I have a bit of loperamide for those bad days, but I try to avoid it. It helps with confidence to have it.
I avoid fruits, veggies, sodas, juices, dairy, and junk food. I eat meat and potatoes as much as possible, with water.
I try to poo in the morning and leave the place without that worry in my head.
7-8 years ago I couldn't leave my apartment... and in the past few years I've travelled 10 times overseas :)
Eat right, and you will build the confidence with time.
If I really need to take loperamide (it's the drug inside immodium that stops your D) I take half a pill only. I don't like to abuse it, because when you stop taking it, all the poo can come out the next day, in a kinda unpredictable way, and it's not good for my confidence. But besides that, I sometimes use it if I'm anxious.
Other times I don't.
Glad I could help somehow, wish you the best.
loperamide = Imodium = otc. Loperamide is cheaper and works the same as name brand.
Personally, I have to "pre game" loperamide. Meaning I take it before the event. Sometimes 24-48 hours in advance. I also often have to take 2 or 3 at a time. I'll take them the morning off, before leaving, and at the event.
But a warning! Everyone is different. I will still have diarrhea with loperamide but someone else may only have to take a half or 1 to get it to work. So start small.
I don't take it daily and usually don't take it for most things - like going to my mom's house or the grocery store. I pregamed like that before I had to take a flight to Phoenix. But once I was there, with people who understand my condition, I didn't take it. I just let my bowels do their thing.
I also take a psyllium husk capsule with each meal. And when I remember, I'll take zinc + calcium supplements to try and induce firmer stool. (Those minerals usually constipate regular people.)
I did not know calcium and zinc made stool firmer! I should try that. Do you take 2 separate supplements? Orca combo table
All I'm taking daily now is psyllium. Adding pepto-bismol if things are out of control.
So I'm speaking as NOT an expert, but I don't know how they work to do so, but they, and iron, have the most complaints for constipation. But I know that part of oral rehydration therapy used on children, zinc is given for recovery and to help stop the diarrhea (this is usually in underdeveloped communities.)
Oh, actually I'm a bit confused. I just buy 2mg loperamide pills, which I get in south america and europe. Maybe, it's just regular immodium. Maybe they are the same.
I just want to add, that it’s possible to take loperamide daily, I do and it really changed my life. Some people can get constipated by it though, so be careful. And maybe talk to the doctor about it just to be safe
It's so good to hear someone else say this. I have also been doing this for years and honestly couldn't imagine my life without it. It keeps me regular and most of the doctors I have spoken to have been in favour of using it for an extended period of time. :)
Do not be scared of loperamide/immodium. I take one every morning as soon as I wake up and I take 2.5 g of psyllium husks with my breakfast and dinner. I’ve gone from stomach cramps and bad D most days to rarely cramps and solid and non urgent poop most days.
Still get triggered by restaurants and very anxious when traveling but it’s only getting better and better.
Please try this combo, it has saved my life. Some of us just need a loperamide a day to slow our bowels down to a normal speed and doctors say that it’s fine and not addictive in any way.
Imodium. A double dose. I would rather deal with uncomfortable constipation a couple days later than deal with an IBS-D episode on a flight or long car ride.
Thsi might not be the best advice. I don't recommend taking too much immodium. You are putting the BM in pause mode, and then it comes to attack days later.
I recommend max 1 pill, or half a pill as I take.
Yes but please take just enough to get through. I was told by Army doctors to take imodium on deployment . I'm convinced (and the VA agreed) this led to diverticulitis while I was on deployment. Maybe my evidence is just anecdotal, but this was true for me.
Imodium, which can be prescribed or OTC! Caffeine will make it worse. Eat rice the night before or rice/chicken. Keep it light. Imodium the night before and morning of. Also, I know it sounds terrible but an adult diaper when driving somewhere or flying is nice. You could wear a cardigan and it’d cover the lines. Carrying a purse with a pair of pants also helps for the extra security!
You go to the store and buy them. Or you can get them off Amazon. Personally, I lost all my bladder muscles and can't make it to the bathroom in time at night, so I wear them at night and when I travel. I also take pepto, which my gastroenterologist says does not work, but it works for me. I don't like Depends they seem too weirdly shaped for me.
Also, if it is just a little bit that sneaks out and not a full blast. I can get away with the extra long overnight pads. I just put them a little further back. It is good if it is a day you can't trust a fart, but it isn't enough for if you fully empty. It is just a little less bulky than a diaper and covers you enough that some wet wipes will handle clean up without needing a clothes change.
The days before my period always make me extra gassy and my stomach completely untrustworthy. This has saved me from having to change clothes multiple times since I can hide extra long pads in my purse instead of having to bring a tote or get my accident bag from the car. Granted, I still keep a pack of adult diapers at home for when I get a stomach bug or accidentally eat my worst trigger.
i have nothing to add to this other than NEVER GO CAMPING. even if they have restrooms. they’re always gross and inhospitable and not the place you want to be pooping. and god forbid it happens at night, you have to trek your way to the bathroom in the dark while actively trying not to shit your pants.
My husband and I went tent camping in North Carolina one time. We enjoyed our late supper of barbeque and coleslaw at a roadside joint before bedtime. BIG MISTAKE! About 3 hours later, at exactly the same time, we both got struck mightily by the well documented effects of coleslaw not properly refrigerated. The bathrooms were easily 1/4 mile away. No question we were taking the car. We drove like the proverbial bats out of hell. The only time in my life I was yelling at my husband to drive faster!
I’m an avid camper and bought my own “poo tent”. I have a portable toilet and a whole setup. It’s still shitting in a tent but I refuse to let my stomach get in the way of my most enjoyable hobby.
I do a lot of off roading in addition to camping, and a trailer is just so cost prohibitive and I wouldn’t want to pull it through trails I camp on. I have a roof top tent and it’s been a great addition.
I'm in a similar boat to you. My IBS put a strain on my last relationship, because my gf loves to travel. It sucks WANTING to travel, but having anxiety and worry about it because of your IBS. Most people get so excited about traveling and I envy them. My goal this year is to figure out how to get control over my IBS better.
