This is a sponsored post and campaign about #VSL3TheJourneyBack. Payment was provided along with product to construct this post. All experiences are my honest opinion.
Today I have decided to open up about my embarrassing little secret that I don’t like to talk about. It is gross and I am embarrassed by it. For 11 years, I have suffered from IBS. At first I didn’t know what was wrong with me, but after many trips to the doctor and a super duper disgusting colonoscopy and endoscopy…the doctor found some polyps and determined my upset stomach cramps and irregular bowel movements were due to IBS.
VSL#3 and IBS
About 20% of U.S. adults have IBS symptoms. More women than men are diagnosed with IBS but many never seek medical help for it.
I totally believe that mine is stress related. Every morning, almost, for 11 years I wake up to terrible stomach cramps. It is sad, but I have learned to live with them.
I am now pretty tolerant to pain, during labor I never went up passed a 6 from a scale of 1-10 with contractions. The doctors kept asking me, are you sure you are only a 6? I believe that since I have had to deal with cramps my entire life and embarrassing restroom issues that this made me more tolerant to pain.
Nobody should have to deal with IBS like I have. At one point, early on my diagnosis, I found a pill that was working for me. My doctor was excited, but then about 6 months later the pill became unaffordable and was eventually discontinued from the market. I had to try other medicines that were ripping up my insides. At times, I would be late to my job because of my stomach issues.
At one point I got on a stool softener that I took every day for about 7-8 years! Since then I have been working on getting my body off of it and focusing on staying away from foods like bananas and others that are really high in fiber. They all seem to irritate my pain.
When I was asked to do a review on VSL#3, I was excited to try the product! It came refrigerated and they also sent me a journal. I am going to be documenting my experience in this personal journal for the next 3 weeks and probably get way more detailed than I would in this blog post.
People aren’t really familiar with probiotics specifics. I learned that nearly half of IBS, UC, ileal pouch sufferers believe all probiotics are pretty much the same*.
I know I am not the only one who deals with IBS. There are so many women that have the same problem as I do. It is a true issue and finding a solution can be a game changer. I don’t know yet if VSL#3 will help with my IBS symptoms, but I am already excited to journal my personal feelings and physical changes after trying this!
VSL#3 is a high potency probiotic medical food that is clinically proven in the dietary management of the serious digestive issues IBS, UC, and ileal pouch. Roughly 2 in 5 IBS, UC, ileal pouch sufferers don’t understand which strain of probiotics is best to help treat their symptoms.* You can also find it behind the pharmacy counter refrigerated. You can also shop online.
Be sure to be on the lookout as I share how my IBS changed throughout this journey! I am excited because I learned that it has been clinically demonstrated to reduce bloating/gassiness and discomfort in patients with IBS.
Ask your healthcare professional for a VSL#3 Patient Savings card and save up to $80 each month on your purchase of VSL#3 products. Visit https://www.vsl3ds.com?fb=1 for more information and talk to your doctor today to be part of the savings program!
For more information be sure to check out VSL#3 on Facebook.
Check out their series of videos including helpful info about managing IBS & UC at www.youtube.com/user/VSL3Probiotic.
You can find delicious low-FODMAP, IBS-friendly recipes at http://www.vsl3.com/discover/ibs-friendly-recipes/.
*Harris Poll conducted the GI Issues Survey on behalf of VSL#3. The survey was administered online within the United States between April 1-7, 2015 among 607 adults’ ages 18+ who have been diagnosed with a digestive or gastrointestinal conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis, ileal pouch (“sufferers”).
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