To not go out today?

[justexisting22]

I have plans for this afternoon to go out for drinks with family and friends but I don't think I should go.

Recently I've been struggling really badly with symptoms of what I think is IBS, eg. the stomach cramps and extreme urge to go to the toilet immediately etc. A few times it has happened when I've been away from home/not close to a toilet, which were really unpleasant, awful experiences and because of this, I'm so worried of going out now and I'm thinking of not going out later even though I really, really want to. I'm going to make another appointment for the GP next week as I've had similar problems when I was younger but never officially diagnosed with anything.

I have Mebeverine and diarrhoea relief tablets, but I don't know if this would prevent it from happening.

AIBU to ask wwyd?

So don’t go? Surely your family and friends will understand

I wouldn’t go. Stay at home where you feel comfortable. Then make sure you see a doctor.

I have to watch what i eat if eating out. No chillis, no curries , rich foods etc , prefer my own shitter tbh!

so, no I wouldn’t go. Surely they’d understand?

Please push with your doctor for a thorough investigation. I was fobbed off for years (10+) told I had IBS. Eventually it was investigated due to a very young locum GP and I was found to have diverticulosis. The bad flare ups I’d had of “IBS” were diverticulitis which should have been treated with antibiotics immediately. I also had an intolerance to gluten which I cut out completely, really helped.
In the short term you could take Imodium or similar, more than one dose, which hopefully would get you through the afternoon. Watch what you eat and drink, no fruit today for example.

They will understand but I’m so, so gutted that this seems to be ruling my life at the moment. I live in fear most of the time in case I get a flare up

Don't go if you're not comfortable going, I would say though be mindful that sometimes feeling anxious about needing to go on top of a medical reason can make it worse as well! Do keep on at the doctors, there are things they can try with you.

You don't have to go out if you don't want to, but you can't spend the rest of your life in the house. Make sure you go to the doctor and get some medical advice.

You could also try peppermint capsules to help your tummy. They've made a huge difference with mine.

@Dinotour Yes definitely, I think sometimes with me I worry about it happening so much that it actually causes it to happen! But I’m struggling not to worry about jt

Does taking Imodium help? And does where you’re going have a toilet?

id maybe explain to your closest family that you feel unwell, go and head home if you start feeling bad.

@Overthebow I’m going to be travelling today to where I’m going. It will be extremely busy so I know it won’t be easy to get to a toilet. I’m not sure if I have had Imodium, I have had Mebeverine and diarrhoea relief

Oh absolutely yeah it's natural but I was the same and built it up so much in my head that on top of it I got obsessed with knowing where I was going had a loo etc to the point it was unhealthy. It's not easy though, i started pushing myself by going out on longer walks etc or with friends I trusted and being honest with them although felt embarrassed at the time. Thankfully on the FODMAP diet its more or less controlled which is good.

I had the investigation for this last year, turned out I cant tolerate dairy any more. I cut this out and I take probiotic capsules and 100% better. If you feel like going, take the medicines and go, but you are well within your rights to stay home if you want to!

If you go definitely get Imodium and take it before you go, and make sure you know where toilets are when you get there.

How often does this happen, is it once a week or once a day? How long is the journey, would you be able to wait until you got there if you needed to go whilst travelling, or a service station if going by car? This would influence if went or not.

@Racoonworld it happens a few times a week, where I get really bad stomach cramps and need to go to the toilet immediately. It’s not even like I can hold it for long, because it’s so uncomfortable I cannot wait long for a toilet. The journey is going to be about an hour and because it’s going to be so busy I’d imagine there might be some queues for the toilet

It’s a no brainer.
you don’t even need to post on here asking.

@Theoldwoman but it’s whether or not I risk just taking my medications and hoping for the best. Today is a special occasion which I really don’t want to miss out on because of something that may, or may not happen

I think on this occasion, you are maybe already too anxious about it to go. If it's IBS, you are very likely to have an attack when feeling so anxious about it. Frustrating as it is, I would be truthful with family and skip it. Please do be firm at the GP. Investigation is needed if it is affecting your life to this extent. Have you ever tried an anxiety medication like citalopram for instance? Tell people you need to stick to quieter, familiar and close to home venues, until you feel more in control. Be proactive in inviting people to go to "safer" venues, so you don't sacrifice your social life. I hope things improve for you soon.

Definitely try buscopan for the cramps, and Kefir to sort out your gut. I have IBS and both helped.

@justexisting22 How did it go op? Did you decide to stay home?