Feeling like a beached whale and an IBS diagnosis

Last week, after months and months of fatigue, feeling like a beached whale and all-round general discomfort, I was finally given an IBS diagnosis by a gastroenterologist. I was incredibly relieved to learn that my illness isn’t anything more serious and am now very slowly dealing with it.

I’ve been prescribed some gentle medication and urged to continue with my healthy diet – but with some tweaks. One such tweak practically had me sobbing… no more chocolate. Well, no more chocolate after lunchtime anyway. Which is just as bad as no more chocolate because that was my afternoon nibble, and my after dinner treat. But chocolate, like coffee, black tea and cola, irritates the bowel so when I have a flair up of IBS like this, I need to drastically cut down on it. At least until I’m feeling better.

Foods to avoid

I’ve been told to avoid certain fruits like apples and pears – which isn’t a problem for me because I’ve never been a big fruit eater. Most fruit and my tummy just don’t get on very well. I can continue with my morning banana smoothie though. And, apparently berries are ok too. Anything from the cabbage family should be avoided, as should pulses and beans – for now, until this ‘attack’ is under control.

As I mentioned above, I’ve really been feeling like a beached whale: bloated, fat and generally just URGH (if you know what I mean). I therefore have not wanted to wear anything remotely tight. I’m all about loose and baggy clothing at the moment.

Outfit

So when we went out for a bite to eat with close friends last week, I decided to wear these new trousers from C&A. I spotted them in the sales a couple of weeks ago and just had to have them. I figured they’d be great for yoga when I need to be a bit smarter than my usual leggings.

When hubby saw what I was wearing, he raised his eyebrows and commented, ‘You’re wearing tracksuit bottoms to go out for dinner?’. After I slapped him (in my imagination only), I promptly told him they are NOT tracksuit bottoms. They’re simply casual trousers with a loose waistband. From my tone, he soon shut up. (When you’ve been suffering a bad bout of IBS for months on end and you feel as horrible as I’ve been feeling, you tend to get a bit snappy at your loved ones, unfortunately!)

Personally, I love these trousers. They’re a great colour, shape and they’re uber comfortable. And I think they’re quite stylish! I wore them with a silver grey tee bought from H&M last year, my trusty Primark denim jacket, Desigual handbag and my latest, favourite black suede shoes from Calla. If you didn’t see my post about Calla, I urge you to give it a read. If you suffer with bunions, then Calla shoes are for you. They’re the most comfortable shoes EVER!