IBS Symptoms You Wouldn’t Believe

By Elizabeth Alvarez

2 min read

Community Poll

Which, if any, of these IBS symptoms are the most troublesome for you? (check all that apply!)

It has been 12 years since I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in addition to Crohn’s disease. It has been a wild ride and thankfully I am at a point where symptoms are minor and manageable. However, it took years and years to get to this place.

I was just reflecting on all that I have been through with this challenging diagnosis. Many ups and downs for sure, and upon reflecting I started to think about all the symptoms people without this diagnosis would always find hard to believe.

Unless you suffer with this IBS diagnosis yourself it is close to impossible to understand all complexities yet some are reasonable to relate to. But there are always those "unbelievable" IBS symptoms that others might find surprising. Let’s take a look at what I mean.

Unbelievable IBS symptoms

Spending hours in the bathroom

For anyone with IBS this is standard. But for those who are healthy, thinking of using the bathroom for hours in one day is unthinkable. For us however, it is a normal day. I’ll never forget telling a family member that on a bad day I can easily spend 10 hours in the bathroom. They laughed thinking I was joking. It was incomprehensible for them. All I could do was chuckle and say that no, I am not kidding.

"Going" easily over 20 times a day

Another unbelievable IBS symptom is the fact that we can easily use the bathroom 20 times or more a day. It seems unfathomable, but it happens. I will never forget the really bad days where it seems like I can’t escape the toilet. Back and forth from the couch to the bathroom all day long. I would lose count easily.

Having to use the toilet the moment I bite something to eat

It seems strange but sometimes just the act of biting food can send you running the bathroom. I can’t tell you how many times I would be sitting at the table and have to excuse myself to use the bathroom in the beginning of a meal. It seems weird because you think to how is that possible? That food hasn’t made it through all of the intestines yet, but it happens often to me and is a real thing.

Jumping out of the shower to use the bathroom

Nothing worse than being in the middle of the shower and having to jump out soaking wet to sit on the toilet because of the uncontrollable urgency. This has happened to me many times during a bad flare and it is beyond frustrating. There is no way of holding it, and your only option is to jump out. Then of course, once you finish, back into the shower you go to start all over again.

Having public accidents

It’s unthinkable, but yes as a grown adult with bad IBS, public accidents are inevitable. My worst accident (and I will never forget it) was at a subway stop in New York City. I was on my way to work and I soiled all my clothes. Thankfully I had a sweater and I wrapped it around my waist as I walked, mortified, back home. I cried and called my mom when I made it to my apartment. I will never forget that day. Yes, IBS takes all control from your bowels.

