Commuting College with IBS

Personally, I think I would choose online school, so long as the standard of education is as good as what you would find in the college.

But I know there's more to going to college than just the course. There's the social life, and it would be quite sad to miss out on that, unless you already have a happy enough social life.

And then there's the feeling that you have "hit a barrier" in your life. It makes sense in many ways to adapt to that, but I imagine you're still quite young (?) and to find too many limitations in your life isn't great at your age.

But I understand. IBS does that to all of us.

I wonder if there is any anxiety-management technique, or even any IBS management methods that might help you, so hopefully one day you won't be stuck in the feeling of being uneasy to go out, travel a little etc?

I know what you mean, however. I have had to call off a stressful and no-fun 500-mile round trip by train to see an elderly relative in hospital at the moment. I feel like an absolute rotter as everyone is helping and visiting her, and here am I bleating that I have IBS which I am sure no one really understands. I think their feelings might be more "so what? There are toilets on trains."
But still....there's a lot more to it than that.

Mind you, I am 70 and I am sure you are much younger and it would be nice if you could find a way to manage things and still be a part of the world outside.

I’m 32 and I can feel your pain. I’ve suffered from gastro and anxiety issues for at least fifteen years and it has taken a lot to get things under control. I’m not someone to push medication or look to meds as a go-to solution, but for me the anxiety and IBS go hand in hand. To this day I still suffer similar flare ups and worry about the travel and commuting like you do, and my anxiety medication has helped curb that a little. I also make sure I am carrying my little handy fanny pack with me - which is very nerdy- but it keeps me sane. Has things like mints, medication, water, and things like emergency sick bags. It helps me mentally knowing I have that security blanket of things on my person at all times. Maybe something like that might help, as a step toward giving yourself the power to know you’re in control and not your IBS. I know easier said than done…

I always got to school 1 hour earlier than necessary on transit and carried breakfast with me so I ate at the college near a washroom. Having an empty stomach on transit helped plus using a gycerine suppository to empty my lower bowel before leaving home. The doctor suggested that and it helped.

I also got to school at least 30 minutes early so I could handle any problems before class started. I always had Immodium on me at all times, but I also carried a "Care" package of a gallon ziplock with an extra pair of underwear and wipes. I spent the first week learning where all the bathrooms were in my buildings. Knowing where they were and how to get to them really helped, I was less panicked when something did happen. Back then I didn't know anything about the food connection, I might have been better about what I ate if I had known.


Now I have a commute and I do something similar, but I have found getting up an hour and half before I need to leave really helps my system set itself for the day. I also know where some decent bathrooms are on my route. Being prepared helps, and giving yourself extra time for travel makes it not so panicky when something does happen.


I would give it a try. You can always switch later on to an completely online college if you decide it doesn't work for you, but I liked being around other students (misery loves company) and I learned better in person that I have in any online courses I have taken since.