The IBS Card

The IBS Card   -   Good or Bad Concept ?

Whilst researching IBS sites, I chanced upon one which offered an IBS card.  This is a card which can be used when an IBS sufferer needs the bathroom and is intended to move the sufferer to the front of the queue or to ensure that facilities are made available.  Before proceeding, please note that this is not an attack on the website in question, it is more a discussion on the nature of IBS and how sufferers perceive the condition.  The first thing to ask is whether you would carry such a card ?

Given that the card came from a well respected site, I was very surprised.  IBS is generally a very personal and embarrassing condition, thus advertising it with a card seems peculiar.  It is also questionable whether someone in a queue would submit their position in a queue on the basis of such a card.  If you need the bathroom, you need the bathroom, and who is to say that someone else's need is greater than yours.

Whilst IBS is nothing to be ashamed of, it is interesting how we as sufferers feel about the condition.  Without doubt many people would think the IBS card a good idea, although it does sound as though it was created by people who thought it would be a good idea, but did not consult sufferers.  This whole issue really encapsulates the lack of understanding of IBS and what is best for IBS. It also highlights the different needs of sufferers and that it is nigh on impossible to find a standard solution to to the trials and tribulations of IBS sufferers.  It does however reinforce our assertion throughout our website regarding the individual nature of IBS, from the condition itself through to the way we perceive it.