What I Did:
I move A LOT, so I can't remodel the bathroom scene as I see fit. I've had IBS since I was 12, and therefore I have learned great tips and tricks along the way.
As soon as I move into a new place, the bathroom is the first place that gets decorated. And here is what I do:
How I Did It
First tip: Elevating your feet and knees will help with painful or constipated bowel movements. I will either use a stack a books/magazines, a small plastic tote and even the bathtub to elevate my feet. I found this tip from an African man in the 11th grade. He told me how in Africa they squat to go #2 behind it put the colon in a more favorable position.
Second tip: Decorate with things that relax you. I enjoy making puzzles by Josephine Wall (Wal-Mart), and then gluing them to hang up as posters in the bathroom. I also hung up colorful plastic butterfly decorations, and pictures of plants. These give me something happy and creative to think about when I am in my "second bedroom".
Third Tip: Distract yourself from the pain. I do this by do my nails while I wait. You could knit, paint by numbers or talk to a loved one.
Fourth Tip: Learn the joy of self-massage during down-time. Lay back against the toilet seat and massage your abdomen from right to left either in a circle or side to side. You can usually find a couple blockages or spasms that you can work out. It definitely helps the procedure.
Tips and Tricks
- Learn deep breathing exercises.
- Chant your own personal mantra. Mine is "I will be ok."
My Bathroom Wish List
A tv, more room, A WINDOW!!!, the ultimate air spray
