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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

IBS Drama queen

78 replies

sarahsbeans · 03/08/2017 18:38

Keeping it short, but I go on holiday in a few days. I suffer with severe anxiety which causes IBS and I need to be near the loo. It got that bad last year I didn't eat for 24 hours before the flight and by the time I'd landed I'd gone 30 hours not eating.

This isn't a problem whilst I'm away but I get so worked up whilst at the airport/on the plane it causes massive anxiety. My DP thinks I'm over reacting and can't get his head around my stress and even I can't control it or say exactly why I feel the way I do but this makes me more anxious that I'm having to try and keep my cool.

AIBU to think this is normal or should I see my gp before I fly?

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 03/08/2017 18:40

I had IBS and I found that people who have never suffered with it found it a bit hard to get their heads around.

The stress of worrying about having an episode would give me an episode, totally a vicious circle.

I think a trip to the GP would be good, just to talk it over and see what suggestions they may have.

Original poster
sarahsbeans · 03/08/2017 18:45

I totally know it's all in my head and the stress causes the symptoms just wish I could stop the thoughts. I know I make myself worse by overthrowing.

Will try and get to see my GP before I fly.

Otherwise I'll rely on imodium pre flight. Shock

OP posts:
MaureenDodd · 03/08/2017 18:46

I don't have a diagnosis but am pretty sure it's what I have. Everything you describe sounds so familiar. I've found that, for my symptoms, Buscopan and Diarrhoea relief tablets help immensely. Obviously a short term fix and not sure what the official advice is, but I actually feel like I'm able to relax on nights out/holidays etc. It's a new discovery for me, I've had years of misery and anxiety beforehand.

Original poster
sarahsbeans · 03/08/2017 18:46

Over thinking!

OP posts:
Fluffyears · 03/08/2017 18:47

Don't use imodium get some buscopan it helps settle the muscles. Just eat plain food and drink plenty of water. I got given beta-blockers by the dr today to help mine.

MaureenDodd · 03/08/2017 18:48

Is Imodium no good? I use it often :S

Sparklingbrook · 03/08/2017 18:51

I don't see the harm in using Imodium to get you through the flight.

Original poster
sarahsbeans · 03/08/2017 18:51

Maureendodd I've not had a proper diagnosis but I know that's exactly what it is. I had my gall bladder out a few years back so can't eat anything too fatty without it playing havoc with my stomach then adding my anxiety it's just ridiculous. So debilitating it's unreal. I have to plan everything in detail when going somewhere unknown.

Will definately be purchasing diarrhoea tablets pre flight.

OP posts:
Original poster
sarahsbeans · 03/08/2017 18:53

I thought buscopan was just for IBS cramps.

Will definately be buying imodium. Just crap I have to rely on tablets to control my nerves.

OP posts:
SheepyFun · 03/08/2017 19:07

Just so you know, Tesco own brand stuff has the same drug (loperamide) as immodium and is cheaper.

I sometimes take it before I've actually been to the loo, but when it feels likely if I'm going somewhere where toilet access is difficult. I can need a whole pack (6 tablets) to stop an episode, so take plenty with you on holiday!

House4 · 03/08/2017 19:13

You could also try some Bach Rescue Remedy tongue drops for your anxiety as well as the advise above. It really helps calm me down when I am feeling anxious.
Hope the above all work and you enjoy your holiday.

LollipopsandWine · 03/08/2017 19:24

If it's nerves setting you off then see a GP and explain that you are anxious re flying. There is a drug (that I won't name or I will get slated for recommending it) that GPs often give for short term relief of serious anxiety - the kind that causes physical symptoms. I'd say still take something for your guts (I have Crohns so I very much know the feeling) but if you get some of these tablets you can be actually relaxed as well, rather than "stopped up" but still worried.

Imamouseduh · 03/08/2017 19:26

You shouldn't take Imodium as a preventative, it is very hard on your system. I think you need to try to relax and think things through calmly. Say the worst did happen while you were on the plane and you needed to go. What would happen? You would get up and use the loo. No one would care. If it was bad you could take some Imodium instant then.

It sounds like your anxiety is focusing on the fear of this happening and making it worse. I think you should work on the anxiety rather than trying to preventively take medicine to deal with the physical issue. Buscopan relaxes cramping in the gut so should be your first step before Imodium.

