What If You Fall Off the IBS Wagon?

Forgive yourself... if you slip up and do something that triggers an IBS attack. Don't beat yourself up, that just makes it worse. Forgive and remember...so you're less likely to cheat again.
Take action quickly... to break the IBS cycle and get back on track. The longer you're stable, the easier it is to stay that way, and the faster you'll recover from missteps. Your goal is long-term stability, even with a few bumps in the road.
Don't be discouraged... if IBS flares despite all best efforts. Sometimes symptoms strike out of the blue. Remind yourself of every successful strategy you've found for controlling symptoms. Remember there is always another option to try. Regroup and go forward.
Talk to friends and family... if they aren't giving the support you need. Let them know you need their help right about now.
You're not alone... we've all done it. If we were perfect, we wouldn't have IBS. We wouldn't even be human. After 40 years of living with IBS, you'd think I'd know better by now and never cheat. Usually I don't, but usually isn't never, and sometimes - cheesecake may be involved - I pay the price for that. I slap myself around a little, but it's best to just move onward and upward.
Go back to basics... and work your way through the five key strategies for managing IBS.

Tip Takeaway: Sometimes IBS flares despite our best efforts (and sometimes because of our worst!) Either way, give yourself a break. Focus on moving forward, and getting back on track as quickly as possible.

What If You Fall Off the IBS Wagon?

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