It’s back!

Well, sort of.  Where have I been? That’s a story for another time, another place, another blog entirely!

 Life in a Bathroom is going live….again! Why? Simply because I recognize there is still a need for awareness and action, especially after yet another trip to the doctor that was AGAIN useless.   Is it just me, or does it seem like the only new things about IBS is that  more and more people seem to have it???

Those of us with IBS are still out here, somewhat helpless, in need of answers and support! So, the blog is being turned on to at least provide that bit of support and acknowledgement and I’ll be adding more content very soon, promise!

 Until then!

-Nicole

A Valentine’s Day Thought: “My love for you is like diarrhea, I just can’t hold it in.”

So romantic.

Does hypnotherapy for IBS work?

One of the many aspects of living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is trying countless remedies to “cure” you of this uncomfortable syndrome.  Whether it’s changing your diet, taking prescription drugs, or countless over-the-counter supplements, the experimenting seems endless.

After over 5 years of living with IBS, I still have yet to find the magical potion that will make my bathroom blues subside completely. While searching for that healing elixir, I’ve come across an interesting treatment for IBS: Hypnotherapy.

Michael Mahoney, a UK clinical hypnotherapist, has been successfully treating patients with in-person hypnotherapy sessions designed specifically for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He has also created the IBS Audio Program 100, which now brings these special sessions to those like me (yup, the budget doesn’t include regular flights to the UK) and the rest of the IBS suffering public.

I’ve made A LOT of progress on my own by forcing myself to do things I previously thought I couldn’t, like road trips, and flying, etc. I went from being completely paralyzed and almost housebound (to which many of my friends and family can attest) to having a full social calendar.  Looking back, I realize that much of my success was achieved by doing things that trained my subconscious to think differently and therefore my body to react differently.  For example, I stopped having panic attacks that led to IBS attacks when I had to go out to dinner, or drive long distances in the car.

I’ve since purchased the IBS Audio Program 100 as a means to improve upon the progress I’ve already made. After reading countless examples of the success of the program and from my own personal experience, I’m convinced it will greatly improve my quality of life and personal success with treating IBS.  I will keep you updated as to my progress at a later date.

I firmly believe that when it comes to IBS, treating your mind is as important as treating your body, but don’t take my word for it.  Read the interview with Michael Mahoney on the Extras page of this blog and try the program for yourself. Give it an honest attempt. You might just amaze yourself like I have.

Interview with Michael Mahoney

IBS Audio Program 100 Website

Hypnotherapy Discussion Forum on IBS Self Help and Support Group Website

What’s going on? Updates and news for you!

I had to leave work early today due to my active IBS.  It was too late to take medicine, and I couldn’t anyway because I’m saving it up for a weekend of driving and camping at the lake.  This is the type of fun game you get to play when you have an unpredictable illness.  Anyway, I came home, got sick, got better and now here I am bringing you the latest: 

-I’ve been given the wonderful opportunity to try a dietary supplement called Align, from the makers of Metamucil®. Align contains a probiotic that is clinically proven to maintain and support a balanced digestive system.  Check out the Align website at www.AlignGI.com to learn more.  I will update you how it’s been going for me in a few more weeks.

-In the world of IBS awareness, I’ve just been made aware that there is a virtual health fair being put on by Revolution Health.  This is no ordinary health fair, people!  IBS Self Help and Support Group is a partner hosting a “booth” with lots of helpful information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but that’s not the best part. The best part is this: For every visitor to their booth, Revolution Health will make a donation to a partner up to $10,000! That means more $$$ to help spread awareness and keep one of the largest IBS support group sites going. So please check it out and while you’re there, sign up to become a member!

-If you’ve read my interview with Tim Phelan, you know he’s an expert on living with IBS and writing about it.  I had many conversations with Tim over the last couple of months about his book and his life, all of which reminded me that I am NOT alone.  I highly suggest you go to Tim’s blog and listen to the recent interview he did for Writers in the Sky.  It’s so great to hear someone talk so openly about this subject and it’s even better to know how much he can relate. Don’t miss it!

