I wonder if anyone has any tips they may be able to share. I have suffered with ibs-d for quite some time now. I’ve been very lucky to work from home for years but I think the job may be contributing to anxiety and making my stomach worse. I have taken the decision to change jobs but the idea of being in an office and dealing with ibs-d on a daily basis in public and not at home makes me feel really worried. I have stayed in a job that I don’t enjoy just so I don’t have to face this issue but I think I finally need to do it.
I take the usual buscopan for pain and Imodium when it’s really bad but I’m wondering how people manage this on a daily basis. I find it almost impossible to go (because of embarrassment) unless there are individual cubicles but even then it fills me with fear because I never know exactly how bad the situation will be.
Is anyone able to share any advice that may help?
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Turquoise12345
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Hi Turquoise! A few years ago, I could have written this. A new job made me have a rethink. It was fairly small office, but two of my new colleagues, out of a team of about a dozen had similar issues. IT guy was coeliac, with multiple allergies (including chocolate!). Office Manager had colitis. So, there was no point in trying to hide it, and my mindset changed, ditching the embarrassment. In practical terms, there was no hiding it. Sometimes, in meetings, all three of us would have gurgling guts. Everyone knew.
Another point to consider, if you don't want to go public, is to at least let your line manager know. This is purely practical because they can then make what is called 'reasonable adjustments' to accommodate you.
I have since retired, but have no problem talking to anyone about things scatological. After all, everyone does it. I do hope you are in UK as our friends in US find words relating to our bodily functions to be quite rude (🙄)
Thank you so much for your reply, it feels like a relief to hear that I’m not alone with feeling like this. You’re definitely right I need to start owning it a bit more and trying to be honest about my situation. I think if it was any other issue I would have no difficulties discussing it but it doesn’t feel very natural to be open about this - Perhaps that’s a British thing 😂
Yes, I get it. Same with 'women's things'. I do think we are getting better at being open about these things. Good luck. I hope the new job goes well. It could be quite liberating.
Hello Turquoise! I don’t have a solution unfortunately, but I wanted to reply to say I have the exact same thing! Since the new year we have been made to come back to the office so many days per week. On the days I have to go into the office my ibs-d turns to ibs-c whilst at home so I can’t go to the toilet on a morning, until I set off then my stomach wants to explode. I cannot use toilets at work, I sit in absolute agony all day until I get home. It is extremely uncomfortable I can’t concentrate on my work, it makes me absolutely miserable. I hope you get some great advice on here, good luck with your new job I hope it helps you.
So sorry to hear you’re having the same issues. It sounds really similar, I think I’m just about fine before I set off to do anything and then as soon as I am on the drive in my stomach starts telling me that I urgently need to go. I think a lot of it is in my head as well. It’s horrible when you don’t feel comfortable to go so I certainly feel for you and have been there myself so many times. Are there any places you can go nearby that have a disabled toilet? Someone above has said about being more open about my situation with colleagues too which I definitely need to do in my new job! Really hope your situation improves 😊
It is so awful isn’t it! I just can’t go in any public toilets even disabled. All my colleagues know about it & my boss, so I totally talk openly about everything I just still can’t use the toilets. If I could just go at home before I set off that would be the dream - but my head tells my stomach nope, not until she sets off 🙈 I will keep reading the replies you are getting - thank you for posting.
1. Alflorex probiotic, which has been scientifically studied for IBS on a 3 month trial.
2. This may increase food tolerance. If you have any remaining food intolerances ask for a GP referral to a dietitian to take you through the FODMAP elimination and reintroduction diet. By taking Alforex first hopefully the food intolerances will be less.
3. Alongside try the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app or meditation or mindfulness techniques (plenty online or YouTube)
Oh! Goodness, how I feel for you. I have similar issues. Firstly I'd ask if you have ensured nothing sinister is going on and you are up to date with blood tests, colonoscopy faecal testing etc. I think ( just my view) your microbiom may need a rebalance. I had lots of colonoscopies over the years and I say the prep is aggresive and wipes out the good bacteria. Pro biotics with different strains are better than just one strain, apparently. But I am no expert I am just expressing my view. The angst, the worry the pain and embarrassment is a lot to deal with and the more your brain focuses on will i get to loo in time is a nightmare I have found eating small amounts, no alchohol. Planning every toilet location on route is useful. And always having lopermide to hand. But please ensure you have no polyps etc in your colon. Fresh air and excersise is a great boost to your well being. Dont overdo the probiotics listen to what your body tells you. Oil and fatty foods, for me are a nono.
Thanks for messaging. Yes I have had the simple tests done at the doctors and they came back fine. I was almost hoping that they found something so that I could pinpoint an actual issue! I think sometime IBS is something that is seen as not a big deal and even my doctors brush it off like it’s nothing but when it affects your daily life it feels much bigger than that. How would you go about getting further tests for things like polyps etc? Thanks so much for the info, I really appreciate it.
Polyps would be found during a colonoscopy and things such as diverticular disease. You are so right about it being brushed off by some medics. It does seem that there can be so many reasons/possible explanations that it may take a lot of time and effort for them to find the cause. I have found this forum a really helpful place to come and seek the help and advice from the people who know to well how debilitating this problem is. Keep researching what you think may help you. One day i am sure we will all get the help and answers we need for a more chilled life and relief. Try and be positive and good luck with it all.
I get the embarrassment of ibs! My family & close friends - one with Chrohns - understand, but even with them, it's unpleasant. Oh, we'll; it's life! 🤷🏼♀️ I'm retired now, but at work (education) , I relied on immodium, probably too much. I was recently found to be low in Vitamin D (wintertime) & started taking D3 daily with dinner. It has helped my IBS! Mine is sometimes ibs-C & sometimes ibs-d, and now my poops are more solid & regular more often. 😊 I still have bouts of constipation & diarrhea, but not nearly so often. Also, yoga, gardening, sewing, & some planned activities with friends keep my mind active-- that helps. Anxiety is always a trigger for diarrhea for me. Being sedentary brings on constipation.
Thanks so much for your reply. That’s lovely, I’m glad you’ve got a good support system. I am also lucky to have a partner and close friends that understand but I still find it so tricky to discuss with so many people. I will definitely look into the vitamins you’ve mentioned, that’s really helpful. I wish I could do more yoga but I find that my stomach is terrible with the quietness of the class!
I completely understand! That was one reason-- stomach/bowel noises-- I hated going to church when I was a young girl! So embarrassing! 😳 For the same reason,, I never go to a yoga class. I do it alone at home. Check out YogawithAdrienne on YouTube. She is gentle & instructional. Wishing you the best. Take good care.
I was working in an office for a short time. I use to not eat after 7/7.30pm. Get up extra early in the morning to attempt to go to the loo a few times to empty my bowel & drink peppermint tea. I had a 15 mins walk to work. I use eat very little at work (probably not the best way to be). A few times I just ‘had to go’ at work. No choice. I was getting very tired though waking up early. I guess you can’t take Imodium everyday. It was abit of trial & error.
Are there any loos that are not as busy?
I’m now mainly home based which suits me better.
I hope you find something that works for you. Can you ask to go in abit later until your stomach settles?
Oh wow that is a big commitment - did it seem to work most of the time? I have heard people say that sometimes eating a big meal triggers it which I do often find that lunch does bring on that feeling for me so maybe I need to eat smaller portions more frequently - did you try that too?
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