A Bit of A Rough Week, But I'm Doing Okay

Finding relief with IBS is a delicate balance of routine, diet, and patience. Here’s a glimpse into my past week.

Finding a Routine That Works

This past week, I’ve been feeling pretty decent overall. There’s been some pain, bowel spasms, and gas, but it’s been manageable. My trusty combination of chicken broth and ginger ale has been a game-changer. It helps me figure out whether I’m dealing with a real emergency—like the kind that sends me running to the washroom—or if I just need to wait out some temporary symptoms. Most of the time lately, it’s the latter, which means I can stay focused and keep working without too much interruption. That in itself is life-changing for me.

Navigating Bathroom Breaks

I’ve settled into a routine of spending about 30-40 minutes in the bathroom each day, though I can’t predict when it’ll happen. For me, that’s not a frustrating stretch of time—it’s progress. My body doesn’t operate like clockwork, so I’ve learned to be patient. I rub my stomach gently or do some squatting motions to encourage things along. Once it’s clear I’m done, I clean up and get on with my day, feeling more at ease than I have in years.

Having any predictability in this part of my life is a huge relief. Pun intended.

The Role of Diet and Late Nights

Eating smaller, healthier meals throughout the day—and sometimes the night—has been a big help. I’m a night owl, so if I can’t sleep, I don’t stress about it. I just stay up, and I find myself hungry again every few hours. Sometimes, that means eating smaller meals at 3 or 4 a.m., but my flexible work schedule makes that possible. On nights when insomnia hits hard, I often work into the night to make up for the lost time.

Appreciating the Little Things

The days are starting to get a little longer again, and thankfully, the winter deep freezes haven’t stuck around for too long. I’ve been able to run errands, shovel snow, or even order delivery without worrying that someone’s freezing outside to bring me my food.

With Mom away house-sitting for a few months, I’ve had the suite to myself. We’ve been roommates since Dad passed, but this arrangement works. She has tenants upstairs, and I can manage things here. It’s nice to make decisions without her questioning my every move, even though I know it comes from a place of care.

For most of the year, the suite is mine.

Managing IBS, One Good Day at a Time

I know I’ll never be “cured,” but this past week has reminded me that IBS can be manageable with the right approach, once you find it, and that was the hardest challenge of my life. On good days, the combination of a consistent routine, mindful diet, and some flexibility in how I live makes all the difference.

If you’re dealing with IBS, I hope this post helps in some way. It’s a tough condition to navigate, and saying that absolutely doesn’t do it justice. But you never know what tip or insight might work for someone suffering with this condition, and maybe that’s you.

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