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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/6/2019 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there,

So I'm mid-flare and am having trouble leaving the house. Often times I stay in and I don't use the bathroom for hours and realize I could have potentially gone out but I'm too afraid. I have a big (social) week ahead for a conference and really feel like I need to be out there but I'm afraid. Anyone else have anxiety about leaving the house when they are flaring? It sucks because I'm a fun, social person but when this is happening, I feel like I can't eat or drink out of the house and just feel generally depressed and scared--like a ticking time bomb, I never know when the urgency is going to hit. Any tips that help you get yourself moving?

Thanks.
Posted 7/7/2019 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
David -- this is something we all deal with, even when not in a full-fledged flare! I think I am nearing remission after a year and a half, but I still pull back socially sometimes out of fear of pooping my pants. You should consider the incontinence underwear just so you feel like you have some backup and can buy yourself some extra time to go to the bathroom if needed. You can buy them online, too. I know it is embarrassing, especially as someone about your age, but having that protective layer helps me feel more confident that I can make it to the bathroom and save my pants even if I leak a little. A lot of people here use one or the other. You honestly can't tell when someone is wearing them.

When you get to the venue, it will help to immediately scope out all of the bathrooms. Sit near the back door and on the edge of rows. Stick to bland foods and things you don't don't set you off. Stash a change of same colored pants + underwear in a backpack or professional bag or your car. And try to relax as much as you can -- I know anxiety gets my gut turning.

Sometimes you just gotta plan for the worst and hope the best happens.
Posted 7/7/2019 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
When I was in flare mode I found ways to work around some (not all) symptoms. Leaving the house was a big anxiety so I'd plan my route around available bathrooms that were easy to park and dash in. I can remember counting how many steps there were to the door, it was that bad.

I'd also have a "kit" with damp washcloth and paper towels in case of accidents. Some people here wrote of carrying extra clothes to change into but my commutes were never that far.

Being prepared lowered my anxiety somewhat but I stayed away from places (sport events, county fairs) where there would be a line to the toilet. I also ate hours before needing to drive anywhere or away from bathrooms. Sucks to be hyper-aware of gut issues but I refused to be a prisoner.

Don't let UC take your social life away. Find ways to be around good people, it will contribute to your mental health. Keep a glass of soda water in your hand if alcohol causes problems, it'll keep people from asking why you aren't drinking.

Good luck.
Posted 7/7/2019 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
Going back to the time when I had problems with flairs and not wanting to leave the house I always took a small black bag with me containing any supplies I would need.
This gave me a certain amount of security about leaving the house.
I always use depend briefs and there would always be a number of these in my bag.
For a special occasion I would take a couple of imodium tablets prior to going out and this always worked for me.
Posted 7/7/2019 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I had to drive a long distance (10hrs) last year and took imodium. Had no trouble at all. That being said, I do usually worry all the time when going out, despite being close to remission. Its just a thing for us now, I guess.
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