Really upsetting

[Beth]

Hi friends,

I've been in another flare for several weeks, and the most upsetting thing happened to me today, something that's never happened before. I was sitting at my computer, and all of a sudden I realized I was having D. There was no warning, only the sense that I was having a little gas. I don't understand why my body didn't tell me to get the hell to the bathroom. I'm sure this has happened to others, but I feel worried. What if that happens when I'm teaching? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks,
Elizabeth

[Gabes-Apg]

Elizabeth

since having the chronic D pre diagnosis, my message system down there has not worked properly. I have had 4 accidents in the past 6 months.

I have changed the type of clothes that i wear to work so that i can wear 'granny undies' lined with absorbant poise pads.
I only wear dark colours (sorry to the older members of this site re my granny undies comment! )
plus wearing clothes that can cope with the bloating painful days (ie no tight elastic)

I also block out time in my work diary to ensure that i have relaxing toilet time before long meetings, as it was not good when i had to rush out of a meeting room.

I have had two instances where it happens at night while i am sleeping, so i wake up to a mess, which requires sheets being washed etc.
it is not a large quantity but the emotion is still the same. I have started wearing the nappy set up to bed on the nights where there is unsettlement and warning signs of issues

the most recent one, i was driving home from work, stuck in traffic, got no message and it came out. There was nothing i could do. luckily between the undies/poise pads/clothes i was wearing it did not leak onto the seat. once i managed to do the clean up i think i cried for about 30 mins.

I have figured there is no solution to this issue, it is just a case of risk managing it around work/social requirements

[starfire]

Yes, I imagine we have all had those times when the D was absolutely a surprise. I know I have. It is a shock.

Love, Shirley

[barbaranoela]

Hello elizabeth--GAS is ,at times,is your first warning--and than sometimes NO warning--
I am sure I can say that we all have had that happen to us--- so dont feel any different than the rest of us
I always used DEPENDS --even kept one in mybag--for a just in case----

In my worse days I would hang in the house until I was PRETTY sure I had'nt anything left inside of me--also I would take an IMMODIENE before leaving---

This is a sceniaro that happened to me once while shopping at a department store--
I felt that *oh my god this is it* feeling--so as I knew the distance to the *throne* I would take a few steps--than sit down on one of the stools -at a counter--(sorta feeling like I was shoving it up further) and than I would make the *fast trot* to the ladies room and dash in as tho the devil was on my heels--
Then say *thank U god* (I always thanked him )
I imagined if we all posted HOW we got to our safe place it would be hysterical--


Tis only a suggestion --but take an immodien before getting to school--and when U feel that urge just Xcuse yourself---and mad dash it to the bathroom~~

Its such a tricky sneaky escapade--U sorta have to make an FBI plan as how to handle this monster--
As we say often here---all our techniques are mapped out and then we are ready to hit the road~~

U will get the knack---and things will work out for U---

Good luck and
Barbara

[tex]

Elizabeth,

Yep, I'm guessing that most of us have had that experience more than once, while reacting. It strikes me as the most humbling aspect of this disease, and IMO, it's the one feature that definitely qualifies the disease as debilitating.

Furthermore, this is the one feature of the disease that I so fervently wish every GI doc who casually refers to MC as a "nuisance" disease, could have the opportunity to experience first hand, while he or she is trying to go about their work, and I'd like to see them try to maintain a shred of respectability, while they're at it.

I certainly can't hold a candle to Barbara's post, but I agree with her advice, that anytime the risk is there, in certain situations, "Depends", or some other brand of adult diapers, can be worth their weight in gold. They're a bit bulky and unwieldy, but they can be a huge help. And, to avoid having to change all the bedding, in the middle of the night, protective pads for the bed, can be a huge laborsaving aid, also:

http://www.exmed.net/dept.asp?dept_id=407

I wasn't aware of these, back when I was reacting from MC, but fortunately, it rarely snuck up on me, at night. (Okay, "sneaked" up on me, if you're an English teacher). When I was just learning the ropes, with my new ileostomy, I changed the body seal for the appliance, about 10 pm one night, (thinking that I had it made for a while). I woke up about 2:30 am, and discovered that it was leaking. After changing the body seal again, and all the bedding, I had a heck of a time getting back to sleep. The next day, I ordered a case of those protective pads, for the bed. Before they arrived, though, I figured out my mistake, and so far, I haven't used any of them. If I had half a brain, though, I would use them anyway, since one never knows when an accident might occur. They are cheap insurance.