How about you? Can you add any unbelievable IBS symptoms to my list? Share below, we love to hear from you.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
Elizabeth, OMFG! I so feel for you 🙁 My own symptoms and stories were never that bad, you poor darling! Although I've not had an accident in public--yet--I have crapped all over my living room carpet and bathroom floor and toilet, and that alone mortified me. It made me terrified to venture outside my apartment. After vowing never to travel again by air, sea, or ground, I did eventually learn how to constipate myself for an afternoon away from home pretty successfully. Of course, the side effect being that I would stay constipated for at least another day or two, after which the flood gates opened with a vengeance, lol. Happily, my condition has greatly improved. After losing 40 lbs last year and changing to a plant-based diet, I pivoted from IBS-D to IBS-M and now, to IBS-C. This is so much easier to manage. Thank you for telling your tale of woe. Let's hope the "plot thickens" in a good way! Hugs, Kim, moderator
poopdeckpaul Member
I'm not as bad as most people . I know certain foods like pizza, chocolate etc screws with my stomach . I noticed when I was in kindergarten my stomach would react to bad situations like stress from people . I think i'm going to switch to more healthy fresh plant based foods. (like Kim) Thanks for sharing that story, you're helping others cope with this condition .Also hats off to your significant other, a lot of people want the prefect relationship like some fairy tale fantasy . I use classical music to help with every day stress,along with art. I may try gummies also. <inline-mention username="Elizabeth Alvarez" user-id="2297012"/> 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="poopdeckpaul" user-id="2265784"/> I really relate to bad situations and stress being an immediate trigger. This still happens to me. An argument with a loved one, a stressful work situation or my children getting sick often cause immediate flares for me. I hope the plant based foods and gummies will work for you! Karina (team member)
dklocey Member
Yes, I'm the exact same way! It's horrible. The people at work think I'm making it up because I spend so much time in the bathroom. 26 times in one night, so I finally went home. Going downstairs for break, getting settled at a table, then running back upstairs to the bathroom. And not always making it. Then cleaning up the best I can, going to my locker for clean clothes & a diaper, going back to the bathroom to finish cleaning up. And people on the 3rd floor working watching me go back & forth and thinking I'm playing around. Starting to eat and wondering why it hits me all at once. Going to the bathroom before I get in the shower and having to go again as soon as I get in there. Going in public places, or when I'm driving down the road. Walmart, Dollar General, the Post Office, work, I've had accidents everywhere! Sometimes I'm doing so good that I decide to go somewhere. Get to the door, or in the car, or a couple of miles down the road and I have to go back home. Most of the time I don't make it. So, yep, I completely understand! Prayers for you! Prayers for all of us who have this!
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dklocey" user-id="2292873"/> I'm so sorry that your symptoms are so bad. 🙁 It's terrible to go through that every single day. I hope it helps you to know that you're not alone with this. Sending big hugs, Karina (team member)
Klang Member
Elizabeth, I have been in your shoes. My husband's 1st work Christmas party was a disaster. I think I was in the bathroom more than at the party. People were talking in the bathroom about me and how long I was taking. After multiple tests and trial and error, I now know that I cannot have garlic or onions. creme cheese or ice cream unless I am at home. Extra clothes in my car, purse, and desk drawer are a must for me. Has anyone else have a list of food they cannot eat?
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Klang" user-id="4184681"/> I'm so sorry that the Christmas party went so badly. 🙁 I can relate so much. Parties and other events are already stressful, so I'm also prone to getting flares then. Garlic and onion are very common triggers! My personal triggers are also tomatoes, pumpkin and squashes, dairy (except butter and hard cheese), as well as gluten. I'm also wondering if you've tried the Low FODMAP diet (<a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/ibs-diet' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/ibs-diet</a>) before? I found it pretty helpful in the beginning. In case you're interested, we had this discussion about people's safe foods: <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/ibs-friendly-foods-everyone-reply' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/ibs-friendly-foods-everyone-reply</a>. It just showed how different we all are, even if some triggers are more common than others. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
CommunityMember9c235e Member
My worst symptom is really bad abdominal pain starting around 2am and awful constipation .If anyone has any successful and kind remedies I would be delighted The constipation is so bad I have to do manual evacuation nearly every evening and sometimes in morning .Most mornings I just go normally as if nothing is wrong although I may have been awake from 2am with abdominal pain Like being in a prison with no escape
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember9c235e" user-id="6617253"/> I'm so sorry that you're symptoms are so bad. 🙁 You're not alone. We have this forum specifically for IBS with constipation, if you want to connect with others who go through the same thing: <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/ibs-c-forum-discussion' target='_blank'>https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/ibs-c-forum-discussion</a>. Have you tried tracking your diet to see if something you eat every day might be causing the awful pain? Karina (team member)
explodingguts Member
