The 2 Hard Truths of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The first hard truth about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is that you have to try and find the humor. Maybe for some people there is none, and maybe I’m only lying to myself to ease the tension. Humor translates well, and although your best friend may be upset that you missed her baby shower, your teacher may be upset that you skipped class, and maybe your spouse is upset that you hogged the bathroom all night, if you can learn to laugh a little, the tension may ease for everyone. “I had a very important date with my toilet. I couldn’t leave, I’m sorry.”

The second hard truth about IBS is an obvious one. Everybody poops. The popular kids in school, the movie stars, your favorite athlete, everybody. You don’t have to talk about it, but don’t let it make you feel ashamed that maybe you just poop a little bit more than others.

I’ve put Tupperware in the car before while having an attack and driving home from work, worried I wouldn’t make it home. It’s at least a little funny, right? Focusing on the lighthearted side of such a dehumanizing disorder has completely turned my life around.

Everybody poops. And I am no less than anybody else.

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Thinkstock photo by Alina Utter