My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", you can stay signed in to WebMD.com on this computer for up to 2 weeks or until you sign out. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Digestive Disorders Community

Announcements

Last Reply:

irritable bowel syndrome

maddiewho posted:

does anyone have symptoms so bad they are afraid to leave the house, or affecting their job?

174 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromedoes anyone have symptoms so bad they are afraid to leave the house, or affecting their job?

12 3 4 5

CalGal37 responded:

A lot of people know that experience intimately. You're not alone with what you're going through.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeA lot of people know that experience intimately. You're not alone with what you're going through.

Lindy0223 responded:

Yes! I will not go out to eat, a movie, or anything else. so afraid of an immediate urgency. I understand.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeYes! I will not go out to eat, a movie, or anything else. so afraid of an immediate urgency. I understand.

Stepanenko responded:

Hi Maddie....my name is sharon..Im new.

I have symptoms so bad i dont hardly ever leave the house....everytime I try it knocks me back down. I feel your pain and know what you are going through. I havent had a job in 2 years, i miss to much work.

This is really bad...i just want to feel better for one day.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeHi Maddie....my name is sharon..Im new. <br><br> I have symptoms so bad i dont hardly ever leave the house....everytime I try it knocks me back down. I feel your pain and know what you are going through. I havent had a job in 2 years, i miss to much work. <br><br> This is really bad...i just want to feel better for one day.

JadedGemini13 responded:

I was diagnosed with IBS back when I was in High School, that was in the early 2000's. The fact that I also suffer from excessive paranoia does not help this, as it causes much un-needed stress. Everything is magnified, and it just causes so much stress, which triggers the IBS. What I find works is when I'm having a bowel movement, I open the window get some fresh air, and run my hands under VERY warm water, and the feeling usually subsides after a little while of that.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeI was diagnosed with IBS back when I was in High School, that was in the early 2000's. The fact that I also suffer from excessive paranoia does not help this, as it causes much un-needed stress. Everything is magnified, and it just causes so much stress, which triggers the IBS. What I find works is when I'm having a bowel movement, I open the window get some fresh air, and run my hands under VERY warm water, and the feeling usually subsides after a little while of that.

BLT66 responded:

Hi Maddie My name is Tina I have lived with IBS for 27 yrs. It controls my life. My day depends on how severe my IBS is. You name I have tried it and have been tested for everything. I no longer work it is to hard and I am to exhausted. I do not leave the house unless I have to and I will not eat anything that day. If I do go out do shopping my family knows we shop first then if I eat I know I am done . I live in the country so everything is a half hour or more so it does make it very difficult. But I do have wonderful friends and family and so I try to do things at my home so I have some fun. I use to be very active and outdoors all the time. I also never wanted anyone to know either. But now most know especially if they have spent anytime with me . We even joke I tell them I can tell them where the best rest stops are . I hope this helps and you are not alone either.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeHi Maddie My name is Tina I have lived with IBS for 27 yrs. It controls my life. My day depends on how severe my IBS is. You name I have tried it and have been tested for everything. I no longer work it is to hard and I am to exhausted. I do not leave the house unless I have to and I will not eat anything that day. If I do go out do shopping my family knows we shop first then if I eat I know I am done . I live in the country so everything is a half hour or more so it does make it very difficult. But I do have wonderful friends and family and so I try to do things at my home so I have some fun. I use to be very active and outdoors all the time. I also never wanted anyone to know either. But now most know especially if they have spent anytime with me . We even joke I tell them I can tell them where the best rest stops are . I hope this helps and you are not alone either.

AmandaVigs responded:

I'm 26 and I have been unable to keep jobs for more than a few months at a time because employers do not understand the restrictions that IBS places on a person. Anyone who has ever suffered the pain and embarrassment of IBS knows that it's not all in the head. There should be more understanding on this disease, and more understanding for the people who suffer.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeI'm 26 and I have been unable to keep jobs for more than a few months at a time because employers do not understand the restrictions that IBS places on a person. Anyone who has ever suffered the pain and embarrassment of IBS knows that it's not all in the head. There should be more understanding on this disease, and more understanding for the people who suffer.

hruud responded:

Maddie I am not afraid to leave my house, but whenever I have to go somewhere (especially with my husband) I can't make it 10 minutes in the car. It is the worst when I have to go somewhere where I know there are no bathrooms. My heart starts to race, I start sweating, and I'm a wreck. What can we do?

