Living with IBS-C

Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and a subtype of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, bloating, and recurring abdominal discomfort or pain. IBS-C can significantly impact daily life, affecting diet, routines, social interactions, and overall well-being.

For many people, the path to an IBS-C diagnosis is not straightforward.

Tina was diagnosed with IBS-C at 32 years old, but her symptoms began much earlier. She had been living with chronic constipation since childhood, long before receiving a formal diagnosis. Like many individuals with IBS-C, she spent years consulting different medical specialists and managing overlapping health conditions before finally understanding the root cause of her symptoms.

“IBS-C is a condition I feel I have to manage all day, every day. It is a round-the-clock condition.”

A defining symptom of Tina’s IBS-C is persistent bloating, which is closely linked to her constipation. For individuals with IBS-C, bloating can be one of the most disruptive and visible symptoms. In Tina’s case, severe constipation has at times led to nausea and even vomiting, highlighting how physically intense the condition can become.

Managing IBS-C often requires a combination of approaches tailored to the individual. Tina incorporates meditation, acupuncture, and pelvic floor physical therapy into her routine to help manage symptoms. These therapies are commonly used by people with IBS-C to address both the physical and neurological aspects of digestive health.

Diet also plays a central role in her symptom management, though it comes with challenges. While Tina follows a vegetarian diet, many plant-based foods—especially vegetables and lentils—can trigger bloating and discomfort. To make these foods easier to digest, she prepares them by finely chopping, pureeing, or cooking them thoroughly. Soups, stews, and smoothies have become staples in her daily routine.

“There’s a lot of tips and tricks. My dietitian and my doctor have really worked with me to find a routine that works well.”

Despite these strategies, IBS-C continues to affect her social life. Dietary restrictions and unpredictable symptoms can make it difficult to participate in shared meals or events. Tina often avoids eating food provided at gatherings or brings her own meals to prevent discomfort, which can lead to feelings of isolation.

The emotional and social impact of IBS-C is often overlooked. Digestive conditions like IBS-C are still stigmatized, and conversations about bowel habits are frequently avoided. This lack of openness can make individuals feel alone in their experience, even though IBS-C is a common condition.

Over time, Tina has become an advocate for herself and for others living with IBS-C and digestive disorders. Speaking openly about her experience was not immediate, but it became an important part of how she copes and connects with others facing similar challenges.

“Sharing my story and helping others feel comfortable talking about their IBS-C isn’t something that came to me naturally,” she shares. “It’s what I wanted to do internally, but it took time to figure that out after my diagnosis.”

“I think it is very important to be able to find channels for support. Otherwise, this is a very lonely condition. A lot of times, we’re confined to our homes, confined to anywhere near a bathroom. That is not a way to live life and feel empowered and feel like you’re living your best life. I think there are ways to continue living our best life, even with IBS-C.”

Today, Tina uses her voice to raise awareness of IBS-C symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis, and the realities of living with a chronic digestive disorder. Her experience reflects that IBS-C is not only a medical condition but also a daily lived experience that affects physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.