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Sophie Lee

welcome to ibs tales!

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or care about someone who does, this is the site for you. My name is Sophie Lee and I have had IBS for over 20 years. I am a reluctant expert on living with this painful, much-misunderstood disorder, and I started IBS Tales in 2003.

I am also the author of Sophie's Story: My 20-Year Battle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome which tells my complete IBS story, from a serious bout of food poisoning at the age of 12, many years of constipation, diarrhea, pain and bloating, and then finally some relief after almost two decades.

What you can find on this site...

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Why create a site like IBS Tales?

Because I've had IBS since I was 12, and I know what IBS sufferers go through. We suffer from a disorder that is not only painful but also incredibly embarrassing. We get told by our doctors that our problems are in our minds or that IBS is untreatable.

Friends and colleagues tell us that IBS doesn't exist or that it's cured with a bit of bran. Family members think that we are exaggerating or using our symptoms as an excuse.

And everybody thinks that IBS is no big deal. They're all wrong! The stories on IBS Tales show just how this disorder can affect your life, your work, and your sanity, and it's about time that we started getting the respect that we deserve.

The stories and treatment reviews also show that it is possible to beat IBS. There are drugs that works, there are supplements that work, and there are diets that work, and no-one who suffers from IBS should feel alone. There is a way out, and I very much hope that you find comfort, understanding and support right here on IBS Tales.

Disclaimer: This site has been written entirely by IBS sufferers, not qualified medical professionals, and does not offer medical advice. The information on this site does not replace any advice received from health professionals.

What IBS sufferers (and a doctor) have said about IBS Tales...

'Today I found this website, read one of the stories and cried. It is such a relief to know that other people feel this too. The fear I feel is indescribable when I know I need to get to the toilet, and I know what is in store. Sometimes when I'm in pain I wonder if childbirth will be as bad as this.' Diana

'I just want to say that I spent an hour reading these stories with tears in my eyes, a knot in my stomach and a pair of lighter shoulders. I cannot believe that I am not alone in every aspect of discomfort and misery!' Lynn

'For the last year or more, this website has given me the courage to begin to speak out - publicly - about this wretched condition. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.' Rebecca

'I have just discovered this website and it has given me much comfort as no-one else understands the embarrassment, worry and pain unless they have IBS.' Alicia

'I'm now 20 and suffer from IBS. I try and make light of it but I actually cried reading this website as it was the first time I didn't feel like an utter freak. Thank you so much.' Lisa

'I've just received a copy of Sophie's Story and you mention a gluten-free diet so I'm now going to try that because there really is nothing else left. You have really been an inspiration to me and I thank you for that.' Linda

'A fascinating and moving site for anyone with IBS, their relatives and doctors.' From the book IBS: Answers At Your Fingertips by Dr Udi Shmueli, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Northampton General Hospital, UK

What's new?

IMPORTANT NOTE: This site needs your help. Please click here to help support the IBS Tales website.

26 January 2012

Read a sad tale from Edie in the women and diarrhea section.

25 January 2012

There's a new review of Zelnorm, another of Metamucil, one of Citrucel, one of codeine, one of Miralax and one of a gluten-free diet.

20 January 2012

Read a new review of Miralax today and sad tale from Katherine in the woman and constipation section.

16 January 2012

I've posted a new blog entry about Habba Syndrome and why one doctor belives that there is actually no such thing as IBS-D.

12 January 2012

There's a great tip from Deanna on the Lotronex page about the Lotronex savings program.

8 January 2012

Read a new review of Imodium today, another of Questran and a sad tale from Joyce in the women and diarrhea section.

30 December 2011

There's a new review of Amitiza today and also a review of Imodium. And happy new year!

30 December 2011

Read a new review of a gluten-free diet.

23 December 2011

Happy holidays to IBS sufferers everywhere! I hope you all have an IBS-free time of it. There's a new review of Imodium today, one of codeine, and another of calcium supplements.

13 December 2011

Read a new happy tale from Rebecca in the women and diarrhea section and sad tale from Michelle in the women and diarrhea section.

6 December 2011

There's a new review of Imodium today.

3 December 2011

I'd like to create a new page in the Treatment Reviews section about the drug Resolor (prucalopiride), which is a drug for chronic constipation that is available in Europe but not yet approved by the FDA in the USA. If anyone has tried this drug, I would be very grateful if you would contact me and share your experiences. Thanks!

2 December 2011

Read two new reviews of Dulcolax.

29 November 2011

A new blog post tells the story of Luci, a UK sufferer who was (eventually) able to beat the benefits system. She was awarded employment support allowance in the end, but only after two appeals and one medical assessment where the man said that she didn't look ill because she was wearing nail varnish and was clean. There are no words...

22 November 2011

There are three (absolutely terrible!) new reviews of Dulcolax.

15 November 2011

Read a new review of Lotronex by Patricia.

14 November 2011

There's a new happy tale from Ellie in the teenagers with IBS-C section, and there are new reviews of Lomotil and magnesium today.

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