I don't get it.

It's very difficult trying to plan a day, maybe taking the kids to the zoo, or shopping, when I have no idea if I can be out in public or not.

I never had normal BMs, so I can't really comment on that bit. But it is very normal for people to be worse in the mornings, particularly with colonic disease. Even 'normal' people tend to have a BM shortly after awakening - now triple that peristalsis in folks with IBD and you can see why their bowels are a go-go in the mornings. Also, it takes a long time for the food to reach the colon, about 8-12 hours. So when you wake up, your dinner from the night before is now in your inflamed colon and not the stomach or small bowel.

Bloating, loose stools, and pain are massively common in people with IBS and is probably a reaction to certain foods, stress, etc. You don't get blood in IBS, though; that's the main difference. Anyway, I would guess that certain foods are bothering your gut more than others on certain days, but that is just a guess tbh.

Edit: Can't write for toffee today.

It just sucks when you're feeling fine for hours, so you make some plans, then end up rushing to find a toilet, or clenching to try not to fart (omg, I can clear a room sometimes).

Sometimes I use vicodin to slow things down so that I can get out-of-the-house stuff done.