Irritable Bowel Syndrome
At SeeChanges we have received specialist training in the understanding and pain management of clients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Brian McHugh has been trained in the OPSIM method (On-going Progressive Session Induction Method) and is listed on the IBS Hypnotherapists Register. Generally, treatment consists of 5 or 6 sessions.
So…
What is IBS?
Firstly, IBS is not a disease. IBS affects the colon but the colon itself is not diseased and if checked out surgically the bowel would appear absolutely normal. However the symptoms of IBS may be quite severe due to the level of functional disorder of the intestinal tract, usually in the large intestine (colon). Currently there is no known cure for IBS, however it does respond well to treatment.
The condition often begins in young people, usually below 40 and often in their teens and it tends to run in families. Sometimes the symptoms can be particularly severe and at other times they can disappear completely. Generally, over time, the symptoms tend to become less and less intense.
It is an extremely common disorder and is present in perhaps half the patients that see a specialist in gastroenterology. The disorder is not life threatening and does not lead to diseases such as cancer.
What happens with IBS?
The colon, the last five feet of the intestine, serves two functions in the body. First, it dehydrates and stores the stool so that, normally, a well-formed soft stool occurs. Second, it quietly propels the stool from the right side over to the rectum, storing it there until it can be evacuated. This movement occurs by rhythmic contractions of the colon.
When IBS occurs, the colon does not contract normally instead, it seems to contract in a disorganized, and at times violent, manner. The contractions may be terribly exaggerated and sustained, lasting for prolonged periods of time. One area of the colon may contract with no regard to another. At other times, there may be little bowel activity at all. These abnormal contractions result in changing bowel patterns with constipation being most common.
A second major symptom of IBS is abdominal pain. This may move around the abdomen rather than remain localized in one area. These disorganised, exaggerated and painful contractions lead to certain problems. The pattern of bowel movements is often altered. Diarrhoea may occur, especially after meals, as the entire colon contracts and moves liquid stool quickly into the rectum. Or, localized areas of the colon may remain contracted for a prolonged time. When this occurs, which often happens in the section of colon just above the rectum, the stool may be retained for a prolonged period and be squeezed into small pellets. Excessive water is removed from the stool and it becomes hard.
Also, air may accumulate behind these localized contractions, causing the bowel to swell. So bloating and abdominal distress may occur. Some patients see gobs of mucous in the stool and become concerned. Mucous is a normal secretion of the bowel, although most of the time it cannot be seen. IBS patients sometimes produce large amounts of mucous, but this is not a serious problem.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
IBS symptoms may include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.
What should you do if you are experiencing the symptoms of IBS?
First and foremost it is essential NOT to self diagnose. You should visit your GP and get a formal assessment of your condition as IBS symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions.
If diagnosed as IBS your GP may refer you on to a specialist consultant. If there is no significant change in your symptoms over a period of time your medical practitioner may then refer you for other treatment such as hypnotherapy as laid down in NICE guidelines.
Brian McHugh, Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner, Integral Eye Movement Therapy Practitioner
