Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation. Typically no abnormalities appear during standard medical testing, and so irritable bowel syndrome is identified by the symptoms. Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause serious discomfort, the intestines are not harmed.

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Gastrointestinal System
/ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

ibs and agoraphobia

haleyanndrapeaux
haleyanndrapeaux
My problem is the stomach aches that come with ibs. I get stomach aches almost everyday and because of that I never want to leave the house. I would rather be at home when I get a stomach ache and need to use the restroom than out and about. Anyone else have this problem or am I crazy? Anyone have any advice? I take immodium and pepto bismol.
electropro176
electropro176
First of all, you're not crazy. I too, am also afraid to leave my apt. because I never know when I'll get a diarrhea attack. Sometimes it's so bad when I accidently eat the wrong thing that I almost welcome the constipation that follows. If I go somewhere, I have to know where every bathroom in the building is. It's so much trouble I don't like to go out unless I have to. I also have agoraphobia, I don't talk about it much to my therapist though, because I have more pressing issues right now, but I live in a place that houses up to 110 people, so it's not like I can't leave my room/apt and socialize, but leaving assisted living doesn't happen very often.
I take Lactulose because my liver failed 4 years ago, but also for constipation. I'm not allowed to take Imodium or Pepto, but my doc never really explained why. I know I didn't give much advice, but I hope it helps to know you aren't alone.
22Lynn
22Lynn
You aren't alone! I wrote a post a few months back asking how many people were getting agoraphobia. I fight it everyday. But yesterday the nausea would start, then a migraine. Just back and forth all day. I was only out of bed for about 4 hours. Pain I can take, but nausea puts me down and out. Sorry you have this too. I use Promethizine and Phenergran suppositiories when it's really bad, like yesterday.
haleyanndrapeaux
haleyanndrapeaux
It is so great to hear from you guys I am really struggling with this. My friends always ask me to go out and do things but I have to make up some excuse because I don't want to have a diarrhea attack when I'm out. I am on generic Zoloft for my depression and anxiety disorders but nothing for ibs. My mom is a nurse and she says before I start medication I need to try some dietary things. She says 5 small meals a day but when you don't wake up till 10 that's tough. Anyone else have any luck with certain dietary changes?