livingwithibs

Community Resources

Online support groups

Living with IBS, especially IBS-C can feel isolating at times. But you’re not alone. Support groups offer more than just conversation they provide understanding, shared experience, and a sense of belonging that can make a real difference in your well-being.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating flare-ups, connecting with others who truly get it can help you feel empowered, validated, and better informed.

Here are a few trusted communities where you can find encouragement, answers, and human connection:

IBS Support Group by the Gastrointestinal Society: A safe space for users to share experiences, ask questions, and find encouragement (Canadian Society for Intestinal Research. 2025)
IBS Support Group on Doctorpedia: Educational videos and discussion for those living alongside IBS (Canadian Society of Intestinal Research. 2025)
IBS Stories — An advocacy and support platform that highlights patient stories and resources (IBS Impact. 2025)

Daily Life Tips

Traveling with IBS

Travel prep: "Pack these IBS essentials."

Soluble Fiber Supplements

If constipation tends to hit when you're away from home, don’t forget your soluble fiber supplement. They help keep things moving, especially when your routine or meals are unpredictable.

Travel-Friendly Low-FODMAP Snacks

Having your own snacks can save you from risky food choices. Pack options like rice cakes, bananas, or lactose-free protein bars are all gentle on the gut and easy to carry.

Medications You Might Need

If your doctor has prescribed any laxatives or stool softeners, bring them along just in case. You may also want to pack peppermint oil capsules, which can be really helpful for bloating or stomach cramps while sitting for long periods.

Stay Hydrated

Airports, long drives, and airplanes can dehydrate you, which only makes constipation worse.

Warmth for Cramps

A discrete heat patch or a portable mini heating pad can bring comfort and they’re easy to use even while traveling.

IBS awareness month

IBS awareness month

April was established as IBS awareness month. Hoping to generate more awareness and aid for those impacted. This is how you can get involved:

Raise awareness this month using #IBSAwarenessMonth and #MoreThanAStomachache
Engage in Virtual Campaigns: There are organizations with toolkits, such as the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) that can help you get involved (IFFGD. 2025)
Participate in Virtual Events: April is also covered with webinars and online discussions to educate and have people meet (Ministry Of Health Saudi Arabia, 2025).
Spread the word: Educate friends and family about IBS from medical informative resources, accessible to patients (Ministry Of Health Saudi Arabia, 2025).

Additional Resources

IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders): Provides a wealth of information and support tools (Canadian Society of Intestinal Research. 2025).
Biocodex Microbiota Institute: Offers information about the role of gut microbiota in IBS (Biocodex Microbiota Institute, 2024).
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)Choose your own IBS adventure with podcasts and resources for patient education (The ACG News Team, 2024).

You can go through this journey accompanied by great people and resources. Staying connected and staying informed can help you take control of your IBS.

References

Biocodex Microbiota Institute. (2024, 8 noviembre). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month 2024. https://www.biocodexmicrobiotainstitute.com/en/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-awareness-month-2024#:~:text=To%20mark%20IBS%20Awareness%20Month,syndrome%20(IBS)%20Awareness%20Month.
Canadian Society for Intestinal Research. (2025). Support Groups. GI Society. Recuperado 15 de abril de 2025, de https://badgut.org/events/support-groups/
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research. (2025). April is IBS Awareness Month. G.I. Society. Recuperado 15 de abril de 2025, de https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/ibs-awareness/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
IBS Impact. (2025, marzo). Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month. Recuperado 16 de abril de 2025, de https://ibsimpact.com/
IFFGD. (2025, 1 abril). IBS Awareness Month - About IBS. About IBS. https://iffgd.org/news/press-release/2025-ibs-awareness-month-more-than-just-a-stomachache/#:~:text=April%20is%20IBS%20Awareness%20Month,using%20%23IBSAwarenessMonth%20and%20%23MoreThanAStomachache.
Ministry Of Health Saudi Arabia. (2025, 1 abril). IBS awareness month. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/healthDay/2025/Pages/HealthDay-2025-04-01-30-001.aspx?utm_
The ACG News Team. (2024, 16 abril). IBS Awareness Month 2024 - American College of Gastroenterology. American College Of Gastroenterology. https://gi.org/2024/04/03/ibs-awareness-month-2024/#:~:text=ACG%20Observes%20Irritable%20Bowel%20Syndrome,April%20is%20IBS%20Awareness%20Month.

Real voices, real struggles - you're not alone on this journey!

Personal Stories