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What is IBS?

A few years ago, my doctor diagnosed my chronic and mysterious stomach pain as IBS. At the time, I could barely eat. I was living on the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet, losing weight rapidly, and barely sleeping. Before the diagnosis, I went through weeks without lactose, meat, soy, gluten, and other ingredients in an attempt to discover an allergy or intolerance. After several tests, we decided it was IBS and I would have to learn to manage the symptoms on my own.

According to 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. IBS is a chronic condition that you will need to manage long term.
For me, IBS means nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, and constipation when I eat large meals or too many No-No Foods. My No-No Foods include sweet, fried, and acidic foods. I have learned my body's cap for food and I now know that exceeding the cap can lead to several terrible days.

After my diagnosis, I realized that several of my family members exhibit similar problems that were never professional treated. After some research, I found that hereditary IBS is common and I it is likely that it will stay with me for the rest of my life. Meaning that I might forever be, The Girl with IBS.

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