A little risky….what I have to talk about today, that is. I do not want to offend, but I think some of you may suffer from this problem, too. So, let’s discuss and then I’ll share with you my solution. I’m talking about IBS, better known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Have you ever been here and looked like this? Well I have. ..many times. I have suffered from IBS since I was a teenager. It would flare up for a while and then disappear for a while…but it always came back with a vengence! And, it’s no fun! Actually, it takes over your life…you choose when to eat and where to eat by finding out how close a bathroom is to where you are. Sometimes you are just hoping you’ll find ‘the facilities’ quick enough…if you know what I mean.

I think it can better be explained by a professional: From the Mayo Clinic:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation. Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to your colon.

Most people with IBS find that symptoms improve as they learn to control their condition. Only a small number of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe signs and symptoms.

Fortunately, unlike more-serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.

********WARNING********** the following information from Women’s Health is sort of gross…sorry…but, we are all adults here…

The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are:

* abdominal or stomach pain
* relief by defecation, opening the bowels, and passing stool
* change in frequency or consistency of stool
* bloating or feeling of abdominal distension

If you have some of these symptoms, then you probably have IBS. Similar symptoms include loose or watery stools, rushing to the toilet, needing to go to the toilet just after going, and needing to loosen clothes after eating. ***********There is scads of info on the Internet. Look under ‘IBS Symptoms’.*************

My sister, Joy, has suffered far more than I have. She would only eat if she was at home…never away. If we went to Birmingham, she would not eat anything until we went to the motel at night.On Sunday, she would, get up, go to church, play for the services, and then come home to eat. She would never go out for lunch, or even go to someone’s house, unless they were very good friends. Her whole life was controlled by this. When she and Mom and I went to Atlanta or B’ham shopping, we felt guilty eating lunch because Joy wouldn’t. When evening came, if we went to eat out…she would go and not eat, but take something back to the motel. Or else, all 3 of us would get something to go. Then we would have a picnic in the bed. She suffered so long and so much.

One day, Joy went to see her yougest daughter. She noticed that LL was eating Fr*sted Mini Wheats…dry…for breakfast. She (LL) had discovered that eating these would help her IBS symptoms. So, Joy tried it. For breakfast each morning she would eat 20-25 pieces. After a few days, she noticed her stomach did not go ballistic after she ate. After a few days, she tried it away from home…and it worked! She began eating out with us and having no trouble. This was about a year ago. She was fine in Maui…and still eating well today.

My own symptoms had been flaring up quite a bit for over 2 years. IBS is also a symptom of fibromyalgia, which is also something I deal with. The IBS will flare up, and then go into a remission. Well. I tried it! I ate 25 fr*sted mini wheats for breakfast. I did it for 2 weeks… and it worked. Now, I eat them every day, and it is amazing! I no longer have to find a bathroom in every store I shop in! I am sure that little tidbit of information has totally made your day! It’s OK…you don’t have to clap…no, really!

It has been a big help to Alex, as well. Because of the large anounts of pain meds he takes, he suffers from this also.

When we went to Birmingham last weekend, it was quite humorous. We both packed a box of Fr*sted Mini Wheats! She, plain…me, Blueberry. But, I like the Apple Cinnamon the best.

In the grand scheme of things, this is a very small problem. But, if you suffer from it…it is huge! I am so thankful that, for now, this painful and embarrassing problem in my life is under control.

I am, however, eating less chocolate than usual, trying to diet some!

ATTENTION: I am telling you something that worked for me. I am not suggesting that you try it or don’t try it. Your best advice comes from your doctor. Even though this has been like a miracle for Joy and I, it may not work for you. Every body is different and what works for one may not work for all. Check with your own doctor. Even though I am a former nurse, I am not qualified to give you medical advice. I pass along this information as just that…information. Tonja

OK…was this too painful to read? Or too gross. Well I pass it along to you as I would to my friends IRL. I hope none of you were offended. But, if something can help you rid yourself of unnecessary pain and inconvenience……I wanted to share. Plus…it really helps with bloating. My clothes that are bursting at the seams are thanking me! My pregnant-looking belly is thanking me! The people who wish to use the restroom at TJM are thanking me!

This kind of post will not become a habit for me…I’ll try to keep my other bodily functions to my self. Promise.

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UH! OH! Just heard this on the View and wanted to pass it along since we are in the same area of discussion:

In PUBLIC RESTROOMS: never sit purse on floor…….do not us the toilet tissue in the stall unless it is covered! When the toilet is flushed, tiny particals of matter fly into the air…and land on the floor, the seat, the toilet paper. YUCK TO THE MAX!!!!!!!