How to stop feeling embarrassed about needing the loo?

[janke]

I`ve reached a point where I`m almost phobic about people knowing that I need the loo quickly - to the extent that I`m avoiding doing things incase I have to tell someone.

I know it is ridiculous, I know that people won`t feel badly about me and to be honest it doesn`t actually happen often - but I`m really struggling. I need to change how I feel about this somehow so any thoughts would be much appreciated

[Jane2510]

Hi there,

I bet a lot of people would just use the loo - it's just that with the phobia that many of us have over this we get ourselves into a state about it!

My husband has told me about being in men's toilets and the strange noises that can come out the other loos!! And I bet probably not all these men suffer with ibs!

Sometimes when you've got to go you've just got to go!

Just plan as best you can to avoid it by watching what you eat leading up to an event!!

I carry a handbag size bottle perfume just to squirt around after I've had to dash too!

[Robertabs]

Would it help if you had a card that explained, so you didn't have to actually say it out loud? If you google stickman communications, they do some excellent ones. Of course it might not help, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

[Haylesss]

Have you heard of Poo Pouri? You spray it in the water before you go and it takes away the smell. Then at least you are only dealing with potential noises - my husband says his trick is to cough loudly during these! Ha ha! Also, take a small spray as Jane2510 suggested to spritz post use and try to remember that if out in public, you're not going to see any of these people again, so if the worst does happen, just get on out of there without any worries!

And if you're worried about being out with people you know and having to go. I would guess if you didn't mention anything and just went no one would honestly notice, or you could just be honest and then if you do need to go, you'll friends will probably just be like 'cool, no worries'. I know I wouldn't really care if I knew a friend needed a number 2. It's perfectly natural and you can just make a bit of a joke out of it etc. I've found whenever I've told a friend about my IBS, they've all had a similar experience at one point or know someone who has. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Haylesss]

that's the thing to remember that everyone goes to the bathroom and genuine people will understand.

[janke]

Thanks - yes I do have some of that loo spray. I don`t know why it is stressing me out so much. I suppose I don`t want to "make a fuss". Today I had to take my elderly father to the optician and was very worried I might have to ask if I could use their loo - I`m sure they wouldn`t have minded but I dreaded having to do it. I find it especially difficult when I am with him as he doesn`t always understand what is going on these days

[Hidden]

if you need to go to the bathroom then go as everyone has had diarrhea at some point so they'll understand if they are proper friends.