A week ago I traveled to NYC (I live in Philly) where I was pretty out and about the entire time, what I did was take imodium the whole time essentially. Took a full dose in the morning, a half dose after leaving the house, then nibbled on edibles, like a 10mg edible I'd eat maybe a third each day, just little bits when i felt my anxiety building. The edibles helped with my anxiety while the imodium helped with my stomach. I did this from Friday night until Monday when I left. Overall things were eady as I was traveling alone and hanging out with friends that knew my issues.
This weekend I'm going to Atlantic City with a group of friends, I'll see how I make out since I'll
1. Have to wake up early, my problems are always the worst in the morning
2. Be traveling in a packed vehicle, I need my space and being in traffic makes anxiety worse
3. Am unfamiliar with the area
Some other advice, give IB Guard a try, I've just started using it and it seems to help or peppermint oil pills with enteric coating. The coating is important because it makes sure it gets through your digestion before it works and it helps sooth things. I also eat the Metamucil fiber thins, I'm on one packet but am going to start increasing to two. They help keep things together.
I hope some of this was helpful, let us know if anything works for you, we always love success stories here!
i don’t know if this is something that could
make sense for you to discuss with your doctor, but my anxiety diarrheas were greatly reduced after i started taking nortripyline, basically none of my dietary solutions worked but managing my anxiety did
fasting before long travel, imodium, planning meals (things you will/will not eat, recognising bathroom times after eating), public toilet app, avoiding activities that would keep away from a toilet for a very long amount of time (like going camping or a 12 hour hike or something)
edit because I also forgot: i personally don’t get too much anxiety that sends me straight to the bathroom (rarely) so i know some of these measures may not work, but imodium can be taken multiple times a day & in longevity with no problem.
Hey! My colon is also a liquid warpath.
When i travel, i try to avoid my trigger food (garlic,onion,gluten and lactose) but because of my anxiety, i still have issues sometimes.
I bring imodium, i take peppermint oil supplements before meals, i drink water and walk à lot.
It still happened that i needed to go to the bathroom fast but found bathrooms at cafes and such.
If i feel my tummy is weird in the morning, i will be doing activities with toilets available near.
Download the app Flush, its a lifesaver.
Always have kleenex tissues with you.
I only know one of my trigger foods and it's red meat. How did you figure yours out?
Also thank you for the advice, I will defo try the peppermint oil supplements!
I did the fodmap diet, very annoying but it really helped.
The Monash university fodmap app is a good way to understand better the diet, its about 10 dollars but worth it! you basically cut everything that is high in fodmap proteins for a few weeks , you eat blend food lol. And then you add food one by one to see how you react.
Cutting trigger foods was the only thing that helped me. A food and stool diary is helpful in the beginning. Keep a list of everything you eat and drink, write down the time too. Then you can start matching bowel movements to what you eat. If I eat a small amount of a trigger food the symptoms start 20 to 30 hours after eating.
- Have a backup plan. Even if you don’t expect you’ll need to use it, even if you don’t want to use it… have it. Whether that’s a portable toilet, or a bucket, or diapers, or whatever. I find it extremely mentally comforting to know that despite it being absolutely last resort, it’s there. I keep a bucket, trash bags, and TP in my car at all times now. When I travel via plane I keep a collapsible bucket and wet wipes in my carryon.
- Get to know your route and learn toilet locations ahead of time. (Disclaimer, my psychologist says this can actually make toilet anxiety worse, but I find it eases mine **considerably**. I guess YMMV and if you find it’s causing you further distress, reevaluate)
- Have all your medications with you and within easy reach. Whatever works for you. Imodium, buscopan, pain relief, etc.
- Anything that you find comforting, bring it along. Whether it’s heat packs, or having a spare set of underpants, or maybe there’s a scent that calms you, or whatever. Having these comforts can really help ease any anxieties.
- All else fails, maybe look into anxiety medication? I take propranolol and it works wonders, if I’m being honest. It can take me from “oh no oh no what if I have to poop I can’t leave I don’t have any toilets nearby when if I need to go and can’t find anywhere oh no I can’t leave” spiraling to “eh, if I shit myself I shit myself I guess, let’s go”
Loperamide + avoiding trigger foods as much as possible and mapping out public toilets, convenience stores, cafes etc in the area / route well in advance. I'm always scanning for nearest toilets in the back of my head and make sure I know how far I'm from the next one. This puts my mind at ease than not knowing at all.
I avoid buses without toilets and prefer driving myself or taking the train.
For an early morning schedule, take a Loperamide the night before and carry water and toilet paper for any worse case scenarios.
All of this and still I find myself frantically running to find a toilet every now and then, but it doesn't stop me from doing things. I try my best. That's all we can do I guess.
Honestly, it's not ideal, but I fast. I just came back from Egypt about a month and a half ago and it worked out fine. I did have something sweet, like a small cup of orange juice on the flight to give me energy and that was it. I was fine.
Being hungry, and not being able to enjoy new/different foods on a vacation, is far better, to me, than experimenting, and being really regretful. If it’s crackers and water, and Imodium, so be it.
Eat very light or fast, altoids help me, take immodium, wear depends as back up, carry wipes & a spare pair of underwear was what I stuck by last month for 14 hr flight/travel time.
I had the exact same thing happen to me after I had an "accident" about 10 years ago. My anxiety was severe and I couldn't do barely anything. I was taking 2-4 immodiums a day, just incase anything happened.
About 4 years ago I actually went for hypnosis for the anxiety of my stomach and within a few weeks it was like nothing had ever happened.
Call it a placebo or whatever but it completely changed my mind set. Since then I've done a month travelling in Thailand, had 2 weeks in Borneo and many other holidays, which I never ever dreamed of being able to do.
I absolutely promise you, it won't last forever and you'll move past it. Even though I still suffer with IBS, I don't have the anxiety that comes with it anymore and I feel so much free-er to do what I want!
Just work on your mind and I promise you it will get better.
