Can't make meetings and conference calls Options

[WoeIsMe]

My job is relatively fluid in that I can go to the bathroom anytime I want. Except for meetings and conference calls, which happen constantly. I have so much trouble making it through the day. My IBS-D is guaranteed to flare up just before. Once I am in the meeting I am usually distracted enough that I can get through it. I cope by bringing a cup of peppermint tea to just about every meeting. However, getting to the meetings is a big problem. I always end up having to go about 15 minutes before one starts and the anxiety sets in. Even if it is an impromptu unscheduled meeting I have problems.

Any suggestions on how to prevent this?

[Kathleen M.]

Can you take an antispasmodic 20-30 minutes before a meeting (or before the trouble usually starts before a meeting).

Can you get a long acting antispasmodic or try Lotronex or an antidepressant? Have you tried Imodium spaced through out the day (usually 2X a day but you might need more frequent dosing) or Calcium Carbonate with each meal so it is always around to help bind up the stools.

If it is a stress or anxiety reaction (you worry about the meeting that sets it off) you might look into CBT or hypnosis, especially since distraction does seem to help after the meeting starts.

[WoeIsMe]

I want to talk to the doctor about an antispasmodic. I often think I wouldn't have the problems if I could just control the spasms. I was on Motillium (domperidone) for a while. It helped a bit but I was also breastfeeding at the time, so the hormone levels made a difference as well. Plus, I wasn't working at the time, so stress levels were different.

Immodium goes too far for me. I can't eat after I take immodium. It doesn't act fast enough (I usually have one or two bowel movements after taking it anyway) and then I have nothing but discomfort and trouble down the line. Followed by a whole day in the bathroom a few days later.

What are the current recommended antispasmodics for IBS-D? I am feeling like I need to lead my doctor a little as noone seems to take it seriously enough for my liking.

[Kathleen M.]

http://www.ibsgroup.org/medications has the list. In the USA Levsin and Bentyl are the main ones, but there are others.