A day in the life of someone with IBS

IBS month: raising awareness for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
April is IBS Awareness Month, which means that extra attention is given throughout this month to irritable bowel syndrome and the impact this condition can have. This blog takes you through a day in the life of someone living with IBS.

A day in the life
She begins her day. The curtains are drawn back, and the sunlight slowly slips into the room. Spring is in the air, making its presence felt more with each passing day. She feels relieved; despite the familiar tension in her stomach, she is well-rested today.

In the bathroom, she runs a comb through her hair and follows her carefully structured morning routine. By the time she reaches the kitchen, a colourful breakfast is already waiting in the fridge. Each evening, she prepares it with care for the following morning. Alongside the breakfast — a bowl of yoghurt, a handful of nuts, and a generous mix of seeds and fruit — sit two large glasses: one with tea and one with water. For her, this is the formula for keeping her gut content throughout the day ahead.

After the last bite, she casts one more glance in the mirror. It’s time to step outside. Before hurrying to the bus, however, there is always a moment reserved for a visit to the toilet. Finally, she locks the front door behind her, greeted by the scents of spring and the sound of early birds.

She reaches the bus stop just in time, where the bus is already waiting. She doesn’t enjoy bus journeys, especially not when her stomach is unsettled. And today, of all days, she has an important presentation scheduled. At the thought of it, the tension in her stomach begins to grow. She knows this feeling all too well and realises she needs distraction. As the bus pulls away, an audiobook plays through her headphones — she focuses on it, trying to steady her thoughts.

Once she arrives at the office, her first stop is a quick visit to the toilet. Along the way, colleagues greet her warmly. She nods hurriedly in return — she’ll properly wish them good morning in a moment.

By the time the first coffee break arrives, she finally feels a sense of calm return to her body. The presentation is behind her, and after receiving several compliments from colleagues, feelings of pride and satisfaction have replaced the earlier stress.

“I’ve brought cake!” calls one of her colleagues. In the canteen, the smell of coffee fills the air as sunlight streams through the large windows, creating a lively, cheerful atmosphere. As slices of cake are handed out, a quiet inner conflict begins. She knows that cake will trigger her symptoms — but perhaps, just this once, it won’t matter? Around her, voices overlap with laughter and light conversation. “I’ll pass this time,” she hears herself say as a slice of cream cake topped with red cherries is offered to her. Two wide eyes look at her in mock disbelief. “Oh, come on, don’t be boring!” comes the playful reply. “I’ve brought my own snack,” she says, holding up a small container of walnuts and raisins. She takes a sip of her tea and joins in the conversations filling the room.

At the end of a productive working day, she walks into the gym, quietly humming to herself. The sunny weather motivates her to get moving. Even though she’s made all the right choices today, she still senses some lingering tension in her stomach. She opts for a calming yoga class, which helps release the stress of the day.

Back at home, she starts cooking. Tonight’s meal features plenty of vegetables and gluten-free pasta — a choice she knows will keep cramps and discomfort at bay during the night. The door opens; her partner arrives home, greeting her with a quick kiss on the cheek. Cooking for the two of them can sometimes be a challenge. Her dietary needs make choosing a shared meal less straightforward. Today, she prepares two separate dishes, ensuring that both she and her partner can enjoy their dinner — comfortably and without symptoms.

The evening meal is served at the table, where a candle is already flickering softly. Outside, the sun has set, and dusk settles in. They talk through the day together, unhurried and at ease. Slowly, the sun gives way to the moon, and the day draws to a close.

This blog is based on the experiences of someone living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.