I Flared at My Nephew’s Piano Concert

On a Sunday, I attended my nephew’s piano concert. He is a dashing 6-year-old and loving his piano lessons. He is doing exceptional and I wasn’t going to miss it.

That morning, I had breakfast and ate nothing out of the ordinary. But for some reason, I was feeling off. I showered and dressed as the recital was at 10am. On my way over all was well other than the beginnings of nagging heartburn.

Upon arriving to the recital hall, I started to feel like I needed to use the restroom but it wasn’t urgent. It turned out that my nephew was the first one up, so timing was on my side.  I watched his swell performance and cheered for him as he bowed next to the shiny black Steinway. What a sweet moment.

IBS cramping and nausea

But what wasn’t so sweet, was that I had about another hour of sitting until the recital was finished and my stomach was starting to gurgle. About three performances in, I decided to exit the recital hall to use the restroom.

I started to experience stomach cramps, not severe but uncomfortable. To my advantage, the restroom was right near my seat and I was sitting on the aisle. Exiting was a breeze. I returned and finished the rest of the show and it was afterwards as we gathered in the reception area for hugs and pictures that I started to feel nauseous and the cramping returned.

Even after all of these years dealing with these symptoms, I still remain stubborn in wanting to go home to use my restroom and thinking I can make it home in time. Why do we do this?  Well, clearly it’s because we would much rather deal with a flare in the comfort of our home than in a public restroom. But we also have to be realistic. Note to self: use the restroom that is in closet proximity, always.

Changing plans with IBS

I turned to my boyfriend in the reception hall, and told him I was flaring and I wanted to go home. Lunch was planned afterwards, but there was no way I could attend feeling this way. I nudged him to let him know I needed to go home quick.

And so off we went walking towards our car until the cramping intensified and I froze. I needed  a bathroom immediately. And so back we went. Retracing our steps towards the recital hall to use the restroom yet again. Except this time it was worse. I threw up all of my breakfast. And then continued with painful bowel movements.

The silver lining was that I had the restroom to myself as everyone had already left since the show had finished. I must have stayed in the restroom for about thirty minutes until I knew I was able to get in the car and make the 30 minute drive home. The moment I arrived back, I quickly changed out of my heels into a comfy shirt and sweats, and threw myself on the couch to rest for the remainder of the day.

Can you relate? Isn’t it always a bummer to flare while out in public?  Any stories you can share below? We love to hear from you.