Life with IBS can be challenging whether it's going shopping, heading to work, or being with friends. IBS symptoms can suddenly show up without warning and cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Life hacks are suggestions to make life easier while managing IBS symptoms. Sharing life hacks about IBS experiences are best done alongside others who understand exactly what you are going through.

On myIBSteam, the social network and online support group for those living with IBS, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Life hacks are one of the top 10 topics most discussed.

Here are a few question-and-answer threads about life hacks:

• Has anyone tried a squatty potty (or similar)? Does it help at all?
• Does anyone else feel tightness in their abdomen often?
• Has anyone tried fennel essential oil for their IBS symptoms?

Here are conversations that have taken place about life hacks:

• Had an "accident" on the way to work. Had to call employer. Didn't go over very well!
• Thank goodness for pull ups—easy to clean up and my pants don't get ruined.
• It annoys me when shopkeepers don't know about this condition.

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myIBSteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.