[leigh2003]

Hello,I recently stumbled upon your website in search of some help and understanding. It sounds as though I have been experiencing many similar symptoms and feelings as some of you, and it makes me feel not so freaky. I was diagnosed with IBS-C & D a few years ago, and I'm slowly learning what foods/drinks I should stay away from. I still have my weaknesses though, ice cream, beer, but I pay for it! Anyway, I've had some pretty embarassing situations occur over the past few years. One of my 1st happened on a boat ride with my husband and 2 friends. No sooner than we pulled out into the waterway with no bathroom around, I felt a bout of D coming quickly! I managed to make it a few minutes until we neared a restaurant. They docked the boat and waited a half hour or more for me to join them once again on the boat. As we pulled away and got going again, I felt another strong urge coming even quicker this time! I was almost in tears but held out until the next marina and jumped off before they even tied the boat up. Again I stayed gone for 30 minutes or more. Then I was so scared and anxious about even stepping foot on the boat again, but had no other choice! And I've had more of these embarassing incidents happen since then. My question is, I'm planning to go on vacation with my hubby and his dad and friend in a couple of weeks. I'm already getting anxious about potential problems that I might have while we're there. And my biggest fear is that they are going to want to hop in a car, go sight-seeing, etc. and I'm already stressing about making sure a bathroom is near at all times! I just want to enjoy my vacation and not worry about these things, but I can't help it. I thought about pre-medicating myself with tons of Pepto and Immodium to prevent possible episodes of D, but don't want to stay stopped up and bloaty the whole time either! Help!!!

 

[leigh2003]

Nancy and Busybee,Thanks so much for your helpful advice. I truly appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts with me. I will definitely try some of the suggestions you both mentioned. I actually just went to my first hypnotherapy session a few weeks ago, and my counselor also made a relaxation tape for me to use on my trip. I'm hoping this along with medication will help ease my mind. Thanks again for your encouraging words. It's good to know that there are others who can relate!Sincerely,Leigh