Everyday IBS
IBS is unpredictable as lightning in a storm. My work includes travelling with a car for hour or two in each way and most of the times my IBS attacks just then. It’s exhausting to overthink about it and expect it any moment while you can’t really go to the toilet the moment it appears. That indeed done some damage to my mental health since you always feel that you can actually poop yourself if you don’t get to toilet in time while your stuck in traffic.
I’m really trying to fight it mentally and repeat to myself that I’ve already had few session in the WC and it’s not suppose to feel the urgent need to do so once again.
I would love to hear some advice from people who are further in improving from IBS and most importantly what you guys eat, drink and think when IBS hits!
Hi
, you're definitely not alone with this! We have many articles about driving with IBS, including these two: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/ibs-and-driving, https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/traffic. Generally, being stuck somewhere without a bathroom is the worst for triggering IBS flares.
I used to have to commute to work for an hour and a half every day and I always felt terrible and so incredibly anxious during the commute. Then, once I arrived at work, I sometimes didn't even have to use the bathroom. It was just my anxiety making me feel a sense of urgency that wasn't even real.
Here are some things that have helped me in these situations:
1 - Getting up earlier so that my IBS has enough time to flare up and calm down before I have to leave
2 - Eating after arriving at my destination, as eating can prolong or trigger a morning flare for me
3- Eating mostly safe foods during the week, which for me personally includes white rice, chicken, chicken stock, steamed carrots, gluten-free pasta, potatoes, bread and butter...
4 - Listening to calming music
5 - Breathing techniques. I found the Nerva app to be very helpful in teaching me to breathe properly when I'm anxious. The app in general might be worth checking out if you haven't already, I shared my experience with it here: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/hypnotherapy-app if you're interested.
I hope this helps and that other community members will chime in soon.
All the best, Karina (team member)Oh my god! I have the same problem with traffic! I get really anxious and angry when I'm stuck and have the urge to use the bathroom. I tell myself "When am I going to be like other adults? There are millions of people going to work in the morning, so why can't I?" However, the only thing that helps me a bit is not eating at home and eating breakfast when I go to the office. It is usually exhausting because you have to put so much energy and time into simply focusing on not pooping every damn day.
I'm sorry you have to endure this kind of anxiety in traffic, but glad you discovered that delaying eating breakfast can help a bit. Any little thing that helps me control IBS feels like a big thing! How have you been feeling this summer? Hugs, Kim
Hi Kim!
The other day I had a bite of a mango and the next day, I had to get off the train to find a bathroom as quickly as possible; I literally used the station's personel toilet! Then I got a little bit depressed that why can't I eat mango without it's trouble!(I find it really delicious) but afterwards I came back to the routine of life, like always 😂🤦Oh no, I’m so sorry this happened! Finding a new trigger food is always very frustrating, I feel you. At least now you know not to eat mangoes again…
As for the traffic, please don’t feel bad about struggling with it. I believe most of us in this community can relate. It’s just not as easy to go through life with a chronic illness, and you should be proud of yourself for handling it as well as you do.
If it’s the anxiety that’s causing symptoms for you in the morning, I’m wondering if something like hypnotherapy (https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/hypnotherapy-app) might help?
Karina (team member)
Hi Karina!
Thanks for your positive attitude.
I have heard about hypnotherapy but haven't tried it! maybe I should try that as well.It can be very helpful, but as with anything, it doesn't work for everyone. I would just look into it and then decide if it sounds like something that might work for you.
How are you feeling today?
Karina (team member)