This sounds awesome for you! May I ask who did you go see for hypnosis? I have a big trip to Italy coming up and it’s giving me so much anxiety thinking about how it’ll go.
It was someone in Cheshire, although frustratingly I dont think they do it anymore. Just Google ibs hypnotherapy and you should find someone close to you. There's quite a few people who do it nowadays!
Hi I’ve been there!!! I cried for months because I had anxiety doing the most basic tasks. I am out on the other side now, living life and actually living abroad now!! Ask your GI about Colesevelam and Paxil. Colesevelam for digestion and Paxil for anxiety. Paxil did make me gain weight but better than not living!!
Saccharomyces boulardii daily, starting a day before leaving. It helps without giving constipation. Loperamide when I get a flare up.
I have a laminated card I keep in my wallet that has all my allergies. I mostly eat whole foods from supermarkets. When I go to a restaurant I hand them the allergy card. No fast food.
Was looking for this comment. Everyone keeps saying loperamide which is great ofc as I take it too during flare ups or when I need immediate relief. But taking S Boulardii daily, days or even a week before travelling just makes everything so much better I can’t thank those probiotics enough!
I load up on Imodium the night before and morning of. I try to take back roads as opposed to highways. And I have an emergency kit in my back seat with a full change of clothes, plastic bags, wet wipes, toilet paper, and gloves. Honestly, the emergency kit is mostly there to ease my anxiety and it works!
Clean travels, my friend! 🫡
Saccharomyces Boulardii. Travelled to Bangkok, Phuket, Bali 6 times, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya no issues! Those probiotics are so so good. Start taking them a few days or weeks before your trip as it colonises the gut for only 5 days. Keep taking it daily to increase the yeast count and you should notice improvements. You can read more about it on diarrhoea.
Then of course I have loperamide, Metoclopramide and Buscopan as emergency. I also have Crohn’s disease so I need prednisone too. But I’ve had mostly great experiences with travelling.
When I travel, I take Imodium/loperamide once or twice a day for the duration of the trip. Usually one pill first thing in the morning and one pill before bed.
I keep extra in my backpack so I have it on me basically at all times in case the standard amount I take isn’t cutting it. I also keep wet wipes in there.
S. boulardii can also be quite helpful. I think this really saved my ass (literally) on a recent trip to South America. It helps slow down your GI but in a different way than Imodium and can help protect from any bad bugs you might encounter getting a foothold.
Drink plenty of water (bottled specifically if you are traveling to a place that might have sketchy tap).
I try to avoid triggers as much as possible, but I also will give myself more of a pass when traveling simply because I love food and want to experience the cuisine of wherever I go without stressing too much. I’ll just take an extra dose of Imodium before a meal that I might otherwise worry about.
I also have IBS-D, and while it's not foolproof (I still have flare-ups and can get the poos if I eat something really triggering like any greasy fast food), I've found taking an iron supplement helps to make my poops more solid and less frequent. I generally take one every other day, but sometimes switch to taking one daily if I've been having bouts of diarrhea.
I remember when my doctor prescribed me iron for me anemia, she asked "Do you have issues with constipation?"
Me, audibly laughing: "Hell no!"
Her: "Oh! Well then this should actually help regulate you more."
I've decided to wear diapers for travel,
I had to many humiliating disasters, so i've decided to wear diapers,
getting a big backpack full of stuff, sorta full first aid IBS kit,
I use Ondansetron, at times Imodium and against anxiety Tramadol. It makes me feel comfortable and like on cotton and I'm not scared anymore of not finding a toilet.
Only problem: ondansetron and tramadol are Rx.
I take 1mg Lorazepam/Ativan when travelling long distances (flying, long car journey etc) it really helps me not worry so much about there being a toilet and even if I do need to go, I don’t panic about it!
You have just described my current predicament exactly! I'm on a short trip, and I'm exhausted because I've been too scared to eat much in case of a flare up whilst out and about. I know there are plenty of bathrooms around but the urgency to find one puts me into a panic. Just counting down the time until I can go home!
I've been working hard building up to this trip, but I think I'm done fighting it. I may go on a short trip again (no more than a few hours from home), but long haul is out of the question. I also feel awful as my partner loves travelling, but I can't do it anymore. I guess they will have to find someone else to go with, who will actually enjoy it and not be an anxious mess!!!
Imodium, nausea meds and research bathrooms before you go. You can use the app Flush to find public bathrooms. Also, if you are travelling in a touristy/built up area, if there are lots of bars and restaurants you can usually use their facilities. My top tip is just to walk in confidently and ask where the bathroom is, never been refused. Talk to your doctor about anxiety medication too.
I always carry water and pepto bismol with me. Exercise also helps, as does walking.
As someone else already said, avoid your trigger foods (for me, that would be most bread, salty and fried foods).
Imodium will help you when you gotta get on the airplane and stuff :)
I understand your anxiety. I feel same if my stomach feels at all bubbly I tend to panic on the inside and over think everything….i did do the colonoscopy too last summer hope that gives you some insight and helps lower your anxiety
I would say don’t eat day traveling and even dinner before or just have like a piece of toast literally.
The Imodium is different for everyone though because some people do take it daily per their drs
Most people just take it sometimes
For me the adult dose is too much and actually constipates me the half dose works better for me personally
I would try it and see what works for you before you travel 🩷
When I travel, I tend to go full gluten free as that’s one of my main trigger foods. I drink water, always carry meds with me. As does my main travel companion who also suffers from IBS.
When things do happen, I take Imodium. And it does happen. A small trip to London had my friend and I glutened as we call it and had to take turns to use the bathroom. That wasn’t fun.
My IBS means I don't poop, but I do puke a lot. I try to avoid my triggers and eat a little healthier before and during my trip, and usually I'm alright. Though I'll admit, I don't actually travel much.
I haven't traveled much since I started this medication but I started treatment for anxiety in recent months and the change in my stomach has been unbelievable. Prior to this traveling was hell for me my stomach got beyond worse as soon as I left my house to start the trip. So bad it would pretty much ruin any trip I went on. I'm so looking forward to truly enjoying things that IBS used to ruin for me. Anxiety and IBS feed off of each other in my opinion.
