Ignorance Isn't Bliss: Why We Need IBS Awareness

The Cherry Blossom festival is in full swing in our nation's capital. And this past Sunday thousands participated in the annual Cherry Blossom 10 miler,
including this guy who was inspired to post this little gem on Craigslist.

"Did anyone see the lady who had [excrement] all over her spandex and piled on her shoe? I was finishing around 1:36, she was running near to me, and it was all I could smell! I haven't stopped talking about it since. I am having a hard time believing I am the only one who witnessed this. I hate to be mean, but it was only 10 miles, and there were plenty of porta-potties/wooded areas to take care of business." --posted on Craigslist, D.C., April 2, 2007.

Now, I admit, Craigslist isn't exactly what I'd call a reliable or credible source for digestive health information. But this posting couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. See, April is IBS Awareness Month, when increased focus is placed on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in an effort to help those suffering with symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramping and bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation--which at times can be excruciating and life altering.


IBS Awareness Month, is a time when organizations like the IBS Self Help and Support Group, Help for IBS and the IFFGD focus their efforts even more on publicizing avenues of help for a condition that affects as many as 1 in 8 people; educating them about the profound differences lifestyle modifications can make. IBS Awareness Month spreads the news that IBS patients are finally being given the lifestyle assistance they need, and not simply a diagnosis.

Gastro Girl calls for IBS awareness: society-wide

As Gastro Girl, I'm taking IBS Awareness month a step further. This brings me back to that insensitive posting on Craig's List. So not only should IBS Awareness target those who suffer from this common digestive condition, I'm calling for efforts that also focus on the ignorance that exists within society when it comes to serious digestive conditions, like IBS.

Now I'm not saying this woman had IBS, she could have had a bout with runner's diarrhea. And I will admit, I'm not sure why she didn't stop..or maybe she did at some point. But this post isn't meant to debate why she kept going. When I read this I thought the poster's attitude not only signified insensitivity and down-right meanness on a very basic human level, but it showed just how unaware we are about digestive health issues. It's attitudes like this guy's, that create stereotypes and perpetuate the embarrassment that many feel in talking about or seeking help for their symptoms.

Did you know that there are people out who never get help? People who suffer in silence? People who stop going to work or school or on trips? People who ruin relationships with family or friends because they aren't able to share the truth? Did you know that there some who contemplate suicide because their symptoms are so bad, the embarrassment so great, they cannot live the life they want?

We all need to stop and think before we make judgments or jokes about situations like what happened this week at the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. We need to open our minds and understand the facts.

Part of IBS Awareness is general public awareness so those who are suffering with IBS symptoms don't feel embarrassed about getting help or talking with their friends, family, co-workers-discussions that often need to happen for these IBS patients to live a full and happy life.

Let's stop the silent suffering!

Spend some time on these sites, especially in the forum/message board areas where you'll gain insight on what it's like to live with IBS.


Some resources for you:

Revolution Health Group's IBS Center

IBS Self Help and Support Group

Life in a Bathroom

Romance, Riches, Restrooms

Help for IBS

IFFGD

See my original post and the comments on this post at Revolution Health.

Gastro Girl (aka Jacqueline Gaulin) is Revolution Health's Digestive health center community manager and is not a licensed professional in this field. Opinions expressed here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Revolution Health. Ask her about anything digestive-health related or just tell her what's on your mind.