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Always thinking about bowel movements

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Posted 4/24/2014 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All

I was diagnosed when I was 16 with UC. Lived a pretty normal life until about 4 years ago. I now seem to be obsessing about bowel movements all the time - mostly worried about when an urgent BM will strike!

Does anyone else suffer from this, and any tips on how to get over it?

I am fortunate that my UC is pretty controlled and I haven't had a flare up in ages. I somehow managed to go the whole of 2013 without having an accident. But this year I was caught unaware and now my confidence has hit a new low and I can't help but worry about when its gonna strike again.

Thanks
Posted 4/24/2014 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you still have some rectal inflammation. If so, you really need to be treating that. Are you on any rectal meds?
Posted 4/24/2014 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
I do the same thing. Always. I don't know that my "tips" are anything you haven't already thought of, but I ALWAYS know where the closest restrooms are and when I'm in the car I have a back up bag with wipes, paper towels, extra change of clothes and some plastic bags for dirty clothes. That way if the worst happens I have an immediate way to fix it. It relieves a lot of mental stress to be "prepared for an emergency".
Posted 4/24/2014 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I don't have UC, but I can relate. I have had bladder control issues my whole life (though currently under control), and have worsening constipation which alternates with diarrhea. I also have bowel incontinence, which makes things even trickier. I have only recently sought treatment. I do not leave the house much lately, due to fear of an accident. The things I have found help to ease my mind include: wearing disposable underwear/adult diapers, carrying a jacket or sweatshirt with me to wrap around my waist to cover an accident, and I now carry what I call a s**t kit--I got the idea from other people on HW--I use a bag or large purse (don't remember if you are M or F) and fill it with things like extra underwear, change of clothes, wet wipes, and plastic bags (to put soiled clothes in). It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing.

I guess what helps me is to have my little emergency kit with me, to plan ahead as much as I can (such as knowing where bathrooms are, etc), and talking to people on HW about my fears, to get suggestions and know I am not alone.

Wish I had better advise. Keep "talking" about it and let people offer their support.
Posted 4/25/2014 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Uc can be one heck of a headtrip sometimes. Regardless of how good you feel that "what if" thought crosses your mind. I try to distract myself, turn up the music and sing badly to the steering wheel, plan my day, or something to keep my mind off of it. Confidence comes with time, you had an accident and it might be a while until you completely trust yourself again. Since you've had uc a while you likely already know the drill: bring an emergency kit, empty out before you leave, skip breakfast if you need to, take imodium, etc. Uc can be quite unpredictable and as such, the unknown can really be annoying. And keep an eye on it, if things are suddenly getting urgent after a year without it, you might need to contact your GI.
Posted 4/25/2014 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, it was constantly on my mind. And I still dream about finding a bathroom.
Posted 4/25/2014 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry, but you are about the 10 millionth person to join that club. The best way to get over it is having your disease controlled as much as possible but even then it's hiding in the back of your mind.
Posted 4/25/2014 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in the club too! Sounds like a post I left yes yesterday. As everyone else suggests, just get up a little earlier so you can try and empty before you leave. That usually works, but the worry is still there because we all know what could happen if the urge suddenly hits us while we are out. I think most of us on here would love to have a quick fix.
Posted 4/25/2014 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Even after years in remission, I still start looking for the bathroom when I feel any pressure - just in case. And I would never let a fart out in public if I could stop it, because I still don't trust 'em.

After so long it sort of becomes part of you, your new norm, and you don't even think about it. You just do these things naturally as part of who you now are.
Posted 4/25/2014 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Omg no farting in public. Sometimes you just need to let off some pressure. That's probably what gets me in trouble most of the time; I need to stop testing it.
Posted 4/29/2014 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like anxiety which I had for years! I'm on lexapro and it has saved my life!
Posted 4/30/2014 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
I started seeing a psychologist to help me with the anxiety of this crap I deal with. Having an accident in public was just so horrific for me. I'm working through all the mind games and bs and trying to slowly get my life back...life outside the house. I think there's two parts to heal, you need the physical symptoms gone - which takes meds! But then a lot of us need help getting over the mental hurdles. All the "what ifs" drive a person mad.
Posted 4/30/2014 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
This one is always a tough one! I don't think it ever goes away fully as with UC we just get used to this. But I think like what some are saying is good, if you have extra clothes, etc it always puts my mind at ease, cuz hey if I poop myself at least I've got clean clothes lol. But yeah, not fun! Working on breathing deeply helps me, trying to de stress somehow when I have to go too
Posted 4/30/2014 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
It's so sad that even for those in remission this disease tortures. Nothing like living with the fear of not knowing where every bathroom around us is for the rest of our live....even to empty colostomy bags, since those can overfill and leak too and come with their own list of embarrassments...there's no winning in the world of IBD.
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