IBS

Flatulence is a taboo. As an IBS sufferer I sympathise with Kelly's story.

Nowadays society has, on the whole, become more tolerant about most things.. Homosexuality, unmarried mothers, race, religion. all are usually tolerated. But pass wind once in public and it's a joke which is never quite forgotten. And if you pass wind regularly you're a pariah.

I once went to dinner with people I hardly knew. As the evening progressed and they continued to stuff me with food, the inevitable happened. I began to bloat.

But, big problem - the toilet was the other side of the wall from the dinner table, (within hearing range of all) so there was no way I could let rip. And several hours later as I waddled to the car, I feared I was about to disgrace myself.

I didn't, but it was a close shave.

And I'm left thinking, why is everyone so prudish about farting? We all do it, some more than others, and for those of us with medical conditions, socialising can be a nightmare. A friend i haven't seen for years wants to come and stay. I'd love to see her but what to do? The embarrassment factor is always there.

More empathy is needed instead of idiots reverting to childhood and treating the whole thing as a hilarious joke, while people suffer agonising stomach ache so as not to cause them offence.

Perhaps we should shun convention and follow the old adage, "Where so ere you be, let your wind blow free!"

Well, perhaps not quite, but you get the message.

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