I have had IBS- for over 5 years. Any advice on getting over it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sb,

Its possible you had anxiety attacked that prevent from you doing it in public bathroom... Work with your anxiety or try change your focus see if it helps.

sb,
I have IBS to , predominately diarreha, its awful i know! Make you not want to go anywhere away from the house. Its been hard for me to use public restrooms to, but if im out and have no choice, i use them!! Im getting better about it, only because i think if we avoid it to long, we will become agoraphobic, and you dont want that to happen! There is to much life to enjoy, and there are good meds out there now, that can help IBS. Talk to your Gastro doc! take care Nelly

I don't know if this is a good idea or not but this is what I have done - this may not be the right thing for you. I travel internationally alot and am prone to getting sick, i.e. diarrhea. Before I leave the hotel, I take an Imodium to prevent having a problem if I am out. I know that it is not meant as preventative medicine but if I have to go out I do what I need to do to take care of myself.

Have you talked to your doctor about some options?

I used to be afraid of going #2 in public restrooms, I avoided it at all costs too. I finally got tired of being afraid and said everyone else does it. (Well they do!) When nature calls, there is no holding back. I also kept reminding myself that NO ONE is going to remember the "lady that had the diareaha". When I accepted that, I noticed my diareaha attacks happened less often and now is almost nonexistant. I hope this helps.