IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

This guy was thin tall and dynamic. In a recent training program he introduced himself as an achiever. He was just 26 years old. He had won many sales trophies, certificates, incentives within a short span. He had not let go a single incentive. In his first year of employment, his incentive earnings were two and half time his CTC. He became a member of the achiever’s club, with an extra incentive of another  25%, with a sponsored holiday for his family. He had his share of gold and silver medals.

I am a guy who takes life cool. I have never chased many things, because for me being in a comfort zone is more important. I would rather let go than be driven to run after the eternal carrot.

But everything comes as a package.  Comfort zone entails an ordinary existence, but lets you enjoy life at your own pace. You can stop to admire the flowers, listen to the sea, sip hot black coffee, while listening to your favorite song.   But certainly you will not have much money.

As I listened to his narration, I so admired this young man. He was a good provider, a grandson, son, brother, husband and a loving father. He took care of the entire family. He financed his sisters marriage and educated his brother; things which I had never done till now, even at 60years.  I even started to feel slightly ashamed of myself.  As his narration continued, I felt that maybe even I should have been ambitious. But it was already too late for that.

The day went by. I showed him as an example for other trainees to emulate. We had a lunch break. I saw him eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Now my admiration moved up even more. Achiever  with a good sense of nutrition, oh! Excellent.

We met once again for dinner. He smiled at me, and I invited him to join me at my table. His plate was loaded with salads, fruits, curd and a very small quantity of rice.  

I looked at his plate, and at him with and questioning look. He smiled at me sheepishly and said,” I eat these, as I have no other choice.”  He continued,” I suffer from Irritable Bowel  Syndrome, [IBS]. I suffer from gas, griping pain, indigestion, and frequent motions. So I am forced to eat a bland diet. “

Now like a pendulum, my feeling for him went from one to another extreme, from admiration to empathy. Just 26 years old, and unable to eat the tasty dishes. Of what use was all the wealth and fame and achievements before this suffering.?  Our ancestors always emphasized the importance of health. Because  health is the basis of life.

Of course even though IBS is associated with ambitious achievers and stress, it can affect even the calm guys. The character connection is yet to be scientifically proved. But nevertheless, if it is because of this materialistic drive, maybe we could modulate our desires to live a more comfortable life.

He had tried a full course of PPIs with domperidone for a month, and also taken rifaximin 400mg twice daily for 10 days, with the support of lactobacillus supplements.

I requested him to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy done to rule out polyps and cancer, and maybe try homeopathy which provides good relief.  He said he would do it ASAP. 

Well I hope he gets better. If health is set right, that itself would be an achievement.