Have you ever noticed that it is when you are in the midst of your next IBS flare-up, that you take the LEAST care of yourself?
Even if there is no miracle fix once you have been triggered, BEING PREPARED really is the best way to reduce the anxiety and the pain.
Here’s how to put a plan into place before you hit your next IBS trigger.
Your IBS Flare-up Action Plan
1) Have a list ready
You know that when a flare-up starts, panic and pain quickly take over – and it’s really hard to keep a clear head.
Before your next flare-up, take the time to write down your own list of 4 or 5 points that can help you face it better. Note them on a phone app, or simply in notes, on a post-it, whatever suits you – and keep it handy!
Use this list to help you focus on what you need to do as soon as the first symptoms start.
2) Counter anxiety
When the flare-up starts, our immediate reaction is often WORRY or OVERWHELM.
Worry that we are going to be in pain, in a difficult situation, and not be able to cope.
The more anxious you get, the worse symptoms become. And that downward spiral can set itself off amazingly quickly.
If you can get yourself into the habit of taking a few, slow deep breaths at the very first signs of a flare-up, you may actually AVOID the flare-up – or at the very least reduce its intensity.
While this can take time to master, it can be very effective if you keep trying.
3) Keep your IBS flare-up medication with you
This is not the time to wonder if you have the meds that help you handy. Whatever you find helps you the most, start using it straight away. This means having enough, and having this with you at all times.
4) Stock up on your IBS flare-up essentials
If you need to use a lot of paper during a flare-up, keep an emergency stock ready and remember to replace it regularly.
A flare-up is definitely not the time to be rushing out to buy some.
5) Only eat if you want to
When your body and brain just want to collapse on the sofa (or on the toilet) it’s really hard to know what your body needs.
If you are NOT hungry, don’t eat force yourself to eat because you think you should. It will actually give your system a rest.
But do have room-temperature water handy, and remember to drink regularly.
Although it’s not supposed to be healthy, I actually found Diet Coke was my best ally during a flare-up:)
If you do want food, allow yourself to have whatever feels best – and will stop those awful stomach cramps.
Work out a few basic snacks and meals you tolerate reasonably well, and keep them at home.
If you do binge too much and wish you hadn’t, be nice to yourself. We’re all human! Flare-ups are really hard to deal with, and we do what we can to get through them.
6) Get support in your IBS Flare-up action plan
If you live with someone, or have someone close you can contact by phone, tell them how they can help you BEFORE you have your next flare-up.
As you know, flare-up time is not the best time for communication:)
Don’t leave them guessing, or somehow assume they should know.
They are not mind readers.
Tell them clearly what you need, and show them that you appreciate their help.
7) Get some rest
Not always an easy one, but you will support your body by resting.
As you know, a flare-up takes a great deal out of your body.
If you can, go to bed and make yourself and your health a priority while you get through it. When you rest you allow your body to rebalance, and your body will thank you for it.
If you feel you can’t, who could give you a hand and let you rest for a couple of hours?
8) Focus on and prioritize making progress with your IBS
Ultimately this is the key to having fewer IBS flare-ups.
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to boost your progress with IBS.