Anonymous Personal Story: I no longer feel like I am the only one.
I have IBS. My mother and grandmother also have/had it. Thankfully, I do not suffer with pain (God bless you who do), mine is extreme urgency out of nowhere. I have about a 5-minute window from the time I get the feeling. As far back as I can remember, there were times that I had to “run” to the bathroom urgently on occasion. The older I get the worse it seems to be. I am in my 50s now and for the past several years I struggle terribly with my drive to work. No matter what time I leave, at its worst, 3 out of 5 times a week I have to find a bathroom along the way, sometimes 2-3 times before making all the way to the office. The commute is 30-35 minutes.
Now, it would seem I have developed anxiety and it has bled over to not only the morning commute but anytime I have to be somewhere at a certain time. I worry I will not make it on time or worse, not make it to the bathroom on the way or upon arrival. I have had several embarrassing/humiliating/mortifying experiences. Now, I work myself up into a panic attack and bring on the urgency when otherwise I would not have had a problem at that time.
I have seen several gastroenterologists and all of my test results come back normal. Been gluten free for 7 years, done the low FODMAP and Mediterranean diets, probiotics, Metamucil, LOTS of water, regular exercise, etc. Nothing has works thus far. My next “try” is cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
I pray for each and everyone one of you who has posted on this website. Thank you for sharing your stories. I no longer feel like I am the only one. Now I have a team.
