When asked about the IBD symptoms I struggle with the most my answer without a doubt is bloating and constipation. Feeling constipated is awful. It’s also really frustrating because it causes bloating. Both symptoms are so hard. And not talked about often. It’s almost as if bowel issues are ‘dirty’ and we can’t talk about them. But when I’m not having a good bowel movement and get bloated, I get irritated. It’s like something is wrong with my body. I’m angry. I want to eat, move, and work – but the stomach distress is too debilitating.
The way I try to manage these symptoms is by remaining calm. It sounds silly, but stressing over bowel movements is a weakness of mine. I try to breathe and remind myself that not everyone goes each day. And maybe eating, drinking, moving, etc. will stimulate a movement. The bloating will pass.
Other tips and tricks I use are:
– Peppermint oil rubs help a lot.
– With anal pain, sitz baths are so soothing!
– I also try to do gentle movements like yoga. It doesn’t work quickly, but emotionally, helps me to manage these tough days.
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