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeMaddie I am not afraid to leave my house, but whenever I have to go somewhere (especially with my husband) I can't make it 10 minutes in the car. It is the worst when I have to go somewhere where I know there are no bathrooms. My heart starts to race, I start sweating, and I'm a wreck. What can we do?

1stpollywaddle responded:

I have been trying to log in for HOURS, yes i have IBS so bad i cannot leave the house, i have IT SO BAD THAT THE SWELLING KEEPS ME FROM PUTTING ON CLOTHES, It is so bad right now that I think my ribs are going to break from the pressure, It's like this every day almost

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeI have been trying to log in for HOURS, yes i have IBS so bad i cannot leave the house, i have IT SO BAD THAT THE SWELLING KEEPS ME FROM PUTTING ON CLOTHES, It is so bad right now that I think my ribs are going to break from the pressure, It's like this every day almost

kobee21 responded:

I am new to this website (my first time) I am in the middle of testing for IBS. I had a colonoscopy and nothing so I'm sure I have IBS. Mine comes at different times unexpectedly. Also, mine is constipation and SEVERE pain when it begines out of the blue. I have had three attacks in the past week. I am taking LIBRAX before each meal, but doesn't seem to help. I go back to the doctor in about a week for consultation. I really think mine is anxiety. Seems to flare up when I am stressed, I guess?? I really don't know but I am so annoyed. Last night we had dinner guests and it hit my as I was serving dinner. When I get an attack I am in the bathroom anywhere 2-4 hours in the worst pain imaginable. I grown and bear down like I am delivering a baby. Does anyone have that symptom? Also, I have these pills I put under my tongue when the pain starts, but they don't help anymore. I found a muscle relaxer in my medicine cabinet and took that also last night. It seemed to help because the symptom only lasted about 11/2 hours. It's so depressing. Looking forward for your response.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeI am new to this website (my first time) I am in the middle of testing for IBS. I had a colonoscopy and nothing so I'm sure I have IBS. Mine comes at different times unexpectedly. Also, mine is constipation and SEVERE pain when it begines out of the blue. I have had three attacks in the past week. I am taking LIBRAX before each meal, but doesn't seem to help. I go back to the doctor in about a week for consultation. I really think mine is anxiety. Seems to flare up when I am stressed, I guess?? I really don't know but I am so annoyed. Last night we had dinner guests and it hit my as I was serving dinner. When I get an attack I am in the bathroom anywhere 2-4 hours in the worst pain imaginable. I grown and bear down like I am delivering a baby. Does anyone have that symptom? Also, I have these pills I put under my tongue when the pain starts, but they don't help anymore. I found a muscle relaxer in my medicine cabinet and took that also last night. It seemed to help because the symptom only lasted about 11/2 hours. It's so depressing. Looking forward for your response.

CalGal37 responded:

Maddie, when my IBS-D was extremely active, I had exactly those symptoms plus a whole batch of others. It was a struggle to get through every day. So you're not alone in what you're going through. Millions of people face the same thing.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeMaddie, when my IBS-D was extremely active, I had exactly those symptoms plus a whole batch of others. It was a struggle to get through every day. So you're not alone in what you're going through. Millions of people face the same thing.

gc02ef responded:

kobee21 - I too have terrible pain, but with diarrhea. The pain goes away after usually 3 bad bowel movements. I agree, the pain is bad. I describe it as someone stabbing me with a machettee knife and ripping all my insides around, and setting it on fire. My worst episodes come on after eating dairy, but I do also have sensitivity to nerves and stress, and if I hold off on a bowel movement. Sometimes I feel if I can go through this pain, I could probably do labor easy!

