Whilst I can rarely prevent a food triggered outburst of IBS, I've learnt that I can prevent or minimise emotion-triggered ones. I've been working hard with various techniques on keeping my mood happy and my anxiety levels low. And I was doing well. I'd have the odd moment of discomfort but those I can deal with. However, last night my body decided to re-assert control and remind me I'm at it's mercy.

You will notice that I refer to my body as a separate entity - even the enemy, at times. I don't think I'm alone in doing that amongst those with IBS. There is a lot of stuff about the mind-gut relationship and the gut as the second brain. This is not as daft as it sounds - I'm sure you've experienced butterflies in your stomach when an emotional state is being reflected by your stomach. In IBS that mirror can be reversed - the state of your stomach is projected onto your mind. If that makes sense? Probably not.

About five minutes after the pain, indigestion and mild nausea had started, my mood tumbled really low and I started feeling anxious. I understand (as far as medical science does) what is happening in my body, I know why my mood is affected and yet I really have to work at pulling myself back out of it. Between that and the after-effects of the symptoms, it can be emotionally and physically tiring which means today could have been a day for wallowing in self pity. Thankfully, I managed to stay clear of that. It is very difficult for anyone who hasn't experienced anything similar to understand the emotional/mental aspect of it.

I'm not sure what the purpose of today's post is, but perhaps I just needed to get these things off my chest.

Happy Journeys.