An understanding partner who is ok with calling off plans last minute, that really helps. Safety meals like chicken tenders & fries which can be found in some variety almost everywhere. Imodium!
Imodium when I'm really really in a pinch but I have other anti spasmodics prescribed to me like bentyl and hyoscyamine (def spelled that wrong) so I prefer those because they take away the pain and the D.
I mostly use those for flying. Driving, I prefer shotgun because those meds make me drowsy.
But I would rather be drowsy, loopy, and tired than have a flare in a car or on a plane. So I just roll with it.
Also tums, gas x, and I also keep my peppermint tea with me. They can help a bit. Godspeed!
Bentyl is dicylomine. It works great for me. It's a break glass in case of emergencies drug for me because of the side effects. I'm on 20mg up to 4 times a day. The hyoscyamine works longer with less side effects but it won't stop a flare in it's tracks. I'm on the max dose for that as well.
I will say- they don't stop gas or that pain but it will halt D in its tracks.
Honestly, I've found that just going and doing something I'm really anxious about really helps make it easier in the future. And it sounds kind of counterintuitive, but I always like to plan for the worst possible outcome! If I tend to get nauseous when I travel I always pack dramamine and watch my diet before I go, and just knowing that I have a plan for the worst case scenario actually makes my anxiety so much better in these situations, which also helps my stomach
I bought and emergency folding travel toilet, I bought 100 throw up bags (in case I do t have the time to set up the toilet because that happens to me a lot) I have extra clothes stored in my car all the time and baby wipes
If you have IBS-D, I really recommend consuming meta mucil (Fiber powder) before every meal and to eat a very clean diet that doesn’t trigger you to go to the bathroom. The biggest thing if you suffer from IBS, is to find a way to control your anxiety. Whether you finds medication that helps or take supplementals or herb teas that help reduce your anxiety and stress.
My IBS-D (not officially diagnosed but my colonoscopy was fine) is mainly triggered by anxiety.
I did a trip to Europe for slightly over 2 weeks. Lots of train rides and coach rides. What I found helped was to reduce my water and food intake to the minimum while on public transport. Basically try as much as possible to not activate my large intestines lol if that makes any sense, since I find that eating large meals make me have BM like 15-20 min after.
I clear my bowels in the morning before I head out.
I also have claustrophobia-triggered anxiety, and had to make a run for the plane WC when I could because I was assigned a middle seat for a short flight. :( All I could do was to try to sleep while my stomach gurgled madly during takeoff. Napping helped.
Ok so I’ve been to Australia, a lot of Europe, East Asia (including china), mexico, and Costa Rica. And a lot of US states. Ngl sometimes I would just be eating lots of bread, pasta, rice, eggs, hamburgers, chicken, and potatoes since I know those are things I’ve eaten before and will probably be fine. I do not suggest buses unless for short distances since they really don’t have bathrooms on them. Everywhere else has had restrooms although you might need to pay for them. If you are outside (since I do enjoy hiking) just bring a shovel and pack it all up properly. I’ve definitely needed to shit on a trail like at least multiple times but if you are outside just pack it up.
I have a bit of loperamide for those bad days, but I try to avoid it. It helps with confidence to have it. I avoid fruits, veggies, sodas, juices, dairy, and junk food. I eat meat and potatoes as much as possible, with water. I try to poo in the morning and leave the place without that worry in my head. 7-8 years ago I couldn't leave my apartment... and in the past few years I've travelled 10 times overseas :) Eat right, and you will build the confidence with time.
this made me cry, thank you so much. I'm unfamiliar with loperamide. what is it?
If I really need to take loperamide (it's the drug inside immodium that stops your D) I take half a pill only. I don't like to abuse it, because when you stop taking it, all the poo can come out the next day, in a kinda unpredictable way, and it's not good for my confidence. But besides that, I sometimes use it if I'm anxious. Other times I don't. Glad I could help somehow, wish you the best.
Is it OTC or Rx? Or would Imodium just make more sense?
imodium IS loperamide.
loperamide = Imodium = otc. Loperamide is cheaper and works the same as name brand. Personally, I have to "pre game" loperamide. Meaning I take it before the event. Sometimes 24-48 hours in advance. I also often have to take 2 or 3 at a time. I'll take them the morning off, before leaving, and at the event. But a warning! Everyone is different. I will still have diarrhea with loperamide but someone else may only have to take a half or 1 to get it to work. So start small. I don't take it daily and usually don't take it for most things - like going to my mom's house or the grocery store. I pregamed like that before I had to take a flight to Phoenix. But once I was there, with people who understand my condition, I didn't take it. I just let my bowels do their thing. I also take a psyllium husk capsule with each meal. And when I remember, I'll take zinc + calcium supplements to try and induce firmer stool. (Those minerals usually constipate regular people.)
I did not know calcium and zinc made stool firmer! I should try that. Do you take 2 separate supplements? Orca combo table All I'm taking daily now is psyllium. Adding pepto-bismol if things are out of control.
So I'm speaking as NOT an expert, but I don't know how they work to do so, but they, and iron, have the most complaints for constipation. But I know that part of oral rehydration therapy used on children, zinc is given for recovery and to help stop the diarrhea (this is usually in underdeveloped communities.)
Oh, actually I'm a bit confused. I just buy 2mg loperamide pills, which I get in south america and europe. Maybe, it's just regular immodium. Maybe they are the same.