CurbsideProphet · 03/08/2017 19:30

@sarahsbeans I really feel for you, as I have IBS and my DP struggles to understand it. I do whatever I need to do to get through journeys. I currently take buscopan and beta blockers.

Original poster
sarahsbeans · 03/08/2017 19:37

It's definately my anxiety that's causing it. I'm only 30 and I've tried everything even prescribed tabs from the doctor but didn't stick with them as they are an anti depressant and didn't want to rely on medication.

It's not the fact of flying I'm anxious about its the fact I may need the loo on the plane and can't go due to turbulence or there is a queue. I get the same when I'm on the motorway for a long journey. Panic in case there is a hold up and miles of queues.

So stupid I know but just thought gives me stomach cramps and the need to dash to the loo.

I feel like an absolute moron and I try my best to control it but it doesn't work. Even the thought of my other half in the shower brings me to panic just in case I need the loo whilst he's in the bathroom.

OP posts:
Blossomdeary · 03/08/2017 19:41

I am presuming that you have the squits version of IBS - as did I. If I was facing a situation that would make it worse I just took a preventative imodium and all was well.

DancesWithOtters · 03/08/2017 19:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CurbsideProphet · 03/08/2017 19:43

@sarahsbeans I have the exact same anxiety, so please don't feel like it's just you being stupid Flowers

Supermagicsmile · 03/08/2017 19:47

I feel your pain op. Recently travelled with a friend and the change of food upset my stomach. She couldn't understand that I had to empty my bowels 8 times in about 3 hours. Shock

Rkd808 · 03/08/2017 19:48

My oh has ibs and went on the fodmap diet, it might help you identify your physical triggers (obviously won't do much for your mental triggers but might reduce their severity), he's found that he can't have fuctose or fructanes (which include a whole host of fruits and vegetables including onions and garlic) and breads don't sit well either. I'd recommend speaking to your GP about whether its worth trying the diet and see if it helps.

WombatStewForTea · 03/08/2017 19:57

I've been diagnosed with IBD rather than IBS but have very similar symptoms and issues to you. The anxiety is the worst. Mine first started on holiday and I'm worse when away. Over time I've learnt to recognise the early symptoms of a flair up before it gets to that point. I've also been known to take a preventative Imodium (cheap alternatives anyway). The other thing I found that helped my anxiety was wearing tena lady underwear Blush just so I knew if I had an incident it wouldn't be as bad! That really helped my anxiety.

Please go back to the gp and push for a diagnosis. It may not be IBS it could well be IBD or something else. Good GPs will only diagnose IBS once they've ruled out everything else. Took me 2 years to get a diagnosis and they were convinced it was IBS because of my symptoms apart from the high inflammation levels they found. It took two years to actually pin point where it was. Please get yourself checked out. My life has improved 10x since getting treatment.

Original poster
sarahsbeans · 03/08/2017 20:01

Thanks all. Appreciate your feedback and makes me feel better I'm not on my own.

In terms of diet I've tried absolutely everything. I know it's not the food I'm eating as I could eat nothing and still get an anxiety attack and need the loo. As soon as I feel stressed I feel my stomach churning and cramping.

It actually surprises me that I still have an upset stomach even when ive eaten nothing all day. I definately know it's my anxiety causing it.

I don't have a VIP toilet card but will look into it thank you.

Got a family member taking us to the airport and I'm already panicking in case I need the loo whilst travelling to airport even though it's only thirty minutes away. Flight at 3pm and I know I won't eat anything all day just in case so that means more than 24 hours not eating.

Makes me feel totally miserable. Thirty years old feeling like this. Pre planning where toilets are and I know it's not good for my body stressing, not eating then needing the loo. I feel like an old woman.

Never had this until a few years back and don't know what's caused it.

OP posts:
YellowLawn · 03/08/2017 20:04

I get that too.
I do skme relaxation before going (breathing exercises mainly) and having loperamide in my purse helps me stay calm as well.

ThinkOfTheHorses · 03/08/2017 20:05

My DP downs gaviscon like it's water!
We're both funny in the tummy ( he gets pain so bad he throws up- I'm in a cycle of consti/diarr and pain) were keeping an allergy diary for now and avoiding dairy x

YellowLawn · 03/08/2017 20:06

and not eating doesn't help me.
I need something plain or the top end acts up (burping&gagging).

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