anxiety around sharing a bathroom is ruining my life

[foursimplewords]

Hello, I'm new here Long story short I have recently moved out and for the first time I'm sharing a bathroom in a house with thin walls. I'm used to having my own bathroom, with a noisy fan, that I can use away from people to manage my IBS. However the anxiety around an IBS flare up in the new house literally gives me panic attacks. The internal walls in the house are thin so its easy to hear what's going on. The doctor has actually given me some valium to help but I am still panicking and not sleeping for fear of a flare up. I am sharing with my partner who is so lovely and supportive but I have a fear of embarassment due to some bullying in the past and therefore I am unable to be honest and upfront about bathroom habits. As soon as I hear him going in the bathroom I panic in case I can't get in there.

I am in a really bad way and haven't slept properly for a week, combined with my anxiety about sleeping in strange places plus being a very light sleeper anyway...

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

[SophieC22]

I have had similar problems, but mainly when I’m going on holiday with my partner and we just have a small hotel room with an en suite so there is absolutely no privacy. He knows I have IBS and I’m sure he’s heard my bathroom habits but I just try and remember that he loves me and loves me for me, so if he’s mature enough (which luckily he is) he shouldn’t care and should actually be sympathetic and understanding. I sometimes play music/a video really loudly or run the taps to have some extra noise. If worst comes to worst ask them to put headphones in and watch something for 5 mins. I’m sorry you’re so anxious and I hope it passes soon, I hope this helps!

[foursimplewords in reply to SophieC22]

thanks, there is only so many showers or radio stations I can listen to - lol!

[Kentaro]

Story of my life.

You could try coughing for emergency.

But I think you need a permanent solution.

So you either speak to your partner or just ask him to put up a fan.

[sweetsusie]

The only thing that works for me is Welchol (3 pills, twice a day with meals). It's expensive here in the States, though, so my doctor has just switched me to one called "Colestipol." Hope it works as well.

[foursimplewords in reply to sweetsusie]

do you know what the UK equivalent is? x

[sweetsusie in reply to foursimplewords]

Foursimplewords - No, I'm sorry...I don't. Maybe your doctor knows (I hope!).

[sweetsusie in reply to foursimplewords]

Oh...and maybe ask your pharmacy about them.....

[Hidden]

Put a radio in the bathroom maybe.

[foursimplewords in reply to Hidden]

good idea...!