IBS and Coronavirus lockdown

[IBS-sufferer-123]

Hi all,

I've been diagnosed with IBS-D for about 15 years and a couple of years ago started to get it under control more than previously, mainly due to going on a fairly strict diet and trying to keep my daily routine as similar as possible. It started to get a bit worse at the end of last year, but was still much better than how it had been.

When the UK went into lockdown I thought that my stomach would be good for a while, as my main issue is that travelling and potentially being away from a toilet for long periods of time makes me very anxious, which makes me ill.

However, I'm now starting to worry about how I'm going to cope when life gets back to normal. I went for a run a week ago and my stomach was painful, and it's not been great since so I haven't run. Today I went for a walk at lunchtime and was panicking about being away from a toilet, which is how I used to be a few years ago. I came home and went straight to the toilet.

Is anyone else finding that the lockdown (or more accurately the worry about getting back to normal after it) is causing their symptoms to get worse?

[Linley]

My IBS d has been better since lockdown probably like some others the anxiety of finding a toilet has gone. I haven't thought about after lockdown as I am enjoying a calm tum. Probably go back to preparing for days out and taking my emergency kit with me, also I will continue my sphincter excerises which has helped by giving me extra time to find a toilet.

[Hidden in reply to Linley]

Deal with what you will do after lockdown finishes when it comes round and enjoy the present for now!

[Hidden]

I have found on the whole things have been loads better for me since lockdown due to the usual stressors having been put on hold!

I will deal with what happens after lockdown when it rolls round as I'm sure it will all be fine and accidents aren't the end of the world!

[pblife]

My IBS-D was much better too before lockdown and I thought it'd be much easier with always being at home. However, like you, mine has flared up again. Today I had one of the worst flare ups ever. Now I'm worrying about having to go back to normal life. Even being at home it's a worry that I don't make it to the toilet so the thought of being out when it happens fills me with dread. Which I know doesn't help.

[grufjones]

My IBS has fluctuated massively with the changes and inevitable stress. But as I am stuck at home, with a bit more control over what I eat, I have given low fodmap ago for a second time. This time I downloaded an App called Tummi which is a food and symptom diary, it also confirms which foods are low or high. I am now 4 weeks into fodmap and my symptoms are looking much better. Hoping that we can all find something good out of this strange time!

[Star1993]

All I can say is you need to keep pushing your boundaries so you don’t get comfortable. Keep going for your daily walks if you feel like you need the toilet head back home. If you don’t push your going back to work will be a struggle. When you get home you will be proud you have fought your fears. X

[FedupT]

The only reason i like lockdown is that i dont have to go out and worry about wanting the loo!

[JanetJAM]

I have been so much better since lockdown I’m sure it’s because I don’t have the worry of knowing where the toilets are when your out and about I’m retired so don’t have the worry of going out to work so luckier than most.

[Eight8]

Hi!

I've found my symptoms to be worse since lockdown: I volunteered to be re-deployed and forgot the possible impact of working in different environment, new team, different role, and of course, in the middle of a crisis. Last week I had similar feelings to yourself every morning as I got ready for work.

I put it down to my mind and stomach trying to adapt to the new circumstances. My brain knows all this is very strange and there are new restrictions and challenges so it gets worked up trying to figure how I'll cope. But...

Like you said, we've been like this before for different reasons and we improved (eventually 😉 ).

The symptoms will get better if we remind ourselves/body that we're ok. Our minds will skip ahead and try to figure out how we'll manage during a walk or run, when the restrictions are over etc. But we will manage, we just need to convince the mind.

Take care of yourself