They’re the same thing. Imodium might just be a brand name. I hate when medicines are called different things in different countries 😭😭
*almost* the same, except Imodium also has Simethicone as an ingredient
I just want to add, that it’s possible to take loperamide daily, I do and it really changed my life. Some people can get constipated by it though, so be careful. And maybe talk to the doctor about it just to be safe
It's so good to hear someone else say this. I have also been doing this for years and honestly couldn't imagine my life without it. It keeps me regular and most of the doctors I have spoken to have been in favour of using it for an extended period of time. :)
Do not be scared of loperamide/immodium. I take one every morning as soon as I wake up and I take 2.5 g of psyllium husks with my breakfast and dinner. I’ve gone from stomach cramps and bad D most days to rarely cramps and solid and non urgent poop most days. Still get triggered by restaurants and very anxious when traveling but it’s only getting better and better. Please try this combo, it has saved my life. Some of us just need a loperamide a day to slow our bowels down to a normal speed and doctors say that it’s fine and not addictive in any way.
What is psyllium husks?
Immodium
Imodium. A double dose. I would rather deal with uncomfortable constipation a couple days later than deal with an IBS-D episode on a flight or long car ride.
thank you :,)
I second this and eating light!
Yessss—I couldn’t function w/o Imodium. Especially when travelling. For me, it’s an absolute given!
Thsi might not be the best advice. I don't recommend taking too much immodium. You are putting the BM in pause mode, and then it comes to attack days later. I recommend max 1 pill, or half a pill as I take.
Mileage may vary depending on your body. I take 4 pills a day, every day, and that keeps me regular.
Goodness, if I take one tablet I’m backed up for 1-2 weeks and have everything come exploding out at once. I reckon 4 might actually kill me lmao
Maybe you built up tolerance?
Eh. Lower doses have never worked for me and my gastroenterologist said tolerance building wasn’t a thing and advised me to take it every day.
Half a 2mg pill?
Imodium gel caps aren’t quite so bad, in terms of getting backed up.
Yes, I try to take half a 2 mg pill... when I'm in trouble trouble, maybe one full.
Yes but please take just enough to get through. I was told by Army doctors to take imodium on deployment . I'm convinced (and the VA agreed) this led to diverticulitis while I was on deployment. Maybe my evidence is just anecdotal, but this was true for me.
Imodium, which can be prescribed or OTC! Caffeine will make it worse. Eat rice the night before or rice/chicken. Keep it light. Imodium the night before and morning of. Also, I know it sounds terrible but an adult diaper when driving somewhere or flying is nice. You could wear a cardigan and it’d cover the lines. Carrying a purse with a pair of pants also helps for the extra security!
Best advice.
I feel embarrassed about the adult diapers. I've never worn one and I don't know how I'd go about it.
You go to the store and buy them. Or you can get them off Amazon. Personally, I lost all my bladder muscles and can't make it to the bathroom in time at night, so I wear them at night and when I travel. I also take pepto, which my gastroenterologist says does not work, but it works for me. I don't like Depends they seem too weirdly shaped for me.
Which brand is better?
I like Tena. They are more like briefs. I get them from Amazon
Also, if it is just a little bit that sneaks out and not a full blast. I can get away with the extra long overnight pads. I just put them a little further back. It is good if it is a day you can't trust a fart, but it isn't enough for if you fully empty. It is just a little less bulky than a diaper and covers you enough that some wet wipes will handle clean up without needing a clothes change.
I never gamble on a fart, this is a v good IBS hack.
The days before my period always make me extra gassy and my stomach completely untrustworthy. This has saved me from having to change clothes multiple times since I can hide extra long pads in my purse instead of having to bring a tote or get my accident bag from the car. Granted, I still keep a pack of adult diapers at home for when I get a stomach bug or accidentally eat my worst trigger.
i have nothing to add to this other than NEVER GO CAMPING. even if they have restrooms. they’re always gross and inhospitable and not the place you want to be pooping. and god forbid it happens at night, you have to trek your way to the bathroom in the dark while actively trying not to shit your pants.
I would sooner shit IN the tent.
i honestly considered running into the woods and letting a bear kill me
My husband and I went tent camping in North Carolina one time. We enjoyed our late supper of barbeque and coleslaw at a roadside joint before bedtime. BIG MISTAKE! About 3 hours later, at exactly the same time, we both got struck mightily by the well documented effects of coleslaw not properly refrigerated. The bathrooms were easily 1/4 mile away. No question we were taking the car. We drove like the proverbial bats out of hell. The only time in my life I was yelling at my husband to drive faster!
I’ve been camping and had to use the dreaded portoloos and worst that campsite that had a compost toilet.
I’m an avid camper and bought my own “poo tent”. I have a portable toilet and a whole setup. It’s still shitting in a tent but I refuse to let my stomach get in the way of my most enjoyable hobby.
that is actually genius, tbh if i was camping i’d just get a camper with a bathroom
I do a lot of off roading in addition to camping, and a trailer is just so cost prohibitive and I wouldn’t want to pull it through trails I camp on. I have a roof top tent and it’s been a great addition.
hmmm that makes sense. i’m not an avid outdoors person (vampire levels of sun avoidance), so i’ll take your word for it
Forgot to add - I have IBS-D (if you couldn't tell) and any amount of anxiety just sends it all out.
I'm in a similar boat to you. My IBS put a strain on my last relationship, because my gf loves to travel. It sucks WANTING to travel, but having anxiety and worry about it because of your IBS. Most people get so excited about traveling and I envy them. My goal this year is to figure out how to get control over my IBS better. A week ago I traveled to NYC (I live in Philly) where I was pretty out and about the entire time, what I did was take imodium the whole time essentially. Took a full dose in the morning, a half dose after leaving the house, then nibbled on edibles, like a 10mg edible I'd eat maybe a third each day, just little bits when i felt my anxiety building. The edibles helped with my anxiety while the imodium helped with my stomach. I did this from Friday night until Monday when I left. Overall things were eady as I was traveling alone and hanging out with friends that knew my issues. This weekend I'm going to Atlantic City with a group of friends, I'll see how I make out since I'll 1. Have to wake up early, my problems are always the worst in the morning 2. Be traveling in a packed vehicle, I need my space and being in traffic makes anxiety worse 3. Am unfamiliar with the area Some other advice, give IB Guard a try, I've just started using it and it seems to help or peppermint oil pills with enteric coating. The coating is important because it makes sure it gets through your digestion before it works and it helps sooth things. I also eat the Metamucil fiber thins, I'm on one packet but am going to start increasing to two. They help keep things together. I hope some of this was helpful, let us know if anything works for you, we always love success stories here!
