Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Oh Ms. Major I sympathize - I'm a corporate clerk! And I'm just new at the firm and still learning the ropes. I left a super high-stress job in insurance claims after 10 years for a new career in law. Last week was a busy week for me with a huge purchase to close and lots of stress!

To answer your questions:
1. Even if your acidolpholis is lactose free, is it still made from dairy? AVOID dairy if at all possible. An alternative is Bio K+ nn-dairy. It is soy based.
http://www.biokplus.com/Catalogue.aspx?nav_id=3691&lang_id=A

2. It is great that you exercise every day. I only manage aquabics twice a week and the occasional yoga class. Anything you can do to manage your stress is a good thing.

3. With yoga you will learn to breath and to calm yourself in stressful situations. I will do "chair yoga" sometimes to calm myself down, or just breath for a few minutes, concentrating on reducing my stress. This helps when you have those big deals / case loads getting you frantic. Also , as busy as you are, step back. Even if it is just for 2 minutes to walk to the coffee room to boil water for tea or to step outside for a quick breath of fresh air. Don't let your job kill you! (I was doing it with my last job) Don't be embarrassed for being you. Some people are vegetarians, some people are allergic to nuts and people don't give them a hard time, why should you be treated any differently. I found it best to be open with my colleagues - I have a very severe digestive disorder and I have to watch what I eat or I'll end up sick and miserable and stuck at home. (although, I miss very little work due to my ibs. I'm a trooper!)

4. No idea about charcoal. But it is an ingredient in pepto bismal so it must help tums! Ginger is very good for upset tummies, make yourself ginger tea - fresh ginger root, hot water and some honey to sweeten. Peppermint tea is also good. Fennel is good for gas.

I understand how hard it is to go out for firm lunches too. We always go to this fancy little restaurant across from the firm and there is nothing I can eat. Try researching where you are going to eat first. Tons of restaurants have their menus online and many will customize a meal. Request a grilled chicken breast with a baked potato, no butter, or rice as a side. Many restaurants are very happy to assist you. And if the law students question you, just answer simply - food allergies. I use that as it is a lot easier than explaining IBS to anyone.

I also carry my safe snacks with me everywhere. I brown bag my lunches to work. And its kinda funny because our firm is doing "biggest loser" right now, so my lunches look like everyone elses! I have soy yoghurt with rice cereal in it, pb and j on sour dough or French bread, pasta or rice, etc. I also stash instant oatmeal in my drawer if I need a mid-morning snack and I have lots of peppermint and rooibos tea in my desk too.

Wishing you the best of luck!!

--------------------
Cassandra

Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.

IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator