Embarrassing issue at new job

[snowyowl22]

NC for this but long term poster.

I've been in a new job for 2 weeks and I'm really enjoying the role. However there is an issue with the office space that I'm struggling with.

It's a small office, I think it might be a converted house, such is the layout of it. Very small rooms, not much in the way or corridor space and the only toilet is similar to a typical downstairs loo that you'd find in a home.

I suffer from IBS especially in the morning and I hate the toilet situation there. It's surrounded by offices and doesn't feel private at all! Im sure things can be heard and it's definitely obvious when someone has been in there a while as you can't help but see people go in due to the layout.

From someone who is used to big, anonymous toilet blocks in offices I just can't get used to this. Especially with my IBS. It's making me anxious which in turn is making my symptoms worse. It's mortifying having to use that loo.

There is another building that we can access and the toilets are a bit more private there but I can't keep finding excuses to go over there all the time with no reason or it will be look odd.

I'm actually wondering how I can carry on with this job because it's worrying me so much. But I really like the work and the people. Does anyone else have a work/toilet situation like this? What the hell did you do?!

I agree with getting yourself a little stock of products like VI Poo to take with you when you use the bathroom. A flush during also helps hide any noises. Continue using the other loo when possible or making use of public toilets on your lunch break. Hopefully as time goes on and you get more comfortable in your new job it won't feel such an issue any more. I promise you, it feels much more obvious to you than it will be to everyone else who works there. Nobody is monitoring the toilet or dashing in afterwards to publicly humiliate you.
Get yourself into a routine of going to the other loo as soon as you arrive at work before you start, and then again at lunch/breaks. Hopefully this will help a bit.

having basic manners and some self-respect is not being stuffy, how bizarre to feel the need to proudly announce your visits to the loo 😂

Even primary schools tell reception children there's no need to explain they "need a poo".

Each to their own I suppose.

Ah, get your head out your arse.

I'd encourage you to be open and honest to your manager about this OP. As a manager I'd much rather know so I can reassure you and make sure you're comfortable with the toilet situation. You wouldn't be judged at all. If you have a manager that doesn't take it seriously/doesn't care/laughs about it (which I think is very unlikely), you know it's time to look for a new job anyway.

Thank you all. I know the grown up, sensible thing is to tell my manager but i honesty can't face it yet. Thankfully today was ok. I can go out at lunch and use a supermarket loo if needed. Or I've used the excuse that I need to pop to my car for something as an excuse to pop into the other building.

I just know that when I have an off day I can need to go often and using the loo multiple times or going over to the other building repeatedly is going to be really noticeable. That might be when I need to have the chat.