How do you plan visits, events, etc. with IBS-D?

Luvzminis

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2008

Posts : 2998

Posted 7/29/2018 8:55 PM (GMT 0)

I have fibromyalgia, a separate (mystery) neuro condition (numerous tests, but inconclusive) and IBS-D. My IBS tends to "visit" in various times of the year. One of the more "active" times is summertime, especially when humidity and temps are high.

One oddity with me is that my system unfortunately tends to get "stuck" in that mode, often for weeks. I've had extensive testing, and the bottom line is that my digestive system just doesn't function as it should, likely due to my neuro issues. I take Elavil as needed now, and starting in 1994, I took it daily for literally years. It gradually did dry out my system and calm things down.

But--I've always continued to have some urgency even now, especially in the morning, when I have to visit the bathroom twice, soon after awakening. Other times, I can be out somewhere at a restaurant, and an hour or so later, out of the blue, I'll need a bathroom (though this is fairly rare now but does happen).

I'm wondering: How do you plan visits, events, etc. with IBS-D? I try to be near a bathroom, but sometimes when we go out with relatives, I'm not familiar with the place and get a little anxiety wondering where the nearest bathroom is, and if my stomach happens to be feeling a little "active," I'll be a little uneasy. It's very disappointing at times.

Being in a car on the freeway and not near a bathroom can also be challenging. There are times when I have to pass up going out if my stomach is especially feeling "busy" and active. I hate to disappoint family members and other close relatives and cancel, but what else to do?

Yes, this is one of those "digestion working overtime" days, with an uneasy feeling at play. I have a very stubborn body!

Any suggestions very appreciated! I enjoy outings, but times like this summer with very high humidity and temps, my stomach just isn't cooperative. I really hate to miss out. It's also tricky going to appointments, such as the dentist

Lendi

Regular Member

Joined : Mar 2018

Posts : 338

Posted 8/4/2018 4:37 PM (GMT 0)

I can look at food and get cramps. I do take an emergency bottle of meds with me everywhere I go. This includes a med named Levsin/sl (I take a generic of it) as a needed only drug. I take it at the very, very first sign of a cramp. It's not a miracle but truly does work more than not. I also prepare by trying to figure out where the bathrooms are and yes, I've had difficulties while traveling but for the most part being prepared and having this med has made it much better. I have gastritis, diverticulis and IBS-D and this is what has helped me the best for the cramping part.

Have you kept a food diary of what might trigger the problem? Sometimes certain foods trigger it, even if they are healthy for you, lack of sleep etc. Also, you might keep track of how you're feeling and what you've been doing. Does it happen more or less when you do...what????? You mentioned it is more in the AM. Is there a pattern other than that. I can count on it happening after I eat more than any other time although it does happen other times, often all day, even.

I definitely struggle with some foods, especially if it's greasy. For the most part, anxiety is a big part of what triggers mine even when it's a happy and exciting event. I've had it since I was about 6. I try to be careful during the days before, too. A lot is trial and error to see how your body reacts as we're not all alike.

But taking some control (finding out all about it and changing part of you lifestyle if needed, etc) can help all by itself. I think that not feeling in control makes it even worse. JMHO, of course.

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