February 2005 Archives

I was recently invited to attend the launch event for a new IBS program run by the drug company Novartis. Unfortunately the launch was in Madrid, and as my IBS makes it difficult for me to travel I had to say no (oh the hilarious irony).

However, they were kind enough to send me some bumph about the campaign, and it makes interesting reading. The most striking thing is the Impact Report which they commissioned, where hundreds of IBS sufferers were questioned about their IBS and the effect that it has on their lives.

For example, 68% of patients said that they had to miss an average of 11 social activities or occasions in every three month period. Eleven! No wonder we get depressed...

The report also looked at some questions which are not generally addressed, such as whether IBS affects women's sex lives (45% said that it had a negative impact on their sex lives).

I went to pick up the keys to my new flat yesterday. The landlord was one of these very nice but slightly exhausting people who talk really really fast and flit from one subject to another until you don't know which way is up.

He was just about to leave when I thought to myself "Oh dear, I feel a bit odd." Nothing major, I just wanted him to leave so I could lie on the floor for a while, maybe eat a banana.

But he kept going on and on, and eventually I was standing there seeing his face but not hearing his words, and then before I knew it I was in a pile on the carpet.

I tend to faint about once every three years, so it's not exactly a major problem, but I sometimes wonder if it's related to the IBS. It's certainly true that I am a pathetic delicate-type person who cannot even manage to stand up properly.

I now have a nicely bruised back and a very sore face. Quite how I managed to land on my back AND my face remains a mystery. Just clever, I guess.

Things have been pretty hectic lately, hence the lack of entries. I have to move house AGAIN (my last landlord decided to sell the flat from under me) but the new place seems nice and will be much cheaper. It's just a pain in the neck.

One reason that I think the "IBS is just stress" argument is a load of old baloney is the fact that I can be moving house, changing jobs, feeding the five thousand and running for president and get no symptoms whatsoever, and then have to a do a bit of hoovering and get stomach cramps like you wouldn't believe. Doesn't make sense.