A Place for Real Stories, Recipes, and Support

If you have IBS, you know it’s not just about stomach issues — it touches every part of daily life. For years, I struggled with IBS-D on a daily basis, trying different solutions to “fix” it. Eventually, I realized that instead of constantly chasing a cure, I needed to learn to live with IBS — to regain freedom in my life, even with the unpredictability it brings.

“Cozy outdoor porch with a couch, pillows, blankets, fire in the fireplace, warm hanging lights, and plants on a table and beside the couch”

My IBS Story

My journey started when I was young but I will never forget my experience when I was 13. It was Thanksgiving — a delicious meal, laughter, and family all around. After dinner, my cousin and I decided to take my dog for a walk. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it home in time. I had to awkwardly rush down the stairs and change, hoping no one noticed.

Now, in my thirties, I still carry the fear of it happening again. Over the years, there have been other incidents that reinforced this anxiety, and it has often kept me from going out, socializing, or enjoying community activities. Especially in new place or places where I am unsure if there is a washroom around.

IBS has a way of making you feel isolated. Many of my friends understand I get sever stomach pain, but it’s hard to explain the full impact. I often felt alone — unsure, frustrated, and disconnected.

“A calm, homey scene with a cup of tea and soft light, conveying comfort and reflection”

Finding Community

Recently, I started talking to a friend’s friend who also has IBS. Sharing stories, laughing at relatable experiences, and realizing I wasn’t alone changed everything. It made me understand: it’s not me, it’s IBS. That sense of relief, of being understood, was powerful — and it’s exactly what inspired me to start IBS Unfiltered.


“Two friends laughing and talking together, representing sharing stories and community”

What IBS Unfiltered Is All About

This blog is a place to:

  • Connect: Share your personal IBS journey and read others’ stories
  • Support: Learn from people who truly understand what living with IBS is like
  • Discover: Find tried-and-true IBS-friendly recipes and advice
  • Inspire: Reclaim life, confidence, and community despite IBS

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing IBS for years, this is a space where you can feel seen, supported, and understood.


Join the Community

I invite you to explore the site, read stories, share your own experiences, and try recipes that have helped others. Together, we can normalize living with IBS, share what works, and create a community where no one feels alone.

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5 responses to “Welcome to IBS Unfiltered — Living With IBS Together”

  1. Kana Smith Avatar

    I have a whole bag-full of stories similar to your Thanksgiving, since my Crohn’s Disease diagnosis at age 14, too many times I didn’t make it. Thirty years later, I still kept a change of clothes in my locker at work—just in case! But I got more comfortable about being open about it with people around me, even joking about “how does my butt look in these Depends”? I wish I’d had a COMMUNITY when I was a youngster, and no one had even heard of Crohn’s Disease before. (Heck, now you see TV ads about IBS & IBD—who would have thought it!) God for you, for creating your own community. 🙂

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    1. Brittany Avatar

      I have kept a change of clothes in my car on numerous occasions… Just in case! I would love to share some of your stories/ experiences, as well as if you have any recipes that are delicious and “safe”!

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      1. Kana Smith Avatar

        My husband (who’s a fabulous cook) has invented a whole bunch of recipes that are dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free (because those are the things that hit me wrong–and it’s impossible to find ready-made food that hits all THREE “free’s”)… I know that different things sit badly with different people, but if some of those recipes would be of interest, I’ll gladly share! And I’m always happy to share stories. 🙂

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    2. Brittany Avatar

      Oh that’s wonderful if your husband would be willing to share some of the recipes with our community that would be greatly appreciated. You can share the recipes at https://ibsunfiltered.com/recipes/ . Any stories are always welcome to at https://ibsunfiltered.com/ibs-stories/

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      1. Kana Smith Avatar

        OK, I just bookmarked those–I’ll come back with recipes. 🙂

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