Speaking about the unspeakable poop: Living with the psychosocial effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and food intolerances.

Abstract

Often women in New Zealand who live with hidden illnesses such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances suffer in silence or learn to live with them (Pimentel, 2007). Many of these women never have a chance outside a doctor's room to say what it is like for them, especially how they cope with the psychosocial effects. The aim of this small qualitative study was to give New Zealand middle-aged women, aged 40 to 60 years old, an opportunity to have a voice and share their experiences, and gain an understanding of how they have learnt to live with the psychosocial effects of IBS and food intolerances. After a brief definition of IBS, food intolerances, and their psychosocial effects, this article explores the journey of making the unspeakable poop speakable for ourselves, within family and with friends, and areas clients can explore within the counselling room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)