My biggest risk of accidents always came if I coughed, or sneezed, on "bad" days. As you say, though, sometimes the system seemed to be on autopilot, and I never heard the "General Quarters!" alarm.

Tex

[Beth]

Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement and tips. I've been in a state of shock all day. My energy plummeted, and I've had this weird combination of lethargy and anxiety going on. Oh, well. I'm sure it'll be okay, but to have something happen like this is truly shocking. I just so appreciate that I can pop in here to find support. We need it in times like this!

[Gabes-Apg]

also I have 'kits'
one in my locker at work, one in the car and one in my work bag.

these have spare underwear etc, washers, handtowels, baby wipes etc.

[Olivia-Micro-Colitis]

Hello beth! I wear Depends and they really aren't bulky. I've ruined too many pair of my Cammie pants (i'm a Marine). I realized that instead of spending $40 a pair of pants i'd rather spend $10 for depends. I have accidents a lot on my way on and off base because of traffic. I feel really embarrassed and it hurt my pride really hard at first. Its like i'm 21 yrs old and my parents or grandparents aren't even in diapers. Plus with being a Marine and a bit higher on the food chain with my rank, i was embarrassed to change in the locker room around the junior Marines. These guys are just out of high school and tend to hold on to som eof that stuff so i didn't want them poking fun at my depends. But ya know what i did? i took a deep breathe and i steped up and i raised awareness of our disease. I wasn't ashamed anymore. my depends save my life sometimes. Like Gabes i too keep a kit. i have wet wipes and depends in my locker in my drawer and even in my car. At first i felt lost when this first started happening. I could hardly find any info on our disease. My GI doc calls it a "nuisance" disease like Tex was saying. So he didn't really help me with understanding what was goin on with me. Accidents happen such as life, you can't feel embarrassed by things you can't help. I've embraced my disease and i will raise awareness and help all i can. I've talked to a few people who have come out because i was so "upfront" about what goes on like my lil accidents, and they've told me that they are going thru stuff i am and they get checked out. I wish you luck. Dont feel blue. All you can do is be a lil more prepared.
-Olivia

[Gabes-Apg]

ditto to what olivia said

at first i was trying to be secret squirrel about it and not let anyone know, i found that it takes alot of energy (that i dont have)
now a bit like olivia i am of the attitude, there is nothing to be embarressed about. I find it much easier to be upfront without being too out there.

I am transparent with work colleagues and bosses about my limitations (ie regular toilet stops, bringing my own food to meetings, keeping my hydration up etc)

people ask have I been camping lately (as i was a keen camper pre MC) and i answer honestly, until i get alot better management on the MC, i need toilets close by, ensuite style.

and what i found from being transparent ........... alot of people out there have health conditions and symptoms that they are managing internally. They are very empathic about the situation without being patronising. i am more at peace with the situation and dont spend too much energy stressing about it, which is important.

One manager (female) saw me breathing through painful cramping during a meeting. after the meeting they were great offering to get me extra water as they worried about how pale i went. I was like cie la vie, happens all the time, but i was appreciative of her understanding. Because she knows the issues, if i had to walk out of that meeting then she would know why. i dont have to explain myself.

[Olivia-Micro-Colitis]

Thats soo funny! i have to breathe thru the cramps during meetings ALOT! I hate when everyone stares at me lol. Some times i get tears n fight them back and everyone is like "are you okay?" i tell them i'm fine happens all the time now biggie. lol

[kimtg68]

Don't feel alone. I went through that for months before even knowing what was wrong with me. Hard to explain to your boss that you've just poo'd yourself driving to work and had to turn around to go home and change and will be in late. I've just recently been told I have MC and I'm going through trial and error finding foods/beverages that upset me. Thing is somethings are hit and miss. Sometimes they bother me and other times they don't. So I'm still learning. My point though is that I've accepted this unfortunite side effect of accidents and you are NOT alone.

[Gloria]

to the board, Kim. Things definitely can be hit and miss. Here's hoping that you will learn what you can tolerate and what you can't quickly and be on your road to remission.

There is a lot to read here and much to learn. Read as much as you can and ask whatever you want. Members are here to help you on your way.

Gloria

[kimtg68]

Thanks Gloria. I tried to start my own post and put a profile pic on my profile but have not figured that part out yet. I'll get there though. I'm still doing a lot of reading and learning. Eventually I will formally introduce myself. Just have to get comfortable with using this site and reading what others are sharing as well. BETH I hope you are feeling better.

Kim

[tex]

Kim,

To start a new topic, just click on the button that says "newtopic". There's one above the posts, and another below - either one will work.

Welcome aboard.

Tex