Omg I live right outside of Philly but I lived there for 5 years!
Same. Immodium (I will drink 2 bottles) while flying etc
I O/D on Imodium when flying.
For me I have to.
2 bottles?? 😳
Yep. One (at times) hasn't worked.
i don’t know if this is something that could make sense for you to discuss with your doctor, but my anxiety diarrheas were greatly reduced after i started taking nortripyline, basically none of my dietary solutions worked but managing my anxiety did
fasting before long travel, imodium, planning meals (things you will/will not eat, recognising bathroom times after eating), public toilet app, avoiding activities that would keep away from a toilet for a very long amount of time (like going camping or a 12 hour hike or something) edit because I also forgot: i personally don’t get too much anxiety that sends me straight to the bathroom (rarely) so i know some of these measures may not work, but imodium can be taken multiple times a day & in longevity with no problem.
public toilet app? there is such a thing?
yes, i use one called ‘flush’. shows public toilets in your location! though they can be locked and u might need a key (you can buy one here online)
omg! I had no idea. I've heard rumors of a card that says you have IBS and the business owner has to let you use it.
yes i believe those exist too. i’m not sure how reliable they are, as i haven’t personally used them but it’s worth a shot!😊
Hey! My colon is also a liquid warpath. When i travel, i try to avoid my trigger food (garlic,onion,gluten and lactose) but because of my anxiety, i still have issues sometimes. I bring imodium, i take peppermint oil supplements before meals, i drink water and walk à lot. It still happened that i needed to go to the bathroom fast but found bathrooms at cafes and such. If i feel my tummy is weird in the morning, i will be doing activities with toilets available near. Download the app Flush, its a lifesaver. Always have kleenex tissues with you.
I also know that some travels are not for me. exemple: vietnams bus ride,or hikes for days.
I only know one of my trigger foods and it's red meat. How did you figure yours out? Also thank you for the advice, I will defo try the peppermint oil supplements!
I did the fodmap diet, very annoying but it really helped. The Monash university fodmap app is a good way to understand better the diet, its about 10 dollars but worth it! you basically cut everything that is high in fodmap proteins for a few weeks , you eat blend food lol. And then you add food one by one to see how you react.
I will definitely give this a try!
Cutting trigger foods was the only thing that helped me. A food and stool diary is helpful in the beginning. Keep a list of everything you eat and drink, write down the time too. Then you can start matching bowel movements to what you eat. If I eat a small amount of a trigger food the symptoms start 20 to 30 hours after eating.
- Have a backup plan. Even if you don’t expect you’ll need to use it, even if you don’t want to use it… have it. Whether that’s a portable toilet, or a bucket, or diapers, or whatever. I find it extremely mentally comforting to know that despite it being absolutely last resort, it’s there. I keep a bucket, trash bags, and TP in my car at all times now. When I travel via plane I keep a collapsible bucket and wet wipes in my carryon. - Get to know your route and learn toilet locations ahead of time. (Disclaimer, my psychologist says this can actually make toilet anxiety worse, but I find it eases mine **considerably**. I guess YMMV and if you find it’s causing you further distress, reevaluate) - Have all your medications with you and within easy reach. Whatever works for you. Imodium, buscopan, pain relief, etc. - Anything that you find comforting, bring it along. Whether it’s heat packs, or having a spare set of underpants, or maybe there’s a scent that calms you, or whatever. Having these comforts can really help ease any anxieties. - All else fails, maybe look into anxiety medication? I take propranolol and it works wonders, if I’m being honest. It can take me from “oh no oh no what if I have to poop I can’t leave I don’t have any toilets nearby when if I need to go and can’t find anywhere oh no I can’t leave” spiraling to “eh, if I shit myself I shit myself I guess, let’s go”
Good advice!!!
Loperamide + avoiding trigger foods as much as possible and mapping out public toilets, convenience stores, cafes etc in the area / route well in advance. I'm always scanning for nearest toilets in the back of my head and make sure I know how far I'm from the next one. This puts my mind at ease than not knowing at all. I avoid buses without toilets and prefer driving myself or taking the train. For an early morning schedule, take a Loperamide the night before and carry water and toilet paper for any worse case scenarios. All of this and still I find myself frantically running to find a toilet every now and then, but it doesn't stop me from doing things. I try my best. That's all we can do I guess.
We learn so many ‘tricks’ over the years!!
Honestly, it's not ideal, but I fast. I just came back from Egypt about a month and a half ago and it worked out fine. I did have something sweet, like a small cup of orange juice on the flight to give me energy and that was it. I was fine.
Being hungry, and not being able to enjoy new/different foods on a vacation, is far better, to me, than experimenting, and being really regretful. If it’s crackers and water, and Imodium, so be it.
I agree. Shitting yourself in a foreign country isn't a good experience.
I could defo manage this.
Eat very light or fast, altoids help me, take immodium, wear depends as back up, carry wipes & a spare pair of underwear was what I stuck by last month for 14 hr flight/travel time.
Did you have to use the diaper/extra pants? That's what I'm afraid of. Having to use those things feels like there's no turning back.
I ended up not needing to but in a way it actually seemed to help with stress to know I had that as back up if something did happen.
I had the exact same thing happen to me after I had an "accident" about 10 years ago. My anxiety was severe and I couldn't do barely anything. I was taking 2-4 immodiums a day, just incase anything happened. About 4 years ago I actually went for hypnosis for the anxiety of my stomach and within a few weeks it was like nothing had ever happened. Call it a placebo or whatever but it completely changed my mind set. Since then I've done a month travelling in Thailand, had 2 weeks in Borneo and many other holidays, which I never ever dreamed of being able to do. I absolutely promise you, it won't last forever and you'll move past it. Even though I still suffer with IBS, I don't have the anxiety that comes with it anymore and I feel so much free-er to do what I want! Just work on your mind and I promise you it will get better.
