We all respond differently to information about our health. After learning you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you might be scared or even relieved to have answers that explain abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation. No matter what you’re feeling, you’re not alone. On myIBSteam, there are thousands of others who have been in your shoes.

You can’t figure out everything about IBS at once, and you don’t need to. Taking small steps to adjust to your new reality can be empowering in a time of major change. According to the American Psychological Association, active coping strategies like getting organized and making a plan for managing your health can improve mental and emotional well-being.

Create Space for IBS
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you first learn you have IBS. You may have a pile of pamphlets crowding your kitchen table and a head full of questions that you forget the moment you set foot in a doctor’s office. You can begin to tame the chaos by implementing very simple organizational techniques that will help you create space for this new aspect of your life.

Put Everything in One Place
Storing all of your printed doctor’s visit summaries, pamphlets about IBS, and other resources in a designated spot can help create some order and help you find information when you need it. You don’t need a fancy filing system - a kitchen drawer, an old binder, or simply an orderly stack on your bedside table can make a big difference. In addition to helping you keep track of important papers, there is evidence that controlling clutter is associated with better moods.

Remember Your Questions
Keep a list of questions about IBS for your healthcare provider in a dedicated notebook or on your smartphone. Jot down your questions as you think of them and bring your list to your appointments so you can remember your questions and write down the answers.

Manage Your Appointments
If you already rely on a digital calendar or paper planner to manage work and family obligations, stick with that method for managing any new doctor’s visits. If keeping a calendar is new to you, consider using what you’ve already got at home, such as a grocery list notepad or a piece of paper and a magnet on the fridge. You can also ask your doctor’s office about phone call or text message reminders that can help you keep on top of appointments.

Track Your Medications
Using an old-fashioned pill organizer is a great way to keep track of any oral medications your doctor has prescribed. You can also use a paper medication tracker. If you’re comfortable using a smartphone, consider downloading a medication tracking app.

Reach Out for Support
It can feel uncomfortable to reach out after receiving an IBS diagnosis, but you don’t have to face your diagnosis alone. Support from loved ones, your medical team, and other people with IBS is crucial as you embark on a treatment plan and adjust to your new normal. There are a few basic steps you can take to start building your network of support.

IBS Communities
You may not be ready to talk about your diagnosis with your loved ones right away. You may also not have time or be comfortable joining an in-person support group. That’s ok. Connecting with members on myIBSteam can be a first step towards finding support. Your community on myIBSteam can provide an ongoing emotional boost whenever you feel worried or overwhelmed about life with IBS or want to celebrate a victory.

Healthcare Providers
Many hospitals and medical practices offer resources that extend beyond your medical appointments. These may include chaplaincy services, health education classes, patient liaisons or nurse navigators, on-site support groups, and referrals to other services.

Friends and Family
Sharing your IBS diagnosis with friends and family can be hard. They may misunderstand your condition and struggle to react in a helpful way. Try to remember that everyone is doing their best with difficult news. If you’re able, let your loved ones know how they can be most helpful to you during this time, whether that’s helping with household chores or offering a listening ear.

Learn More About IBS
You might not have known much about IBS before your diagnosis, but now you probably want to learn more. Your healthcare provider is a great resource for information, but you may also want to do your own research. Remember to be cautious of what you read online, especially if someone is offering a quick fix or selling a cure. You can always reach out to your healthcare provider or patient liaison if you have questions about something you’ve read.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – An Overview
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - IBS
• International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders - IBS

You never have to feel alone when you’re living with IBS. Members on myIBSteam are always available to answer questions and offer encouragement when things get rough.

Here are some conversations from members on myIBSteam about facing a new diagnosis:

• "Did anyone on here have a hard time getting a definite diagnosis of IBS? For months I was miserable with all the symptoms of IBS, yet all my docs said I did not have it, but could not say what I did have."
• "New to this site. New diagnosis after process of elimination tests. I started drinking green tea twice a day that was suggested to me by a friend. I swear it helps!"
• "Going to see a new internal medicine doctor in a couple of hours. I believe I have all the current diagnosis/symptoms listed. Any suggestions to ask for proper testing and diagnosis? I believe I have a good start but any information is helpful."

If you have a pressing question, you can go straight to the Q+A section. You can also read more about how to get started on myIBSteam.

For the newly diagnosed, what information are you seeking?
For the IBS veterans, what do you wish you knew when you were first diagnosed?
Share in the comments below or directly on myIBSteam.