This is going to be a brief post for those wonderful people who follow this blog. I’m sure many of you follow me because you are clutching for information on the low fodmap diet (it is so complex and hard to come by). Others perhaps like to hear about new recipes. I apologise to you, because I have been quite lax on both accounts. This post is to share a little about why, not as an explanation or excuse, but to illustrate the real life experience of someone living with IBS, a family, and way too many commitments. And how depression crept its way back in.
To say that in 2015 I took on too much is a bit of an understatement. I suspected through most of the year that I was doing too much, but when someone else suggested it, I instantly went into the defensive – of course I could do it, no more than anyone else was doing, and that I would, somehow, find a way to do everything. Perfectly. Because that is how I like to roll. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. Something had to give.
I’m not always good a listening to my body. I keep pushing and pushing on, ignoring the tiredness and managing the IBS symptoms, many of which are also warning signs to slow down, manage my stress. I did try. At times.
I ended up back at my doctors at the end of November, after my kids kept asking why I was so sad all the time. They are so precious and keep me on track and focused on the important things (which actually isn’t work, study, or household chores). So, I am speaking with my doctor regularly, including prescription medication, looking after myself better, asking for support from friends and family more than before and being less hard on myself.
I like to think that my stress levels are lower, helped by a nice break over Christmas, and that my IBS is benefiting from all these things above. Of course, following a low fodmap diet fits with “looking after myself” as I am so aware of the impact symptoms have on how I feel emotionally and also how I cope with the everyday ups and downs of life.
I don’t intend to give up blogging, but for the time being it is taking a back seat while I focus on others things that are big in my life at the moment (like my little girl starting school, like starting a business with my husband, and this year finally finishing my counselling qualifications). It doesn’t have to be done perfectly and it doesn’t have to be done right now. I’ll get there.
Take care of yourself.
Sacha x
Low Fodmap For Life 
You are an inspiration to me and you are modeling self care for your children! Way to go mom!
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Thank you for your kind words!
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Good luck for you, thank you for everything !
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Thank you, I appreciate your kind thoughts.
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Thank you for sharing. Being kind to ourselves is something that is so easy to forget to do – I’ve been learning about this in the mindfulness programme I’m following and it’s really opened my eyes. It talks about the exhaustion funnel which is really interesting. Seriously though, sounds to me like you’re a super Mum! Take care.
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Thank you! I try mindfulness too, although I’m not as disciplined as I would like!
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Hi Sacha, love the blog but it is important to take care of yourself and your family. My IBS is linked to my pernicious anaemia so I know all about tiredness, fogginess and grouchiness with family. Something that has thankfully improved with regular B12 jabs. I am sure you will know that vitamin deficiency is something to be careful of when suffering with digestive issues such as IBS but if you want to know more about B12 deficiency and its symptoms please check out the Pernicious Anaemia Society website. It is hard to pick up PA sometimes and unfortunately not always well understood by the medical profession so worth investigating further if you have the symptoms on their check list. Hope this helps you or others.
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Thanks for sharing the information. My doctor did check out B12 and luckily that was fine. It is a good suggestions though as not many people are aware of this. All the best, Sacha
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Sacha,
I can relate to this more than you know!! at the end of September last year I went to the ER for the first time in what would be a loooong 6 week nightmare. I am a stress monster and have always suffered from constipation because of it. Well I reached a new level, I was diagnosed with having a redundant colon and I was impacted. I was in the ER 3 times due to trapped gas and needed morphine for relief. I had xrays, a CAT scan, a colonoscopy (incomplete due to the prep NOT cleaning me out) and a double contrast barium enema. I took an alarming amount of laxatives, suppositories, stool softeners and anything else I thought would work and NOTHING helped. I finally cleaned out after my second prep for the barium enema and I haven’t been right since. 6 mos later I was back in the ER this week and I am completely backed up again. back on clear liquids only and strict orders to follow this FODMAP diet. I’m feels ng very defeated, discouraged and overwhelmed!!!
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I am wishing you all the best for your health, and I hope the low fodmap diet helps you out. All the best, Sacha
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Your story touches me. One’s emotional/mental health and one’s digestive health seem closely related. Mine certainly are, and I have observed much the same in others. I long ago discovered that less than 7-8 hours sleep a night for any extended period of time is not wise for me. You certainly do have a lot on your plate and putting your blog on the back burner is wise. Care for yourself and your family.. I send you my sincerest best wishes.
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Thanks for your note, I really appreciate it. I am doing a lot better these days, and like you, I am learning how important it is to look after myself. All the best to you too, Sacha
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Hello Sacha my grateful thanks on your honesty time and commitment to sharing your journey.. I am new to The Low Fodmap and have found it overwhelming and frustrating. Upon finding and reading your blog I am feeling less alone with this and comfort in your words and more informed on this lifestyle of eating. Thank you thank you. I have learnt so much and look forward to feeling more comfortable within my body and mind.
kindest regards Lorraine.
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Hi Lorraine,
Thank you for taking the time to write, it really is wonderful to connect with others on a similar path. Good luck with the diet, I hope you find it is helping you. I have been going for over 4 years now, not all smooth sailing but the benefits are worth it. 🙂
All the best,
Sacha
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