Hell has arrived

[Redfrankie]

Hi all I'm new here.i have Ibs and diverticulitis. In the last couple of weeks I have had 2 episodes of major diarrhea both while I was out.i feel like I never want to go out again. I know that's not the answer but what can I do?

[TELLYTUBBY77]

Hi I'm also new and have same it's awful had Ibs-d for 3months now and divo waiting to see gastro doc hope to feel better soon

[Redfrankie in reply to TELLYTUBBY77]

Thank you

[Luisa22]

Tell your doctor this, and maybe get some guidance about using Immodium and whether it is suitable for you?

That would definitely be worth trying and see what dosage suits you without making you too far the other way.

If it's urgency you get and it's about a quick dash to the nearest loo, then it helps if you can find out in advance where exactly the loos are in the place where you are going. Have a bag with you which has what you might need in it: something like wet wipes, a change of underwear, and pants or skirt, just in case there is a small leakage on the way to the toilet.

And a nice smelling travel size body spray to make you feel more human afterwards.

Tena pads are great too. They wouldn't cope with a full meltdown, but would be great for any smaller leaks to "contain" things at least. There are stronger pants and pads you could also use. I haven't used anything like that so can't recommend the best. Hoping someone else here can.

But if you have your bag with you it will give you a bit more confidence perhaps?

Get to know what foods or drinks (if any) might be your enemies too.

You might have to stop eating certain foods if they disagree.

I had to stop eating many foods I liked and which I could eat all my life. I hope to be able to re-introduce them some time in the future.

[Redfrankie in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you Luisa it's definitely about foods. Sadly you end up scared of eating anything! Low for map diet seems to help when I remember (will have too) don't want anymore of that malarky?

[Luisa22 in reply to Redfrankie]

Yes, stick with the low FODMAP diet for a bit and see if that helps. If you think it helps when you remember to eat those things, then it probably will. Actually, I think there's lots to eat on low Fodmap diet. It's not so bad. I wish I could eat all of those things but some don't suit me

I know what you mean though. Whatever we eat it's always risky! And sometimes some food is okay, but the next time I eat it, it's not okay. Hard to get it right!

[Grindercoffee]

I have this happen a few times also. First time it happened i was in a shop. Rushed to loo but didnt make it. Had to wash clothes in public toilet and go home in wet cloths. Has happened at least 3 more times . Now i always look where toilets are. Wear pads everywhere. Take clean under wear and tissues. Its so hard to handle. I take gastro stop also before i go out now where ever i go.

[Redfrankie in reply to Grindercoffee]

Thank you and take care.

[Art78]

I agree with Luisa22, be prepared before you go out and above all, know where the toilets are! If you are going into town, it is no problem as there are plenty but in more open spaces it is difficult, I have often been caught out. I take Immodium instants but they don't work straight away so I take one the night before if I know there will be no toilets going out the day after. I have had IBS for over 40 years and I can't say it gets easier as you get older because for me it hasn't but you learn to live with it and as said, be prepared before you go out! Try not to stress about it (difficult I know,) because that will make it worse.

[Redfrankie in reply to Art78]

Thank you Art stress is playing a large roll in this.i have been close to home on each occasion, I will take your advice.

[Allot]

hi so sorry to hear you are struggling - I have diverticulitis and self diagnosed IBS. It’s happened to me 3 times with no warning twice when out with my family and once in the gym I was mortified. My doctor just said IBS no tests etc and put me on antidepressants- I didn’t go out for 2 months!! I paid privately for colonoscopy and biopsy to check it’s not microscopic colitis waiting for results - also had endoscopy which confirmed an ulcer and gastritis- was told that I had reflux by my gp!! Currently having CBT for anxiety.

I’m still suffering anxiety but trying to go out for short periods.

I do feel for you and hope things improve.

[Redfrankie in reply to Allot]

Thank you Allot I hope things work out for you. Not thought of CBT would that help?

[Allot in reply to Redfrankie]

it seems to help as I am now working through stuff to relieve the anxiety which I think makes my gut respond with D - I’m trying go out a little further each day - walking the dog. It’s 3 months since I went to gym but got up enough courage to go!! I did have to rush to the loo once but felt a little more in control of situation. It’s the embarrassment of having to leave the class that makes anxiety worse.

[edwangy]

Is it diverticulitis or diverticular disease? Diverticulitis is an infection that should be treated with antibiotics, whilst diverticular disease is the presence of diverticulum in the colon and is very common especially as you age

[Viklou in reply to edwangy]

Was going to say the same thing. Diverticular disease is how it starts. Diverticulitis are those pockets becoming inflamed and infected which could be serious if not treated with antibiotics

[winfong in reply to Viklou]

And also extremely painful. You'll know it when you get it.

[Viklou in reply to winfong]

Yes very painful

[Redfrankie in reply to edwangy]

It is diverticular disease and I have had diverticulitis twice as well. Treatment supposedly penicillin which I'm allergic too. Bit grumpy today I will ring doc tomorrow thanks

[Februarygirl]

Redfrankie and Grindercoffee,

I know exactly how you feel. My confidence has taken a big knock purely because of my ibs-d. Being anxious eveytime you leave the house is just awful and doesn’t help things. I too have had accidents where I couldn’t get to a toilet in time and it’s mortifying. Last year my doctor prescribed Amitriptyline 10mg which worked for the first month, not so good the second and not at all for the third month. Two holidays afterwards were spoilt as I felt so unsure and anxious. Things got steadily worse until about August I couldn’t go out for days due to the severity of my symptoms despite following a Fodmap diet all this year and giving up alcohol completely, and I haven’t had caffeine for years. Also I went down the Chinese medicine route just before last Christmas, acupuncture and herbal pills. Cost me a few hundred pounds and it didn’t make the slightest difference. I then spoke to the same doctor as before and asked him for the next strength up from 10mg of Amitriptyline. He immediately said no and told me to take an Imodium before I went out. He had no sympathy at all. Imodium does not always work and you certainly shouldn’t be taking it every day. I’ve also tried taking Mebeverine which instantly gave me constant cramps and I felt worse. So I phoned the doctors again and asked to speak to a different doctor. He was so nice and agreed to prescribe me 25mg of Amitriptyline . They worked right away and to be free of symptoms was fantastic. I started on a second 4 week pack and expected the effect to reduce but no, all was good. I requested a third pack but was only given 2 weeks worth and then I had to have a medication review. The pharmacist at my practice was very nice and put the Amitriptyline on repeat for me . I almost don’t want to say this as I don’t want to jinx things but a week into my fourth pack (11 weeks) and things are still good. So my advice to you both is to see a different doctor and they will probably have a different approach and if you haven’t already, try Amitriptyline. It’s the only thing that has worked for me.

[Redfrankie in reply to Februarygirl]

Thank you for your comments. I am currently waiting for the doc to ring me as things not improving. Take care