-Who has IBS and isn’t afraid to talk about it? (Besides me, of course)That would famous motocross legend Ricky Carmichael.  A good friend of mine reminded me about Ricky’s struggle with IBS and I found a recent article where he mentions battling with IBS during a race.  It’s hard enough sitting at home and having an “attack”. I can’t imagine trying to ride a motorcycle while enduring that pain. YOU GO, RICKY! (not in your pants though)

That’s all for now, folks! So much to do, so many toilets to visit.   More to come later on the latest book I’m reading and the newest therapy I’m trying.  It’s cool stuff you won’t want to miss!

-Nicole

Cast your Vote!

Let your vote be counted in the 2007 America’s Best Restroom Award!

Review the 5 finalists and cast your vote by July 31st! The winner will be announced in August.

 My personal favorite: Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, Ohio.  The humorous touch to this reststroom is right up my alley.

 

-Nicole

And….I’m Back!!!!

Wow! It’s been awhile but I’m so glad to be back and able to continue writing.  I took a short hiatus from the blog to cycle in my very first century ride for Reach the Beach Clean Air Bicycle Challenge.  It was the most difficult and greatest accomplishment of my life, so far.  Not having to go to the bathroom for 11 hours with only an outhouse every 15 miles was also an amazing achievment.

But enough about me.  There are more important things to discuss like the importance of today.  Today, May 23rd, is the first annual World Crohn’s and Colitis Day!

What is Crohn’s and Colitis?  From the True Guts website, here is a summary:

Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis diseases which cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Generically, the two diseases can each be called I.B.D. (Intestinal Bowel Disease) Crohn’s disease often has inflammation throughout the digestive tract while ulcerative colitis is only in the large intestine. This inflammation can be in the form of lesions, scarring, blockage or manifest itself in other ways such as pain, diarrhea, needing to use the bathroom repeatedly, chronic fatigue, or weight loss.

 I’m bringing this to your attention for several reasons. While I don’t have Crohn’s or Colitis, I feel it’s extremely important to support all those with digestive diseases and conditions.  Why? Because although we may not share the same names, disease, or even the same symptoms, we do share a lot of the same emotions that come with living with a digestive condition daily.

There are as many misconceptions about Crohn’s and Colitis as there are about IBS.  Together we can bridge the gap and through unity define the future for everyone suffering.  So, if you know someone who has Crohn’s or Colitis, give them a call! Or tell someone who doesn’t know about it.  I’ve found that when I talk about IBS, I usually find out someone knows someone else who has Crohn’s.

Communication is an amazing thing. You should try it.

Have a great day!

 -Nicole

Paranoia? Maybe…

I’m seriously lacking time to write a decent blog. I promise I have stuff in the works but for now I just want to share something amusing that happened this weekend.

I spent Saturday night with a few friends at Wunderland, a local arcade.  I introduced my best friend to Dance Dance Revolution for the first time. It was a blast!  I’m a decent dancer, when I’m dancing to my own tune J  Nothing makes you feel more clumsy than this game, but I guess that’s why I like it.  Actually, I like it so much that I decided I had to have it at home!

So, I went to Target on an impulse and bought it.  I also grabbed a few things for my desk at work since it has to look pretty (the auditors are here) and that was it!  The check out person tears off the receipt from the register and says “Here is your receipt and a coupon for $1 off Imodium.”

I laughed out loud.  Actually, it probably sounded more like I choked, because he stammered “I don’t know why they do that, it just prints random coupons” and sort of looked the other way.  Was this a coincidence?  My guess is NO.  It wouldn’t be out of the question to assume that they are keeping tabs on my purchases, and apparently I must buy Imodium a lot!  I can’t blame them, and actually $1 is pretty good, that stuff is expensive!

You can’t hide anything anymore.  I used to be terrified to purchase Imodium in front of (GASP!) an actual person and would go out of my way to a store that had electronic check outs, but these days I don’t give a crap!(thank you, Imodium) J  If, however, you find this a challenge for yourself, there is always Drugstore.com.

 

-Nicole

 

HAPPY POOP FOR PEACE DAY!!!!!!

It’s finally here!  Today is the day we all sit down (on the toilet) and contemplate what makes us human and what makes us the same……so go, go out there and make some peace!! (and then flush it, please)