Help

[Karlee24]

I am becoming scared to leave the house in case I need the toilet. Where I am worrying about this I am then managing to make myself I'll with stomach pains and diarrhoea. I have one child at school and one at preschool, don't drive so have to walk everywhere. Any advice on how to overcome this would be gratefully received.

[daisie2013]

I totally empathise with you, I am exactly the same but in my case it's grandchildren that I am taking & collecting from school & pre-school. The worry of having an "accident" & being late is a nightmare. So I always plan ahead, get up early & take loperamide & codeine phosphate at least an hour before leaving the house. Always carry a large bag to hold a change of clothes etc & try some deep breathing to relax & calm down. I've found yoga really helps too. Perhaps you have a friend or know another Mum who could help out with the school run if you are having a bad day which will take away some of the pressure. Do hope that this helps.

[Hidden]

I know how you feel. I have IBD & IBS-D. I have: started using Holland & Barrett Regucol once a day which helps form my stools & is brill, have used the incontinence service and got some (bloke) cotton incontinence pants, (plastic liner and tight on legs), I dont use immoduime as that then constipates me when i am relaxed. This has fed my anxiety problems and I am know in a vicious cycle with IBS feed anxiety and anxiety feeding IBS. Anyhow: regucol, safety pants, long jackets to cover bum, sensible choice/colour trousers, emergency change of clothes and nappy sack and baby wipes, and get up early enough to go a few times. Best of luck. PS also don't fight it - makes it worse, kind of accept it.

[Hidden]

Have you tried any elimination diets, e.g. FODMAPs?

[LMLGalway]

I've been in embarrassing situations before (worst of all when I'm a guest in someone else's house!) but I find the more I think about it, the more my stomach reacts to my thoughts. On nights when I'm completely fine with no urgency or cramps, I realise it's because I've been busy and haven't thought about it at all. Whereas if I go out overnight somewhere and think about it, that seems to send a signal out to my body that I'm going to have cramps and diarrhea. As much as it sounds impossible, distraction and relaxation are the best medicines for IBS. Also the fact that you're walking everywhere is good-- exercise works better for me than any medicine does. Good luck and feel better!