This post isn’t fun to write, but when I was asked if I would consider doing a sponsored post about irritable bowel syndrome – IBS, I thought about it for a bit and decided that since I have dealt with it, especially while traveling, why not talk about it with my readers. I mean, no one finds chatting about bowel movement a fun topic, but thousands of people deal with IBS, and it needs to be talked about publicly, so here I am.
I was surprised to learn IBS can be such an embarrassing topic for people to speak with others about that respondents from a 2015 survey reported bowel movements are more uncomfortable to discuss with others than STDs. We all poop, and sometimes we have cramps, the kind that makes you anxious, or put in in such pain you just want a bathroom and then a bed. I think that is why this photo of Amber’s artwork hit me.
To help express what your IBS journey, there is a new initiative called Picture My IBS where people can share the impact of IBS on their lives, by creating an original piece of artwork. This can be done by submitting a painting, drawing, sculpture, collage or any other type of artwork that meets the contest guidelines. This artwork shows another look at how Ali expresses her dealings with IBS.
Looking at some of the artwork, shared by real people living with IBS you can understand the goal of helping elevate public awareness of IBS. The Picture My IBS initiative will have a panel of judges that will evaluate submitted artwork. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a trip for two to a luxury hotel and spa in New York City. Who doesn’t want to hang in The Big Apple for a few days? There will also be five Honorable Mention Winners who will receive $100 American Express gift cards. All winning art will also be featured on the Picture My IBS website.
Since I travel a lot, there’s is nothing worse than the feeling of stomach pains, especially when on a plane. There are times I just want to get to my destination and to the hotel in hopes of some type of relief. But I know that isn’t always possible. For me, there is nothing worse than dealing with IBS than on a plane. I carefully consider what I eat or drink the morning to try to avoid any additional discomfort. I’ve talked about this with a few of my friends. Those that can relate, we feel each other’s pain.
My bags are packed for my next trip, and I try not to over think my chance of dealing with my stomach issues, but it feels good to know that I am not alone. Why not share your IBS feeling through art? See some of the creative work by other IBS sufferers on Instagram via #PictureMyIBS.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE FIFTY UNITED STATES, D.C., AGE 18 OR OVER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. THE SPONSORS OF THE CONTEST ARE ALLERGAN USA, INC. WITH AN OFFICE AT HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER; PLAZA V, SUITE 1900; JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302; IRONWOOD PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. WITH AN OFFICE AT 301 BINNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02142; AND THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF GASTROENTEROLOGY. APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE OF ALL PRIZES IS $6,500. ODDS OF WINNING DEPEND ON NUMBER AND QUALITY OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1, 2016 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2017. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY. PLEASE SEE COMPLETE CONTEST TERMS AND CONDITIONS AT PICTUREMYIBS.ORG.
This is a sponsored post written on behalf of the Picture My IBS initiative.
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