgery has caused PTSD, and this exacerbates my IBS. The biggest change is that I now experience urgency — I need to go without any warning, and this has impacted my life.”

Dealing with public situations

Jarvie discloses how she deals with urgency: “I now have a ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card on my phone, which has helped me out in a couple of situations. In one supermarket, all the customer toilets were shut, and I showed my card to one lady, who took me straight to the staff toilets.”

“I’ve got a long way to go until I feel confident again. IBS sadly rules my life; but I have found that by speaking openly about my bowel issues, it’s been a surprise to learn how many others have issues too.” There is no known cure for IBS; but certain dietary changes, medication and avoiding stress can help to alleviate symptoms. You should check with your GP before making any changes.