Have been using Centerpointe, Learning Strategies, etc. for months now with good results but a few discouraging explosions so Immodium is nearby. Struggled to discern the obstacle. Have been reading and working the Silva Method, which seems to be the missing piece. Requires TREMENDOUS concentration. I notice how long it takes me to relax my stomach, which has been my whipping boy for too, too long. The Monster roils with old rusted fish hooks and the jagged remains of ancient battles, which I work to imagine into pink bubbles that pop in the sunlight. I am hopeful but it requires time and committed effort preferably at least 15 min 3x a day. More would be better to re-train the subconscious and re-draw the images it acts on. Hard work but I'm digging in. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="explodingguts" user-id="2321200"/> I really admire all the efforts you've made and how hard you're working to restore your health. Have you seen a decrease in your recent flares or it is still the same? All the best, Karina (team member)
CommunityMemberf29e10 Member
I have found wearing disposable underwear like depends when going out with shorts over them helps accident clean up far more easier
CommunityMemberf29e10 Member
I also have found to get you a IBS bag to go with you, wipes, plastic bag, underwear, Imodium, anything so you can clean up when out, I have a big cosmetics bag.
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf29e10" user-id="8804739"/> Great tip. I agree. It is always smart to have an emergency bag with you incase of an emergency. Thank you for the reminder. Best, Elizabeth (team member)
hateibs Member
 @Elizabeth Alvarez Elizabeth, thanks for being so straightforward and open about how horrible IBS can be for many of us. I truly feel for you with the subway accident. A thing like that hits someone on the most basic instinctive level and rips away our natural sense of dignity. It's like a bad dream come true. Thank you for sharing that most horrible day. I hope it never happens again to you. Big hugs! 
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="hateibs" user-id="4146293"/> Oh you are too sweet. You're welcome. I think being vulnerable is healing and freeing. And all you describe is so well said. It really does rip away our natural sense of dignity. Love your choice of words there. Thank you for your support and I hope you are feeling well today. Best, Elizabeth (team member)
desertstar Member
First of all, I want to say this website has been such a blessing for me! I've had IBS-D for over 55 years, and I now also suffer from colitis. Knowing that there are people that truly understand what living with IBS is like and dealing with so many similar symptoms has been such a comfort to me. I've found many useful tips to try, so I'd like to share something that's helped me. One of my most bothersome symptoms has been with mucus in my stool, because for me, it's just extra gross to deal with. A few months ago, I was discussing this with my amazing pharmacist (and dear friend). He suggested I try Advil! Yes, just regular Advil! On his advice, I started with 100mg a day which instantly eliminated all mucus the FIRST evening! I took half of a 200mg pill. I wanted to try a lower dose, so I bought a box of the 100mg children's chewable tablets. I cut those in half, and 50mg once a day also eliminated all mucus! I tried to lower the children's dose to 25mg, but that was too low of a dose for me, and the mucus returned. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to have found such an easy and relatively low dose OTC medication fix for such an annoying symptom. I have an outstanding GI doctor, but he hadn't been able to help alleviate the mucus. I made sure to discuss the Advil with him to be sure he felt it would be safe for me to continue taking. He was so pleased to learn I had found something to help me. I also want to remind everyone that pharmacists can be extremely helpful in many cases with any type of troublesome health symptoms or side effects from medications. I've come to depend on my pharmacist because during the 16 years he's known me, he's learned so much about how medications affect me, and I learn something every time I talk with him. He's definitely another blessing in my life!
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="desertstar" user-id="2291106"/> That's amazing, I'm so glad you finally found a way to eliminate the mucous! Did your pharmacist friend explain why the Advil works? I would have never thought to try it. You're so right about asking pharmacists, I've had the same experience. Doctors are often really busy and don't take the time, and I've also seen pharmacists who were more helpful in that department. Especially when it comes to medication that doesn't require a prescription, or supplements. All the best, Karina (team member)
2. Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="desertstar" user-id="2291106"/> What an awesome story! Thank you so much for sharing your success using low-dose NSAIDS to eliminate stool mucus, not to mention your appreciation of pharmacists. I too have found pharmacists to be an invaluable resource. Your post is a great reminder to keep learning about resources that help us manage IBS symptoms. Thank you so much! Hugs, Kim, moderator
Mara Bosloy Contributor
These all resonate so deeply with me!
mktggirl Member
<inline-mention username="Kim Dolce" user-id="2331646"/> I've had that mortifying experience, too. Just out of the shower getting dressed in my bedroom when that loud rumble started and I crapped all along the hallway in the mad dash back to the bathroom. Thank God my roommate wasn't home at the time as I cried cleaning first myself up and then scrubbed the carpet on hands and knees. This forum is such a blessing knowing there are others who not only have similar experiences, but also can talk about them freely here. Thank you also to Elizabeth Alvarez for bravely detailing the fun of IBS-D flares mid-shower. Been there, done that, too. Wishing all of us the continued strength and bravery to keep up the fight. May we all have more symptom-free days than flares. 
1. Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mktggirl" user-id="2314123"/> You poor darling! I'm sorry that you, too, have had to weather the humiliation, the tears, and the clean-up. I share your gratitude for this forum. It does help knowing we are not alone in our journey. Thanks oodles for sharing your experience! And for the wish that the days ahead are symptom-free 😀 Hugs, Kim, moderator

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Does your IBS doctor discuss mental health with you?