4 a.m. Update: What An IBS Flare-Up Is Like
Navigating life with IBS means finding small victories in long nights. Here’s a glimpse into the challenges, the coping strategies, and the hope that keeps me going.
Here’s a quick update before I try to get some sleep. It’s nearly 4 a.m., and I’m finally cooling off after a rough night of anxiety and stress from my latest IBS flare-up. This cycle is exhausting. Right now, I don’t feel like I’ll need to run to the bathroom in the next five minutes—always a small relief—but the toll on my body is unmistakable.
The Toll of IBS Flare-Ups
When you deal with IBS, your body does its own thing. Sometimes it’s like my intestines have their own agenda, whether there’s anything to “take care of” or not. These spasms, bloating, and gas are life-altering. During a flare-up, your gut doesn’t care if there’s anything to move along; it’s working overtime regardless. Tonight, I’ve been to the bathroom four times in less than 24 hours. That’s not the worst I’ve had—my record is five times in one day—but let me tell you, it’s not something anyone’s body is built to handle. It’s painful, it’s draining, and it feels like your insides are in a full-on workout mode.
Finding Some Relief
Right now, things feel like they’re calming down a bit. I’m not as sore as I feared I’d be, which gives me hope that I’ll get some rest. The pain is still there, though. Those spasms are uncomfortable and make sleep tough. Sometimes you feel like you’re running on empty, but you wonder how much your body can really take before it pushes back harder.
What Helps Me Cope
What’s helping me tonight is my usual go-to: chicken broth and ginger ale, sipped like tea, plus actual tea. Staying hydrated is key, especially during these times. Honestly, managing IBS day-to-day has been better in recent months, but flare-ups like this remind me how quickly things can spiral.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re reading this and dealing with IBS or any other chronic condition, I want you to know you’re not alone. Maybe some of what I’m sharing will resonate or give you a new idea to try. That’s why I share this—because going through this kind of thing alone is miserable. I can’t solve everyone’s problems; I barely have the capacity to manage my own. But I hope these posts and videos offer even a small amount of help or encouragement.
Thank You for Supporting Me
If this blog is useful to you, or if you want to support me, I’d appreciate it. My home business helps me make ends meet since working full-time isn’t an option with everything my body puts me through. I’ll keep sharing updates, whether through these posts, my newsletter, or my free Substack. Thanks for sticking with me, and for what it’s worth, I hope you have a good night—or day—wherever you are.