Photo Testimonial: Irritable bowel syndrome prevents people from living
Published 12 Feb 2019 • By Louise Bollecker
Marie's testimonial
Irritable bowel syndrome prevents people from living
It has been 5 years now.
After many trips to general practitioners, hospitals and specialists, after hearing repeatedly "it's gastro" from general practitioners or "it's a contagious gastro, stay in the waiting room" at the hospital while I was in the middle of a pain attack, we finally discovered the name of this pain that arises without any warning sign.
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as "functional colitis", has periods when nothing happens and then, all of a sudden, it's back to seizures that paralyze you, major digestive disorders and cramps. The pain usually occurs during or after a meal. A constant feeling of bloating, a decrease in appetite but also terrible fatigue are associated with it.
These symptoms come to the point where you are afraid to leave home for fear of not feeling well, afraid to do certain things for fear you won't be able to reach a bathroom in time. I always have to have painkillers in case of pain attacks but they will only minimize the sensation and not completely eradicate it. On a daily basis, I have to pay attention to everything I eat, everything I do, I try everything to avoid crises and if they happen, to calm them down, but nothing does.
This testimonial is part of the graduation project of Gaëlle Regnier, a student in photography at the Agnès Varda School of Photography and Visual Techniques in Brussels. She chose chronic pain as the theme of this photo report to highlight the patients and their struggle.
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9 comments
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@JosephineO I suffered from IBS, Irritable Bowel And Diverticulitis all diagnosed by GP's but never investigated. I tried every diet going, dairy free, gluten free etc. Then, Privately I had a colonoscopy. Yes I have diverticulitis, but the consultant told me that Ppi's I had been taking for 17 years were causing inflammation!
I am now much better. No more losec, went grain free and took hemp oil for a few months. It is a very slow progress, with stumbling blocks along the way, but it has been worth the effort.
This might not work for you, but there will be things to help, you must just keep looking.
I had my IBS diagnosed at the hospital. I've had camera's inserted from both ends and just recently a colonoscopy. I always keep Immodium close by and TenaLady pants just in case. I also have to self irrigate to help me stay regular, once you get used to it its not too bad... honest!
I suffered with ulcerative colitis for over 10 years , completely ruined my life colonoscopy every year , life on hold needed toilet approx 28 times a day and was scared to go anywhere unless I plotted where the toilets were on route. Eventually had 15 polyps removed from bowel all were benign and since then I have had no trouble and can lead a normal life praise the Lord
I constantly cough up mucas ;. Diagnosed with reflux tablets not any use. Also non alergic rhinitis, take embastina anti histamine some days ,
i like to drink rose wine i know this causes sore ulcerated mouth , even when i have stopped drinking the symptoms of reflux dont go away,
I suffer with constipation, numbness in leg ,dry itchy eyes, dry skin.
