The things that happen: childhood trauma and IBS later in life.
Two weeks ago I received a letter from Judith. This led to the following correspondence, which, with her permission, I have reproduced here with just a few minor edits. Over … Continue reading
Hypnotherapy: recruiting the healing potential of the mind.
Hypnosis is an altered state of mind, which captures the imagination and brings about changes in perception and behaviour. We are all susceptible to hypnosis. Brief states of hypnosis may … Continue reading
IBS: How can diarrhoea and constipation coexist in the same illness
This is one of the biggest mysteries of IBS. Alternating diarrhoea and constipation is a well known subset of IBS, but it is not always balanced. Many people with diarrhoea … Continue reading
When it all becomes too much.
Jenny was waiting outside in the street when I arrived, enjoying one last cigarette. Even though we had only communicated by email, I recognised the tragedy etched on her face. … Continue reading
You’re only as sick as your secrets.
Jenny had had IBS ever since her early twenties. It was the pain deep in the pit of her stomach that affected her most. It made her feel unbearably sad … Continue reading
IBS and Dementia
And just when you thought things could not get any worse, a study was published last week showing that having IBS could cause you to be more at risk from … Continue reading
Sex and The Irritable Bowel
‘My IBS seems to flare up after I have had intercourse. It has put me off the whole idea of sex. How can I deal with this?’ Sex and food … Continue reading
Take back control of your life.
Illness is much more than a matter of bodily symptoms, it is a state of mind. When we are ill, we feel helpless. We cannot look after ourselves and so … Continue reading
Don’t be victim; be a survivor.
Research has indicated that people who have undergone an episode of trauma are four times as likely to develop IBS than those who have not. Survivors of floods, concentration camps, … Continue reading
Is it all the effect of what happened?
Shirley wrote to me yesterday. I have IBS, possibly caused by a traumatic road accident when I was 18, but I also suffer recurring sinus and ear problems as well … Continue reading
The Sensitive Gut 