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromekobee21 - I too have terrible pain, but with diarrhea. The pain goes away after usually 3 bad bowel movements. I agree, the pain is bad. I describe it as someone stabbing me with a machettee knife and ripping all my insides around, and setting it on fire. My worst episodes come on after eating dairy, but I do also have sensitivity to nerves and stress, and if I hold off on a bowel movement. Sometimes I feel if I can go through this pain, I could probably do labor easy!

kobee21 responded:

gc02ef - thanks for your reply. My episodes last for hours and I can't leave the bathroom just because I have horrible pressure like baring down. I think from what I've read, I need an antidepressant for stress and anxiety. I am 61 oh it's great to get old, HA HA!!

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromegc02ef - thanks for your reply. My episodes last for hours and I can't leave the bathroom just because I have horrible pressure like baring down. I think from what I've read, I need an antidepressant for stress and anxiety. I am 61 oh it's great to get old, HA HA!!

gc02ef responded:

I have heard of an over the counter herbal liquid formula called Iberogast. It is supposed to be really good for IBS sufferers. It does not cure it, but should help with pain, and to help calm the stomach. I have just ordered a bottle at my pharmacy. I will let everyone know how it works. I'm in Canada, but I'm not sure how available it is in the US. You could order it off the official on-line site. It is the #1 thing in Europe or somewhere for 40 yrs.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeI have heard of an over the counter herbal liquid formula called Iberogast. It is supposed to be really good for IBS sufferers. It does not cure it, but should help with pain, and to help calm the stomach. I have just ordered a bottle at my pharmacy. I will let everyone know how it works. I'm in Canada, but I'm not sure how available it is in the US. You could order it off the official on-line site. It is the #1 thing in Europe or somewhere for 40 yrs.

mindyrobin responded:

Hi Maddiewho! I know how you feel. I am having problems with my IBS too but here are some things that do help me. First I bought Acacia Fiber by Heathers Tummy Fibers. You can get it at your local health food store or on her website which is www.helpforibs.com. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to really kick in but I literally have not had diaherra in a few months. You should also buy her books that tell you what the triggers are and how to cook for IBS. I also take acidophilus with bifidus as it supports intestinal health. My biggest problem now is the constant gas and bloating. I wonder when some people say they have cramping, if they mean gas pain or some sort of organ cramping. Mine is purely gas that doesn't want to come out. Here is something weird but it works. I have a back massager that I push on my stomach when I am having gas pains and it helps me to pass the gas. This is a life saver for me as it can relieve the pain almost instantly. I don't leave home without it. I also today just ordered the hypnotherapy program for IBS from the website above. I am a little skeptical but am willing to try anything. Hope this helps.

Report This| Share this:irritable bowel syndromeHi Maddiewho! I know how you feel. I am having problems with my IBS too but here are some things that do help me. First I bought Acacia Fiber by Heathers Tummy Fibers. You can get it at your local health food store or on her website which is www.helpforibs.com. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to really kick in but I literally have not had diaherra in a few months. You should also buy her books that tell you what the triggers are and how to cook for IBS. I also take acidophilus with bifidus as it supports intestinal health. My biggest problem now is the constant gas and bloating. I wonder when some people say they have cramping, if they mean gas pain or some sort of organ cramping. Mine is purely gas that doesn't want to come out. Here is something weird but it works. I have a back massager that I push on my stomach when I am having gas pains and it helps me to pass the gas. This is a life saver for me as it can relieve the pain almost instantly. I don't leave home without it. I also today just ordered the hypnotherapy program for IBS from the website above. I am a little skeptical but am willing to try anything. Hope this helps.

12 3 4 5

See Related Digestive Disorders Communities

See All Communities

Visit the Digestive Disorders Health Center

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

GERD Sufferers ~ STOP DRINKING BOTTLED WATER

I suffered with GERD for 2 1/2 years. I tried everything. It was so bad, I can't even tell you. I tried cutting so many things out of my ... More

Was this Helpful?

31 of 54 found this helpful

Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

liver disease

Gastro paresis/Dysmotility /Sl...

How to keep a food diary

Post a Resource | See All

Related Drug Reviews

Drug Name User Reviews

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, visit the American Gastroenterological Association website

Other Digestive Disorders Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.

Digestive Disorders Community

See All