Three weeks ago, I woke up with severe cramps in my abdomen. Now, nothing surprises me anymore regarding my gut. I’ve had IBS for ten years, and it’s been a long journey of trying to figure out what’s wrong.

After the evening of no sleep, I spent the day nauseated and with a headache. And the next. And the next. This went on for nearly three weeks.

I tried antacids, water, anti-nausea pills, Pepcid, acetaminophen, excedrin, an apple cider vinegar supplement, more water, no gluten, no alcohol, meditation, deep breathing, and numerous other possible solutions.

Finally, one morning it was over. Do I know what “cured” me? Nope.

This is exactly what my new gastroenterologist told me. “Stop trying to figure it out,” she said. IBS can erupt because of lack of sleep, eating the wrong thing, anxiety, stress about what to eat, or taking the wrong supplements. So I am trying to relax and know that eventually the moment (or three weeks) will end. It always does.

But it’s definitely not all in my head.