Conquering the fear of not finding a bathroom

Hi Robert S.  Welcome to healingwell. Sorry to hear that you are going through a hard time.  This fear you describe is probably one of the single most debilitating (emotionally) fears there is with this illness.  This is why people stay home, etc.  I'm not sure I have here what you really need. But i'll tell you the story of a friend.  She has had IBS for years and one time - it happened! What we all dread the most.  She got an attack while stuck in traffic.  Her boyfriend (now husband) pulled over and she had the big D in a parking lot over in the corner. She was humiliated (they were with another couple who unfortunately were not all that sympathetic to her plight) and felt pretty dejected too.  However, after this, she put together a crap kit.  She has it with her at all times in some form or other.  She carries a bag with pants, underpants, diaper wipes, alcohol wipes, camping toilet paper that disintegrates once you are done with it, and  a few other things- just in case she gets stuck somewhere away from a bathroom.  Obviously it's easiest in the car to carry this.  When she flies, same thing- just less in a little carry on bag.  I like the crap kit idea.  Just in case.  Hopefully most of us can find some sort of bathroom most of the time.  also, try taking some immodium, IF you don't have constipation problems. Before I had C issues too, I used to just take immodium if I was even driving across the city (note- I do not recommend this without asking your MD first.  I did this out of anxiety but it really isn't great to do to your body) That said, it may be Ok to take some if you are gonna fly or be ina  car long term, just don't take too much.  But again ,, ask your MD first.  Hope this helps some.  The kit makes my friend feel emotinally safer, so that in itself had her feeling less fearful. Good luck.

We've also discussed on this board having a chamber pot or even an actual camping toliet in one's car. I read about someone who put one in the back of her SUV because she had IBS so bad; it was the only way to make it sometimes.

I've heard of bio-feedback, but I don't know what it is or what it does. But a few people have tried audio tapes for IBS that's supposed to help improve your anxiety and at least one has said she has had some improvement. We've talked about acupuncture on here before too, but I don't think anyone's tried it yet. Yoga has also been recommended. I would think that any program that allows you to be calm and destresses you would help anxious folks to some degree. Of course some people are so anxious they really need the help of a professional therapist. And while a lot of people want to try natural remedies first, anti-anxiety meds shouldn't be overlooked since some have been found to help IBS symptoms in a lot of people--even in those who aren't anxious to begin with.

I take an immodium whenever we go out, just really for reassurance. Usually just one, but there was a time when I had to take 2 and it still didn't work. I hate to have to think about that if I eat when we are out then I may have to run to a bathroom. I have ruined many trips cause I have to get to a bathroom at once. Just last week we were driving to my parents house 2 hours away and I felt the urge, I had to to tell my husband to pull over at the nearest station so I could go. Good thing I made it.

I am also a big immodium taker!! I gives you peace of mind. Actually, my doctor told me it was ok to take one a day. She also told me if I am going somewhere, it is ok to take 2.

I am so relieved to have found this forum and know that I'm not alone. I recently started taking Align recommended by a friend to hopefully get my gastrointestinal tract in a pleasant place so I can hopefully find a way to live my life without the constant anxiety of finding a bathroom when I am away from home. I feel incredibly anxious in many situations....sitting in a dentist chair, waiting in a doctor's exam room, getting my hair colored, getting a pedicure. I'm fearful that I will have to interrupt the service to 'go' and then when I get back I get hit with another (what I consider) an anxiety attack and have to leave again to 'go'. It's so embarrassing! I have (Thank God) not soiled myself, but have come close a few times. I am going on a weekend vacation with a friend very soon. Our drive will be stretches with no bathrooms and sharing a 2 bedroom, ONE bathroom apartment which brings on more anxiety. I so wish I could get past this and feel normal again. I also take Imodium and watch what I eat closely when I know I will be in a remote situation. I am so thankful to have a husband who has had IBS and understands when I need to find a bathroom NOW!

Yes I take imodium pretty often as well. I too am relieved to have found this forum. I guess I am not alone. I can relate to the things everyone has posted. I get nervous when I have to ride with someone going to eat, to work or anywhere for that matter. I guess I feel more in control if I am in my own car and can pull over to find a bathroom if needed. I have IBS D and have had some close calls. I have seriously thought about putting some sort of chamber pot in my vehicle also. I find it a challenge going to meetings, to social gatherings, to lunch with friends because of the fact I may have to find a bathroom. If it is a place that I have been before then it is easier for me because I know where the bathroom is located. When I get stuck in traffic my mind starts racing even if I don't have to go to the bathroom. I kind of feel trapped if I can't go anywhere....thinking what if I have to go. Travel by plane is pretty easy because I have started wearing a depend while I fly. It does make me feel less stressed and it was pretty comfortable, not bulky. I know all the bathroom stops between my house and work and some of the days I will need to stop before I get to work or get half way home. I know there are far worse diseases and fears out there, but sometimes it causes me to be less social then I would like to be. I have understanding friends and family which helps alot. I am not going to let this disease make me a hermit!!

Post Edited (md1080) : 1/19/2018 6:44:19 PM (GMT-7)