| Finding relief for IBS shouldn't only include | | | | Educate yourself - Support groups are a fantastic |
| treatment for physical symptoms such as | | | | way to learn about IBS. You can find out about |
| diarrhea. Your physical body isn't the only part of | | | | different treatment methods and how a member |
| you that suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. | | | | who has undergone the treatment responded to |
| Your mind and emotions are also dramatically | | | | it. You can learn and discuss latest studies, find |
| affected by IBS, and shouldn't be ignored. For this | | | | out if there are any clinical trials, etc. In addition, |
| reason, it is a good idea for an IBS sufferer to | | | | support groups can help educate non-sufferers |
| join a support group. | | | | about IBS and provide them with understanding. |
| An IBS support group is an excellent way for an | | | | How to find an IBS support group |
| IBS sufferer to cope, learn and share with others | | | | Due to the fact that IBS is a common condition |
| all the difficulties they face in their life because of | | | | that affects millions of people, there are many |
| their condition. | | | | support groups available both locally and online. |
| The following are a few reasons why joining an | | | | Here is how you can find them - |
| IBS support group can help make a difference in | | | | Local Search |
| your world - | | | | - Ask your health care provider/gastroenterologist |
| Make Friends - IBS can cause those who suffer | | | | about a local support group |
| from it to feel isolated, often causing them to | | | | - Call your local hospital and ask about support |
| stop social activities and confining themselves to | | | | groups in your area |
| their home. Isolation usually results from IBS | | | | - Do an online search using your city and "ibs |
| symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and | | | | support group" as the keywords. |
| flatulence that can be embarrassing, | | | | - Start your own support group by making |
| uncomfortable and debilitating. In addition, some | | | | friends with fellow patients in the waiting room |
| medications for IBS can cause serious side | | | | who also see your gastroenterologist |
| effects that can actually increase isolation feelings. | | | | Online Search |
| A support group can help relieve your feelings of | | | | - Do a general search for IBS and see what you |
| isolation when you meet people who understand | | | | come up with |
| and truly sympathize with what you are going | | | | - Search for the keywords "ibs" or "irritable bowel |
| through, because they suffer the same. | | | | syndrome" and "forum" or "message boards", or |
| Relieve stress - Many people with IBS have | | | | "online support" (IE. "ibs online support group" or |
| difficulty opening up about their condition to other | | | | "irritable bowel syndrome message board") |
| non-sufferers, including family doctors. The reason | | | | The following are two great online IBS support |
| is because many people who are unfamiliar with | | | | group sites - |
| the condition have mixed beliefs about it. In fact, | | | | 1. - The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help Group |
| some people don't even believe IBS exists and | | | | is the largest online support community for people |
| think it's "all in your head". Thus, not only is it | | | | suffering with IBS. |
| frustrating to live with IBS, it is frustrating to | | | | 2. - This is another excellent online community |
| have to explain your condition to those who don't | | | | where you can learn and find support from fellow |
| believe in it or won't understand. This creates | | | | sufferers. |
| plenty of stress. | | | | An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from |
| Talking to fellow IBS sufferers at a support group | | | | IBS, proof you're not alone. Opening up to others |
| about the way you are treated by others and | | | | is one of the best ways to cope with IBS. Talking |
| sharing stories, helps to eliminate some of the | | | | and sharing with those who understand you can |
| stress you feel. | | | | make a world of difference. |