A surprising week away

[Maz1962]

I thought I would post this experience as it may help others with the confidence to do more with this awful bowel condition.

Most of my 2022 was spent living practically like a hermit. From about April onwards I became so despondent about this condition and convinced myself my life was basically over. All my plans for early retirement and travel shot to pieces. It got to Christmas and I decided I couldn't face it at home all alone, feeling sorry for myseslf, so in a mad moment I got on the phone and booked myself onto a Christmas walking holiday! The night before my 4 hour drive I became very anxious and wondered what on earth I had done, but having paid a fair sum for the holiday, packed a case and got ready. In the morning I had horrible stomach pains (I think gas!) but they passed and I set off, mainly on motorways with regular services. No probs on the journey. I took a Loperamide nearly every morning I was away and didn't have any embarrassing issues at all while away. I even ate loads of different things (though did tell them I had an issue with onions and garlic, which they were very good about). I am so pleased I did this as it seems to have boosted my confidence a bit, so much so that I went out walking again this week with a group, and plan to do so again tomorrow. Unfortunately I don't think I'm ready to tackle the hills and mountains that I used to do, but at least I went away and had a few days of lovely, gentler walks, with the company of nice people, and all the social stuff that went with staying in hotel with a group.

I really hope I can continue to push myself out. I don't like taking medication at all, but needs must and if Loperamide or Buscopan (I've posted separately on this topic) is the way to go for me, then so be it.

I still suffer with sleep issues (started with all the stress of having this condition I think), but even that seems to have improved slightly since my break. Maybe the exercise has something to do with it? I hadn't really done any in 8 months or so.

My next aim is to get myself on a plane to go further afield. I'm thinking that once at the airport, toilets won't be a problem. I'll just have to make sure it's a suitable trip which doesn't stress me too much. Slowly does it perhaps. I have a friend about 3 hours away by plane. That's my next goal. Just hope this blasted IBS doesn't catch wind of my plans and throw me a curve ball!

[Luisa22]

This is so positive and good . I do wish you well. You are very brave, and I am sure these things will do you good. I get out walking every day too, but only in my environment where I live, which is actually very beautiful. But I think it'snice to get outside, get some fresh air and exercise. I will even go for gentle walks in a flare up (but not TOO far from the toilet! haha)

It's great for you to have pleasant company as well.

I was reading in a medical book yesterday that Loperamide is quite safe to take whenever needed, isn't habit forming, doesn't have bad reactions with anything else, and the only side effects are possible constipation and obviously bowel blockage is a risk with some people or if too much is taken constantly. Otherwise it's a safe drug so I learned.

I wish you all the best with your adventures!

[MOLLYMILO007]

Good for you ...proud of you well done x

[meadfoot]

What an uplifting story, thank you for sharing. How brave of you to take such action and the rewards are wonderful. All the very best for a great year ahead. Enjoy your newly acquired freedom.

[Campoverde]

I also went away over Christmas. We agreed to visit family last year. We live in Spain and went back to the UK. My iBS isn’t too bad but as the time got near I was dreading going, wondering why I had agreed to this. It wasn’t so much the journey. We have an hours drive to the airport and knowing there’s toilets there and on the plane reassured me. What was stressing me was staying in my daughters house, with five of us sharing a bathroom and eating there. My daughter knows my problem and cooked food suitable for me. The bathroom issue wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I had imagined. Like you I had Immodium and Buscopan to hand. I only took Immodium a couple of times. I think the thought of it was worse than the reality.

[Dollymae06]

This is how I live aswell Loperamide before I travel I do have bowel incontinence sometimes aswell which has been very stressful and embarrassing. This condition is very disabilitating and depressing but like you I keep going and do the best I can.

[Nanabud8]

Well done you, that was a very positive move and i admire you for getting out and getting on with it. Wishing you an equally positve new year. Im sure your story will inspire many ibs'ers on here, i know it has me, so thank you👍

[Pinnerpearl]

Good for you, that’s very encouraging to hear. Wish you well on the plane trip!