Moaning about having IBS

[Patterdaledog]

Hi everyone, having suffered from IBS for a number of years now, I have now found that the medicine that I have been taking no longer works so my GP is now trying me on something different. I hate having IBS, having to be careful if I go out for a meal because after eating my stomach starts to grumble very loudly and I then know that I need to rush to the loo before I do it in my pants . But when I get to the loo sometimes I can give a loud fart and it all comes out immediately splattering all over the loo, its ok at home as I can clean it all up but what do you do if you are in a restaurant or pub or somebody's else's home 😫

[MountainHare1]

Hi.

I completely understand where you are coming from as we both suffer from IBS symptoms.

Those who don't have IBS will never completely understand what we have to manage on a daily basis, which is understandable, as if someone who has Cancer, I will never completely understand what they are going through too, as gratefully I do not have Cancer. If you have a partner, then perhaps they can appreciate and understand a bit more about what you go through. As for the rest of society understanding, even though about 20% of people have IBS, forget it!

So what do you do when you go out? It is probably a tall order, but may be possible to choose meals that your stomach/gut can tolerate. If you feel anxious, before/during/after your meal try doing some breathing exercises to calm yourself down!

You are not alone in hating IBS, as everyone who is a member of this community will agree with you. It will be only US who will understand and appreciate what you are going through everyday! Period.

Take care my friend.

[Misspomfrey in reply to MountainHare1]

I just don't go out for meals its as simple as that 😞 it's not worth the stress and anxiety beforehand , worrying about what's going to happen, knowing where the loos are, worrying if there's going to be someone in there when I have to go in. No.... I just don't bother. The less stress I create for myself the better I am, I learned years ago that I have to live my life to suit me and not others. It sounds selfish but that's the way it has to be. When you think about it, it stands to reason that no one is going to understand , I found they were thinking that I shouldn't be out if I'm not feeling well. It's futile trying to explain, it gets me nowhere apart from anxious and self conscious.

I find I'm better to prepare my own food too, I know what goes into it then.

Take care

[MyStar86]

What medication have you been taking? What is the new medication that you are trying? I’m so sorry to hear you are suffering but you have come to the right place everyone here will understand and be able to help and support you so don’t feel alone xx

[th1976]

I can completely relate to this. I was on amitriptyline for years and it stopped working. Am now on low dosevof citalopram. I usually carry a spare pare of pants, a perfume atomiser to feel with smells. Andrew wipes are good for cleaning yourself up and a small packet of hand wipes for cleaning the toilet seat.

[xjrs]

Have you tried anything to gain control of your IBS, such a probiotics (Alflorex worked best for me), failing that the FODMAP elimination and reintroduction diet via a dietitian referral from your GP?

I am with Misspomfrey in that I have too stopped eating out. It became a right pain having to ask what vegetables they have on that day, either having to ask for something different or more of some veg and eliminate others, which takes an age to explain. They look at me as if I am a fussy eater. Plus having to do this in front of people I am eating with. Some not really understanding it at all, labelling me vegan or vegetarian instead, because they don't really get it. The restaurant profession needs to be educated about IBS and made aware that food intolerances aren't just gluten or dairy, they can be absolutely anything. Having said all of this, so many times I've had to pay a high price for a main course, then have had to have so many things stripped away, that I am looking at a really basic meal, a few potatoes, one veg and a bit of protein, when I can make a much better meal for myself at home for a fraction of the price and without all the embarrassment.

Too much of people's social life relies on meeting up at restaurants and this isn't good for people with IBS. Maybe it's because many people can't be bothered to cook, so they jump at the chance of eating out. I've just moved to a new area, so will try to find friends who are happy to do other things, like walking plus I'll join activity groups. If I come across someone who wants to eat out all the time, I am not going to be any good to them and I have to accept that. Plus you need to think about someone's motives. Some people need to fill their diaries, do things, eat out and need people for this, but when it comes down to it, they're not really looking for friendship, so if things become more difficult (because you have IBS and occasionally can't make it), do they disappear and they're not really about friendship at all?

[Whitesugar]

These are exactly the symptoms of Bile Acid Diarrhoea. Have you been tested for it? It is treatable with bile acid binders. Many people diagnosed with IBS probably have this condition. See gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

[Book_Worm5]

I can completely relate to this and sadly I just don’t really eat out anymore, not big meals anyway. One way I have got around it though is just meeting friends for coffee and cake or afternoon tea - much lighter on the stomach and you can still enjoy company.

Another way I’ve found is that my partner and I have dinner in a hotel as part of a night away so I can run back to the hotel room if I need to use the loo - extravagant solution but lets us enjoy a meal from time to time 👍🏼

[Catlover16]

This may sound strange and even unfeeling, but having just joined the site you have no idea how reassuring it is to hear that others have what I call volcano farts. Let’s face it, it’s not something you talk about over coffee! If anyone knows how to avoid them, please tell. So sorry and surprised to realise that so many are suffering like this and we can only help ourselves and each other. I seem to end up looking after others, but not any more. Maybe selfish, but others have a voice and maybe need to start looking after themselves instead of relying on someone else to sort out their problems.

[Icecreamforever]

For me, I hate having IBS symptoms too. I feel like I can't be normal and do things and go places like I did before. I feel a little worried after eating and if the food will cause me any problems.

Now, I have stopped eating and drinking when I have to go out to the next town (having had bad experiences before).

Do your family and friends know about your IBS? I have spoken to my family about it. I think if you are quite close and you go to visit them for dinner, you can be honest about your condition. They can be quite understanding and try to make extra accommodations for you. Also, in turn, I think it will make you worry less about going to the toilet in someone else's house.