Does anyone else feel like this?

[Rick62]

I travel to work in the morning by public transport with the journey taking about one hour 30 minutes. I'm anxious every morning wondering whether I'm going to make it to work without needing the loo. I must say I always do make it (except once!), but the anxiety remains. I even take imodium sometimes just for insurance purposes :duh: . Is it just me or does anyone else ever feel like this, and if you do how do you overcome your anxiety?

Rick :uk_flag:

 

[dreamintwilight]

There was a similar post about this a while back. One of the big suggestions was to wear one of those adult diapers just until you get to your destination and then you can take it off. I know that's not an ideal thing to do, but it would suffice for the commute and take away from the anxiety about not being able to make it and having an accident.

Found it for ya! http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=9988

 

[Linney]

I know just how you feel, I hate travelling anywhere and can't remember the last time I used a motorway (scared there will be a hold up for hours). Even shopping trips are a worry. I used to use Immodium as an insurance until I had a bowel obstruction last year (not caused by Immodium) and am now scared to use it as I know I have several strictures and could block again. I know the anxiety is probably more of a factor in needing the loo than the Crohns itself but I just can't help it. When you are aware of the gurgling in your stomach almost 24/7 its hard to get the whole thing out of your mind. Sorry not much help with this really especially as I have had a bad 'loo' day today. Take care.oo:

 

[Astra]

Can't help you there Rick, cos my journey to work by car is only 15 mins, but I have found that my day goes much easier without mishaps, if I get up really early and give myself lots of time to see to bathroom issues and relax for a bit, watch the telly etc, so I'm not rushing about which I think brings on more anxieties and stress.
lotsa luck
xx

 

[Chrismac]

I worry about that a lot.. I remember during a really bad flare once driving a 15 minute journey with my mum and I had to make her speed to get home. That was only a 20 min journey but I almost couldn't make it. Then when we finally got there I couldn't even get out the car, because I didn't dare move! It was that bad. She opened all the doors for me and I just RAN.

But then.. that was when it had been so bad I couldn't even make from my bed to the loo without an accident.

But seriously.. I do worry about it a lot and really just clock where all the places I could go are. Shops, pubs, behind a bush..... if you can get transport with loos then bonus! But if it's a bus that's hard. But if you feel you need to go maybe get off an earlier stop and nip into a pub somewhere?

I used incontinence pads for a while. They're smaller than the nappies but helped me a lot (although it seemed I always had accidents when I forgot them!! Sigh) But yes, having one makes you feel more secure and less anxious.

 

[Regular Joe]

I find myself using Joan's process. It's very interesting to me how we seem to develop little "sidesteps" to help us get through a day in life as normally as possible.

I'll add a couple extra ingredients to Joan's formula. I also get up early to allow myself time to "attend to the loo". Like Joan, I usually do things to relax - in particular, to relax my spirit. I might also do some non-computerized reading. Or some household task like loading and unloading the dishwasher, or starting/finishing a load of laundry. I also have dogs and cats, so I attend to their needs.

I often take the nearby public rail transportation, and the time can be 40 minutes up to an hour. When I take the rail, I have a small non-threatening snack because I take medicine in the AM. Usually I have a couple pop tarts (toaster pastries). I put off eating breakfast until I arrive at my building where I have a cafe and bathrooms.

If I drive, it takes half the time. I'll eat brakfast at home, but I will do that as soon as I awaken. Then I attend to the animals, and the other things I mentioned above.

In other words it helps to be awake for a while to become familiar with the way your body feels on any given day.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I agree with Joan & Joe, make sure you get up early (I try to get up 2 hours before I need to get to work). If I find I'm having a fairly good morning, then I'll try to do chores or do some yoga before I have to get ready for work. I have about a half-hour drive to get to work, and if I'm having a bad day, I'll make sure to get there via "main" streets that have a lot of restaurants & stores. That way if I need to make a "pit stop", I can just run into the McDonald's or wherever. And I always keep a change of pants & underpants with me in the car, and moist towellettes too, just in case.

 

[Silvermoon]

My commute is about an hour each way, with, unfortunately, nothing but trees along the way...lol. On the flip side, this means very little traffic, so in an emergency, a tree will do!

However, like a few others like Joe and Joan have mentioned, I take my time in the morning to go through my own particular routine, and try not to get too stressed about what might happen. I always feel a bit anxious until I am actually in the vehicle, but then once I am on the road, I begin to relax and just enjoy the drive.

 

[Becky]

I drive 30 min each way. Normally it is fine but sometimes can get stuck in traffic. Because of this I eat breakfast once I get to work.

 

[Rusty]

I drive a dump truck doing road construction and have to be at work for 6:00am. Even though it only take 5 mins to get to work I am up by 3:30 - 4:00 latest. I find that within 2 hours I can take care of any issues and am good for the rest on the day. The only problem is I get about 4-5 hours of sleep a night if I am lucky.
Good luck.

 

[bushydougie]

I totally understand your fears Rick. I still have no full diagnosis and have only been told I might have Crohn's for the past 6 months but I have had this problem for a number of years. I only have a 30 min drive to work but it still badly affects me. Sometimes I have set of and then had to drive back to go to the loo. A couple of times I've had to stop off at McDonalds and run in (not pleasant but well needed!). It seems to come in phases and I can go for months without worrying about it.
When I feel the feeling in my stomach and I know there's no hope of getting to a toilet I do get quite panicy. I have learnt to do some deep breathing to calm me down which does help me. I also open the window as it always makes me feel very hot.
I wouldn't be able to get up 2 hours before having to leave for work. Think that would kill me. I so need my sleep. But I agree with all the others about trying to relax. I always have a cup of peppermint tea before I leave which is supposed to calm the stomach and does help calm me.
I hope that you find some relief from the worry.