[dgatto]

HELP ME! I need to know that I'm not alone in dealing with working full time (and having a long commute)and having IBS. When things were really bad for me (I lost 40 pounds)

I would starve myself and cry thinking about my long drive to the office the next day fearing D. I got seriously depressed. I didn't want to do anything social and on the weekends I became a prisioner to my home.

Things have only recently gotten better but I still have my days! I've been on Effexor for depression and aniexty and in regard to my stomach issues, I'm on Bentyl 4 times a day, Cirtucel 3 times a day, and Miralax at night. Is anybody else out there that deals with the stress of leaving the house each day feeling sick? And if so, what helps you get through the stress of being away from your own bathroom and not feeling well?Thank you.

 

[passionflower]

Oh, man, can I relate. I have an hour and a half commute each way and a way stressful job. I will write more when I have more time, but, no you are not alone. I'm grappling with what to do myself. It can't go on like this for me.

 

[steitzsteitz]

Donna13, Believe me, you are one of many, with your problem! I only have a 10 minute drive to work, and it's hard for me to get there ! I stay home a lot, on weekends. I hope something will help you . I have a daughter, named Donna. S.G.

 

[Rennae]

I can locate every restroom with-in a 100 mile radius I believe. I know your pain and frustrations.

 

[Engine23]

I am pretty lucky my company lets me work 7-4 to which helps avoid the traffic....Of course 7-4 actually means 6-4:30 but hey thats why I got that whopping 2% raise last year...

 

[suzieq2]

I also have to commute - 1/2 hour each way to work - I shift work so can usually avoid traffic but, as someone else mentioned, I know of every bathroom along the way between my house and work - I usually leave 1/2 hour earlier than necessary "just in case" and tell myself that it's ok if I have to stop - I carry Imodium with me everywhere and also have Ativan for really bad anxiety days when I know that I'm not leaving the safety of my own bathroom without it! You are not alone at all! I've had IBS-D for 14 years now and just this past summer have started taking Calcium which is a stool thickener - it has helped tremendously with the D - I also take Dicetel which helps with the cramps and bloating. You have to find a good doctor who understands IBS and, unfortunately, be patient and find what works for your body. Good luck to you!

 

[irish princess]

I been diagnosed with IBS a couple of months ago. I know where every bathroom is located. My commute is 1 hour on a public bus. I do not have a social life. I need to know if anyone has tried Calcium? And what name brand of Calcium did you use?Does anyone know of a support group in NYC for IBS?

 

[lflower]

I just started back to work, and I didn't get a bathroom key!! I had to ask someone for it, otherwize walk two buildings away! I got a key after a week, but actually I'm a lot better. I've been running every morning at 6, and even though I may have the urge to go #2 when I start off running, after a minute, the urge is gone. As soon as I stop running, boom, I get the urge, sit down, do it and it's over. Self regulating.

 

[gladkit]

I am sorry to hear about your predicament. I too, know how frustrating that can be. I memorized the restroom opportunities along the way and even take a longer route that has more restrooms just in case. The medication (Librax & Immodium) have helped. However, there are still days where I leave the house uncomfortable. My work has allowed me to change my hours to 10 - 6. It allows my tummy some time to work (mornings are bad for me) and also helps me avoid traffic.Tina

 

[Katie Martin]

Hi all , im Katie form Brighton -

I am at the point I don't know what I shall do anymore , I have to commute 1.5 hours on the train , what this really means for me is that im up at 430 am for 2 reasons - one I have to eat something to get my tummy to work and then I have to wait for an hour after a burning , painful visit to the bathroom with either C or D , I then feel so worn our I literally have to lie down for 20 mins. I also have joint pain and between Gender disforia [Transgender] meds { T blockers + female hormones ] , anti-depresents and buscophen, flax oil, flax fiber and peppermint oil I feel like a walking pill container.

Eventually I make it to the train and the 1.5 hour commute, which as I know a lot of you know can be hell especially as the trains do not have bathrooms on my route. - added to my issues are urinary issues which im told are strictures and prostate swelling , im told all worsened by some link to my IBS - I have to wait 2 months to get a small operation done to remove the strictures the specialist tells me that will resolve the prostate issue also although im not hopeful. I also have reasonably severe depression, which the health issues make a 100 * worse. I also worry all the time that it isn't IBS but something else , I have changed doctors 3 times they will not take me seriously and just say its IBS have some buscophen and live with it basically. I also have to work a 10 hour day and im under a whole world of stress, im also the only income earner… so it just goes on and some days im not sure I can. Anyway Hi im Katie.