Last month, all of the health guides on about.com were challenged by the guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (http://ibs.about.com). The goal was to get readers talking about the unmentionables- bowel movements! And the bowel blog carnival was born.
Bowel movements are not something that is talked about in (most) people's everyday conversations. In fact, there tends to be a great deal of shame and secrecy surrounding the topic. However, many of the drug regimens used to treat leukemia and lymphoma can cause diarrhea or constipation, and both of these side effects can have very serious consequences if left untreated.
So, how can you feel more comfortable opening up and talking with your healthcare providers, friends and family about your bowels? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your doctor or nurse has heard and seen it all when it comes to bowels, and likely has a fairly clinical approach to the topic. If you bring it up, they will think you do too.
- If you don't mention it, nobody can help you!
- Nobody is going to judge you for talking about bowels. In fact, you may be the envy of your friends and family for being so self- confident that you can talk openly about something so taboo!
- You know what they say- Everybody Poops! We've all been there at one time or another, whether we want to admit it or not.
If all else fails, feel free to use this blog as a way to get the conversation started. "You know, doc, I was reading this blog on the internet about bowel shame, and it got me thinking..."
Frequently Un- asked Questions About Treatment Related Diarrhea
Frequently Un- asked Questions About Treatment Related Constipation
Check out what my fellow health guides had to say about bowel barriers!
Overcoming Shame Surrounding Bowel Symptoms
Image © Sinisa Botas | Dreamstime.com
