Blogger’s side-by-side photo shows the reality of living with IBS

A blogger has shared a side-by-side photo depicting the reality of living with IBS.

Emily Clarkson has said that she isn't ashamed to have irritable bowel syndrome, even though she describes the condition as "confusing, chronic" and "ugly and depressing." Writing on Instagram, she said that she isn't "OK" with having IBS, but that she isn't going to stop posting photos of her stomach either. She included two photos taken seconds apart, one where she is breathing in and one where she is breathing out. Emily wrote:

"Who am I kidding, breathing in was exhausting. The breathing out is my reality right now as I wait for my next doctor’s appointment. "And whilst it’s hardly leaving me feeling sexy and fabulous, (on the contrary I feel pretty gross and tired ALL THE TIME), this is my body and even in its current, swollen, frankly pretty alarming state, it’s still deserving of allll my love. "It isn’t easy to love your body. It should be, but it isn’t. Society has not made it easy. IBS sure as hell doesn’t make it easy. But we must never stop trying."

IBS is a long-term condition that affects the large intestine. It can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea and constipation, and can be treated through counselling, meditation, or diet management. Emily's post has received much praise online with many users saying that her body looked great whether it was bloated or not.