IBS and a car journey, IBS and life.

[lucycornwall]

Hello, I have only just found this site and am not really sure what im doing! However if theres anyone out there who can offer any advice or help id really appreciate it! I have suffered with IBS since 2008 and its fair to say that it controls every aspect of my life every day. I have joined this network as im worried about an upcoming car journey in June and as each month passes and it becomes ever closer, my anxiety is increasing.

Needless to say im sure some of you will experience the same thing, car journeys for me are impossibly difficult. I drive, and an average drive for me will be between 20-30 minutes. This is as much as i am comfortable with when i am driving, any further and it will need to be a well planned journey. When i am in someone elses car i cannot relax and i struggle with any distance at all. I am going on holiday with my family in June and there will be a near 5 hour car journey. Saying it alone sends shivers down my spine. I wont be driving and quite honestly dont know how im gonna get through it, the panic and anxiety that overcomes me when i think about it, and then multiply that by 1000 when it gets to the actual day of the journey. HELP!!! I dont know quite how its gonna happen, and i need advice, help, any words of wisdom that anyone can share with me please!!!

My normal plan of action when i fear i wont be able to get to a toilet would be to not eat (i am aware of the negative consequences of this, but its sometimes the only option i have!) , however after a period of about 4 hours i actually get pain for not eating too so I will HAVE to eat.

I hope someone can offer some words of reassurance and advice, I in return would like to hear from anyone who might need advice, or simply a chat to share experiences of living with IBS!!

Thanks

[Oldhandatibs]

Tips

!. Eat early, travel late. Night before go to be early get up early, eat, get morning rush over.

Activity seems to stimulate toilet visits, so rush around packing, loading car etc. Aim to start about 11 ish.

2.Plan your journey and stops. Start journey then return home and use loo. Sometimes can be a couple of miles, sometimes I don't make it out of the drive. (Partner sits in car with a book) Start journey and make your first stop after about 15 minutes. Knowing you are going to stop gives confidence to start.

3. Use motorways if possible. Boring I know but regular service areas.

4. Country roads have plenty of secluded areas don't be afraid to go 'el fresco' ( have a kit. Garden trowel, toilet roll,wet wipes, small towel, change of underwear. Bury what you leave so as not to offend.)

5. Drink plenty, eat very light, savoury snacks, nibble bicuits etc.stop often.

6. Large supermarkets, garages, shopping centres, Pubs, Mcdonalds etc all have loos so consider their location in relation to you route.

7. The up side to all this is that although the journey is long you don't arrive knackered and stressed.

Suffered IBS for 16 years and this works for me. Try to keep your sense of humour.

[lucycornwall]

Thank you! This all makes perfect sense, its obvious that you have had similar experiences to me, and your advice is really apreciated, and i honestly feel better about it already. In terms of going 'el fresco', im no proud gal, if theres one thing IBS has taught me, its that theres no loo too small,too far or too smelly! I will go on my journey well prepared! Thanks again!

[lynne25ukuk]

I always have breakfast before I leave and don't start my journey till I have been to toilet. I double up on loperamide the day before and the day of and take plenty with me. I also get details of the journey I'm taking and make a note of every services, toilets, restaurants, cafes etc on the journey so I know exactly where I can stop on the way and how many opportunities there are, it helps to relieve my anxiety knowing exactly when a toilet is coming up. If all else fails be prepared as accidents can happen but I have never had one yet due to planning. Have a good trip

[dionne1234]

Hi there. It happened to me last yr when i went to spaib with my family i ended havin to bout five immodium and i can tell u this was due to lack of pkannin. i tried not to plan so not to stress but that didn.t work. when i travel, i yry to frive n travel alone it lessens the anxuety of ,accidents. the post aboe is right, I ALWAYS carry a spate set of clother in my boo n i mean everythin down to poop bags . i have also gone outside hay ho . i too try to travel late as then gives time to eat n take lopramide. as u no stressin out bout it will make it worse. have u tried hypnotherapy ? I have a wonderful c.d that i listen to sonetimes daily n it helps me. if u would like a copy cone bk to me. i.ve downloaded it to my phone. Put my headphones in n listen to , its fab for relaxing

[angbri]

Have you been tested for SIBO? It is something new I have learned that goes undiagnosed with IBS sufferers...