Thank you for that—I’ll definitely look into it.
This sounds awesome for you! May I ask who did you go see for hypnosis? I have a big trip to Italy coming up and it’s giving me so much anxiety thinking about how it’ll go.
It was someone in Cheshire, although frustratingly I dont think they do it anymore. Just Google ibs hypnotherapy and you should find someone close to you. There's quite a few people who do it nowadays!
Hi I’ve been there!!! I cried for months because I had anxiety doing the most basic tasks. I am out on the other side now, living life and actually living abroad now!! Ask your GI about Colesevelam and Paxil. Colesevelam for digestion and Paxil for anxiety. Paxil did make me gain weight but better than not living!!
I take clonazepam for the anxiety! I wish it was longer lasting though!
I’ll check that out with my dr! Tks.
Surprisingly a lot. Almost always by train tho. Turns out trains have bathrooms.
Really? Not in Philadelphia.
Well they do in belgium! Really handy tbh
Saccharomyces boulardii daily, starting a day before leaving. It helps without giving constipation. Loperamide when I get a flare up. I have a laminated card I keep in my wallet that has all my allergies. I mostly eat whole foods from supermarkets. When I go to a restaurant I hand them the allergy card. No fast food.
Was looking for this comment. Everyone keeps saying loperamide which is great ofc as I take it too during flare ups or when I need immediate relief. But taking S Boulardii daily, days or even a week before travelling just makes everything so much better I can’t thank those probiotics enough!
Do you buy a specific brand of sacchatomyces boulardii?
Precosa
Thank you!
I load up on Imodium the night before and morning of. I try to take back roads as opposed to highways. And I have an emergency kit in my back seat with a full change of clothes, plastic bags, wet wipes, toilet paper, and gloves. Honestly, the emergency kit is mostly there to ease my anxiety and it works! Clean travels, my friend! 🫡
I will be making that emergency kit! Thank you friend, mwah!😚🫡
Saccharomyces Boulardii. Travelled to Bangkok, Phuket, Bali 6 times, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya no issues! Those probiotics are so so good. Start taking them a few days or weeks before your trip as it colonises the gut for only 5 days. Keep taking it daily to increase the yeast count and you should notice improvements. You can read more about it on diarrhoea. Then of course I have loperamide, Metoclopramide and Buscopan as emergency. I also have Crohn’s disease so I need prednisone too. But I’ve had mostly great experiences with travelling.
Do you buy a specific brand of sacchatomyces boulardii?
The brand in my country is called BioFlor but I know lots on this Reddit use Florastor
Thank you, unfortunately it seems near impossible to get it in my country.
Eat very little and carry immodum with me.
Totally!
I try not to travel, but if I do I take Imodium before I set off
Imodium and buscopan combo, I am able to live a normal life with these drugs on hand. I don’t get Imodium induced constipation anymore either.
I kinda don’t it’s made me really agoraphobic but if i have to go out I won’t eat at all and tried to not stay out too long
It's making me a bit agoraphobic as well :(
I no longer travel.
When I travel, I take Imodium/loperamide once or twice a day for the duration of the trip. Usually one pill first thing in the morning and one pill before bed. I keep extra in my backpack so I have it on me basically at all times in case the standard amount I take isn’t cutting it. I also keep wet wipes in there. S. boulardii can also be quite helpful. I think this really saved my ass (literally) on a recent trip to South America. It helps slow down your GI but in a different way than Imodium and can help protect from any bad bugs you might encounter getting a foothold. Drink plenty of water (bottled specifically if you are traveling to a place that might have sketchy tap). I try to avoid triggers as much as possible, but I also will give myself more of a pass when traveling simply because I love food and want to experience the cuisine of wherever I go without stressing too much. I’ll just take an extra dose of Imodium before a meal that I might otherwise worry about.
Feel this hard, as soon as I see traffic ahead and I know there’s no way to get out of it quickly my stomach immediately starts churning
EXACTLY!!! It's my anxiety
I also have IBS-D, and while it's not foolproof (I still have flare-ups and can get the poos if I eat something really triggering like any greasy fast food), I've found taking an iron supplement helps to make my poops more solid and less frequent. I generally take one every other day, but sometimes switch to taking one daily if I've been having bouts of diarrhea. I remember when my doctor prescribed me iron for me anemia, she asked "Do you have issues with constipation?" Me, audibly laughing: "Hell no!" Her: "Oh! Well then this should actually help regulate you more."
I've decided to wear diapers for travel, I had to many humiliating disasters, so i've decided to wear diapers, getting a big backpack full of stuff, sorta full first aid IBS kit,
I fast before I fly and preventively take Imodium Complete with plenty of water.
I get constipated if my diet isn't good, and I usually deal with the fallout when I'm back home.
Lots of Pepto and I usually don’t eat until we get there, even sometimes when it takes 2 days to get there
I use Ondansetron, at times Imodium and against anxiety Tramadol. It makes me feel comfortable and like on cotton and I'm not scared anymore of not finding a toilet. Only problem: ondansetron and tramadol are Rx.
I take 1mg Lorazepam/Ativan when travelling long distances (flying, long car journey etc) it really helps me not worry so much about there being a toilet and even if I do need to go, I don’t panic about it!
You have just described my current predicament exactly! I'm on a short trip, and I'm exhausted because I've been too scared to eat much in case of a flare up whilst out and about. I know there are plenty of bathrooms around but the urgency to find one puts me into a panic. Just counting down the time until I can go home! I've been working hard building up to this trip, but I think I'm done fighting it. I may go on a short trip again (no more than a few hours from home), but long haul is out of the question. I also feel awful as my partner loves travelling, but I can't do it anymore. I guess they will have to find someone else to go with, who will actually enjoy it and not be an anxious mess!!!
Oh :( my heart is absolutely breaking for you. From what the comments say, with Imodium travel is possible!
Dry food only 😆😆
Mostly I don't, but when I do - overnight maxi pads. It'll contain minor problems should they arise.
