*Disclosure: The following post is a paid ad. Yes, I am receiving payment for writing this. However, I took the ad post because I’ve personally been affected by IBS through someone I have loved/love. I also know many of you also suffer from IBS. Thought this is something great someone could benefit from. Enjoy!*
I do not have IBS. IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have IBD. IBD is Inflammatory Bowel Disease. But I love and have loved people who suffer from IBS: Irritable Bowel Disease. Though often confused, they are very much so different. But both are absolutely awful!
I have witnessed first hand just how stressful & life altering IBS can be on someone. It’s frustrating to watch someone suffer. It doesn’t matter what 
my status is as a patient, I never want to see people suffer. People with IBS painful abdominal pain, cramping, constipation and/or diarrhea, & gas. It’s a chronic disease that can be managed, but is a lifetime annoyance. An IBS flare up can be caused by food, stress, hormones and a flare up of another illness. Yes, some people I know who have IBS will get sick with the symptoms associated with IBS, when ill with something else. It’s basically like living in the book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!”. Just a tiny bit of stress will trigger…yea…IBS sucks!
Have you ever tried to put into words what it’s like living with IBS first hand or through a loved one? Tried to express to someone what it feels like living day to where your actions are controlled by your emotions and that quickly manifest into physical pain? Well, the folks at PictureMyIBS.org are giving you a chance to not only channel your inner feelings through an artistic scope that can be therapeutic and informative. BUT they are also giving out prizes for those brave enough to share their artistic story with the world.
Created by The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) in collaboration with Allergan and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Picture My IBS 
aims to helps those with IBS find a more comfortable way to communicate with their doctors, to share their IBS journey with others and to show others that they are not alone. you can submit a painting, collage, sculpture or any other piece of art that meets their guidelines. Submit your artwork into the contest to be eligible to win a grand prize of a great trip to New York and other exciting prizes.
Use your voice to stand up to IBS. Pick up a paint brush and take a stand.
