My Misery

By msp47452

1 min read

I have literally found the locations of every public restroom in my town and most in the neighboring towns. I found out years ago how important that information is.

A lot of days I can't eat until the evening hours because if I have errands to do it helps to not eat. It is so embarrassing to have to basically run into a business and go straight to the restroom. I feel like everyone is watching and judging me.

I have lived with IBS since I was in my early 20's. I am in my later 50's now. I have learned to carry extra clothes with me. I believe about everything I eat now bothers me in some way. I love family get togethers to eat and visit loved ones, however these are very hard on me. I use to back away from these events because of what would happen to me. I found out life is too short and as long as you prepare for things it can be very enjoyable too.

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Becky Oleson Moderator
Hi MSP47452, It sounds like you are a very resourceful, thoughtful human being. I love the conclusion you've come to...life is too short, and as long as you prepare for things, it can be very enjoyable, too. This should be our battle cry! Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your story with us. Becky, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
1. msp47452 Member
 Thank you
loving1 Member
I really feel for you. I was twelve when I started and I also avoided eating on busy days running around until I was home for the day. Field trips were always a concern for me. I wasn’t diagnosed until I was around forty five. I took extra clothes along on trips just in case, but never used them. Around the age of fifty I started a high fiber diet, lactose-free, gluten-free, and fiber supplement. My IBS-D has nearly disappeared. I still avoid bus trips or situations where I have no control of finding a restroom should I need it, but chances are I would be fine. I am almost 70 and finally living almost free of the diarrhea, but have problems with annoying gas instead. I am working on finding the triggers for my gas problems now.
sewinggirl Member
I too make my plans and driving route based on where bathrooms are located. I've had some very embarrassing moments and hate to go out with other people.
1. Kelly Dabel, RD Community Admin
 Thanks for sharing sewinggirl. You are not alone here. We appreciate you sharing your experience. I hope this article was helpful to you. Best, Kelly, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>Irritablebowelsyndrome.net</a> Team Member
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="2321007" username="msp47452"/> , I'm sorry that you have been dealing with IBS for so many years. I know what it's like also, to have to know where all public restrooms are. I think i've just come to the point that when I go somewhere and immediately ask where the restroom is, I really have zero care if they judge lol! I've also come to find, that people are so busy dealing with their own stresses in the day to day moment, that it's rare someone truly keeps tabs on your restroom habits. I always take my time and enjoy the fact I have a toilet to do my business on, rather than a road or some muddy grass haha! How are you feeling these days? I really hope things have gotten a bit better with symptoms. Sending big hugs your way, Elizabeth (team member)