By Muhammed Haroon –

At 22 years old, Em lives with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and chronic abdominal pain.

While IBS is often viewed as a common digestive condition, the reality of living with it can be far more complex.

For Em, symptoms affect everything from eating and travelling to work, and socialising, requiring constant planning and adaptation.

The Journey to a Diagnosis

Em was diagnosed with IBS at age 20, although her symptoms began a few years beforehand.

Reaching a diagnosis was anything but straightforward, with multiple appointments and tests as doctors worked to rule out other possible conditions.

Like many people living with IBS, the process was often frustrating and lengthy.

While receiving a diagnosis provided some answers, it did not provide a clear explanation for why her symptoms occur or how they can be completely resolved.

“My journey has been quite the drag, with many doctor visits and tests to rule out other things it could be”

How IBS Affects Daily Life

IBS impacts many aspects of Em’s daily routine.

Chronic abdominal pain is one of the most significant symptoms she experiences, and its severity can vary considerably from day to day.

Simple activities that many people take for granted, such as eating out or spending a day away from home, require careful planning.

She often avoids eating in unfamiliar situations because certain foods can trigger symptoms, and she frequently considers where toilets are located before making plans.

Alongside pain, symptoms such as bloating, sweating and feeling lightheaded and nauseous can make daily tasks more difficult and exhausting.

The Biggest Challenges

The greatest challenge Em faces is uncertainty.

Flare-ups can occur unexpectedly, making it difficult to predict how she will feel from one day to the next.

This unpredictability can affect confidence, particularly in social situations or when travelling.

The possibility of symptoms appearing suddenly often means thinking ahead and preparing for situations that others may never need to consider.

Living with chronic pain also presents challenges because the condition is largely invisible to those around her.

Misconceptions About IBS

One of the most common misconceptions Em encounters is the belief that IBS is simply an upset stomach.

In reality, IBS can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms vary between individuals and are often influenced by a range of factors, making the condition far more complicated than many people realise.

“Many people assume that IBS is just having a stomachache and that it is not a serious thing to worry about.”

Em also points out that avoiding one particular food is rarely a complete solution, as triggers can be highly individual and difficult to identify.

Managing Symptoms and Flare Ups

Over time, Em has developed strategies to help manage her condition.

One of the most useful tools has been tracking foods that may trigger symptoms.

While this approach does not eliminate flare-ups, it can help reduce the likelihood of severe episodes.

Hydration is another important part of our routine.

She has also discovered that stress can play a major role in worsening symptoms, making stress management an important aspect of her overall wellbeing.

Learning to recognise patterns and understand her body’s signals has helped her gain a greater sense of control over her condition.

The importance of Support

Support from friends and colleagues has made a meaningful difference in Em’s life.

Having people who understand her condition means she feels less pressure when symptoms force her to cancel plans or take time to recover.

She also benefits from flexible working arrangements, allowing her to work from home when symptoms become particularly difficult to manage.

This understanding and flexibility help reduce some of the additional stress that can accompany living with a chronic condition.

What Em’s Wishes People Understood

One of Em’s biggest hopes is that people recognise IBS and chronic abdominal pain as genuine medical conditions rather than minor inconveniences.

Because symptoms are often invisible, it can be difficult for others to appreciate the impact they have.

She wants people to understand that accommodations and adjustments are not requests for special treatment but practical ways of managing a long-term health condition.

“Just because you don’t understand something doesn’t mean that it is not real.”

How the Condition Has Shaped Her

Living with IBS has changed the way Em approaches her health and wellbeing.

She has learned to advocate for herself, communicate her needs more confidently, and prioritise her physical and mental health.

The experience has also highlighted the importance of listening to her body and recognising when rest and recovery are needed.

Advice for Others

For people experiencing similar symptoms, Em encourages persistence.

She believes it is important to seek medical advice, track symptoms, as well as advocating for yourself continuously throughout the diagnostic process.

She also emphasises that symptom management is highly personal, meaning individuals should focus on finding strategies that work for them.

Looking Ahead

Em hopes to see more research into IBS and chronic abdominal pain, leading to a better understanding of their causes and more effective treatments.

She would also like to see greater awareness in workplaces, schools and society more broadly, ensuring that people living with invisible illnesses receive the support and accommodations they need.

By sharing her experiences, Em hopes to challenge misconceptions and encourage a better understanding of what it is really like to live with IBS and chronic pain every day.

‘Living With’ is a series that shines a light on the often untold realities of living with long-term health conditions. Through personal stories and expert insights, it explores the challenges people face, the ways they adapt and cope, and the support, services and communities available to help them live well.