Hi Cynthia,I can sympathize! I have lived in hope that I wouldn't have an attack and fear that I would for a long time. Thanks to this board, I've learned to be proactive about my IBS-D, even if I'm just going to the grocery store. Here's how I have learned to prepare. 1)Have you tried the Caltrate Plus at all? It's a calcium supplement that has helped many of us on this board. Take one with breakfast if you can. Also pack one to take in your lunch.2)Eat a little something early in the morning to "get things moving" before you leave. It always helps to be somewhat empty before going anywhere. This helps future bathroom calls to be not quite so urgent.3)Take an Immodium before you leave, and take some with you (chewable) in case you feel the gurgles coming on. One Immodium is good enough for me to make it through a half day away from home. I pack Immodium in the car, my purse, everywhere. The thing to remember with Immodium is to take it at the first tiny whisper of a gurgle. Once I waited too long and the results were disastrous!4)I don't know how severe your D is, but you may want to consider wearing 1 or 2 pads, just in case you have a ways to walk to the restroom.5)You could pack a backpack with emergency clothes, wipes, plastic bag etc. in it. This would not look out of place since you are hiking in the nature preserve - add a bird book or other nature book to make the pack look legit. Hope this helps. I will keep you in my prayers today. Let us know how you did.Jane
