Living with IBS: Up Late Amid A Flare-Up

Living with IBS means navigating unpredictable and exhausting moments that can derail even the simplest plans. Here's a glimpse into how I manage the challenges and keep doing my best.

It’s 2:40 in the morning, and I’m awake again, dealing with another rough night. Living with IBS means unpredictable moments like this—nights when the bathroom becomes a second home. I’ve had this condition since 2008, and while I’ve learned to manage it better over the years, nights like this still knock me down.

In the last 24 hours, I’ve been to the bathroom four times. Each trip takes 30 to 40 minutes, not because I want to spend that much time there, but because my body just doesn’t work the way most people do. It’s exhausting. By the time I’m done, I’m physically drained.

Most days, I try to believe I’ve got this figured out. I’ll have stretches where things feel manageable, but nights like this remind me I’m not in control. The reality is that everything I want to do—everything I try to plan—gets filtered through whether my body will cooperate.

I don’t think people realize how much time IBS, and specifically chronic IBS, takes from you. This isn’t just about physical discomfort; it’s about losing the ability to plan your life. I can’t commit to a time or date without wondering if my body will behave. It’s hard to explain what that feels like, but I imagine some of you reading this might understand.

Even on nights like this, I do my best to cope. I’ve found little things that help, like chicken broth, ginger ale, or just trying to reduce stress where possible. They don’t solve everything, but they make it a bit more bearable. And when I can, I share what I’ve learned—through videos, newsletters, or posts like this. It’s not just for me; it’s for anyone else dealing with something similar. If that’s you, I hope you find something helpful here.

I also run my own business, which is challenging when every day feels unpredictable. I put my time and energy into it, but my hours are limited. If my content has been helpful, I’d really appreciate your support. You can visit kevinthetechguy.ca to learn more about what I do or to lend a hand. Every bit of encouragement means a lot, especially on nights like this.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you have thoughts or want to share your own experience, I’d love to hear from you. Nights like these are tough, but knowing someone is listening and maybe this is helping them, is some consolation.