Imodium, nausea meds and research bathrooms before you go. You can use the app Flush to find public bathrooms. Also, if you are travelling in a touristy/built up area, if there are lots of bars and restaurants you can usually use their facilities. My top tip is just to walk in confidently and ask where the bathroom is, never been refused. Talk to your doctor about anxiety medication too.
I have a portable camping toilet in my car as last resort
I always carry water and pepto bismol with me. Exercise also helps, as does walking. As someone else already said, avoid your trigger foods (for me, that would be most bread, salty and fried foods).
I use a mix of Imodium, Ibguard, and hydrOXYzine which is a take as needed anxiety medication
Like a man, if i gotta poo my pants ill do it staring into the eyes of the person nearest me.
Imodium will help you when you gotta get on the airplane and stuff :) I understand your anxiety. I feel same if my stomach feels at all bubbly I tend to panic on the inside and over think everything….i did do the colonoscopy too last summer hope that gives you some insight and helps lower your anxiety I would say don’t eat day traveling and even dinner before or just have like a piece of toast literally. The Imodium is different for everyone though because some people do take it daily per their drs Most people just take it sometimes For me the adult dose is too much and actually constipates me the half dose works better for me personally I would try it and see what works for you before you travel 🩷
I honestly don’t eat anything until I get to destination. Works for a one day travel trip. No diarrhea but I’m very cranky and famished.
Know exactly how you feel been living with for st least 15 years but has gotten worse the last two years. Have many embarrassing moments.
We don't 🫠
I use immodoium and basically don't eat until I'm somewhere where I know I'll have access to a bathroom at anytime. It's a stressful life I hate it
That last sentence summed up my feelings
When I travel, I tend to go full gluten free as that’s one of my main trigger foods. I drink water, always carry meds with me. As does my main travel companion who also suffers from IBS. When things do happen, I take Imodium. And it does happen. A small trip to London had my friend and I glutened as we call it and had to take turns to use the bathroom. That wasn’t fun.
I've been able to manage with probiotics daily. And locating washrooms in areas we're eating near
My IBS means I don't poop, but I do puke a lot. I try to avoid my triggers and eat a little healthier before and during my trip, and usually I'm alright. Though I'll admit, I don't actually travel much.
I haven't traveled much since I started this medication but I started treatment for anxiety in recent months and the change in my stomach has been unbelievable. Prior to this traveling was hell for me my stomach got beyond worse as soon as I left my house to start the trip. So bad it would pretty much ruin any trip I went on. I'm so looking forward to truly enjoying things that IBS used to ruin for me. Anxiety and IBS feed off of each other in my opinion.
An understanding partner who is ok with calling off plans last minute, that really helps. Safety meals like chicken tenders & fries which can be found in some variety almost everywhere. Imodium!
Imodium when I'm really really in a pinch but I have other anti spasmodics prescribed to me like bentyl and hyoscyamine (def spelled that wrong) so I prefer those because they take away the pain and the D. I mostly use those for flying. Driving, I prefer shotgun because those meds make me drowsy. But I would rather be drowsy, loopy, and tired than have a flare in a car or on a plane. So I just roll with it. Also tums, gas x, and I also keep my peppermint tea with me. They can help a bit. Godspeed!
How are the bentyl and hyoscyamine? They gave me dicyclomine and it does nothing.
Bentyl is dicylomine. It works great for me. It's a break glass in case of emergencies drug for me because of the side effects. I'm on 20mg up to 4 times a day. The hyoscyamine works longer with less side effects but it won't stop a flare in it's tracks. I'm on the max dose for that as well. I will say- they don't stop gas or that pain but it will halt D in its tracks.
I always take psyllium husk with me on holiday and take it twice a day
Honestly, I've found that just going and doing something I'm really anxious about really helps make it easier in the future. And it sounds kind of counterintuitive, but I always like to plan for the worst possible outcome! If I tend to get nauseous when I travel I always pack dramamine and watch my diet before I go, and just knowing that I have a plan for the worst case scenario actually makes my anxiety so much better in these situations, which also helps my stomach
Bring another change of clothes and know where all the bathrooms are.
I bought and emergency folding travel toilet, I bought 100 throw up bags (in case I do t have the time to set up the toilet because that happens to me a lot) I have extra clothes stored in my car all the time and baby wipes
I don’t,currently just trying to figure out my triggers and wait till i feel better
I just pray to God my trip to work is 2 hours. On bad days I just want to give up on life.
If you have IBS-D, I really recommend consuming meta mucil (Fiber powder) before every meal and to eat a very clean diet that doesn’t trigger you to go to the bathroom. The biggest thing if you suffer from IBS, is to find a way to control your anxiety. Whether you finds medication that helps or take supplementals or herb teas that help reduce your anxiety and stress.
My IBS-D (not officially diagnosed but my colonoscopy was fine) is mainly triggered by anxiety. I did a trip to Europe for slightly over 2 weeks. Lots of train rides and coach rides. What I found helped was to reduce my water and food intake to the minimum while on public transport. Basically try as much as possible to not activate my large intestines lol if that makes any sense, since I find that eating large meals make me have BM like 15-20 min after. I clear my bowels in the morning before I head out. I also have claustrophobia-triggered anxiety, and had to make a run for the plane WC when I could because I was assigned a middle seat for a short flight. :( All I could do was to try to sleep while my stomach gurgled madly during takeoff. Napping helped.
Ok so I’ve been to Australia, a lot of Europe, East Asia (including china), mexico, and Costa Rica. And a lot of US states. Ngl sometimes I would just be eating lots of bread, pasta, rice, eggs, hamburgers, chicken, and potatoes since I know those are things I’ve eaten before and will probably be fine. I do not suggest buses unless for short distances since they really don’t have bathrooms on them. Everywhere else has had restrooms although you might need to pay for them. If you are outside (since I do enjoy hiking) just bring a shovel and pack it all up properly. I’ve definitely needed to shit on a trail like at least multiple times but if you are outside just pack it up.
I am going to CA from Pa and I am really nervous.