I’m so glad I found this site as I thought I was the only person that felt like this. I’m lucky I have a wonderful caring husband but I feel I hold him back. I would love to be able to eat out more but I get terrible toilet anxiety and as soon as I get anxious my ibs gets worse and so the cycle continues 🙄

My wife has been very understanding...we don't do much anyways.
If I have a flare up and something is going on...she goes without me...lol
I have been very good this last year now being able to not have issues... stopped drinking milk...drink lactose free milk. Stayed away from garlic and onions...learned this combination is bad for people with IBS or any intestinal issues.
People look up garlic and onions and ibs !!!

I hate that I have to discuss the fact that my bowels can control me. People feel if you take a pill it will solve your problem. My husband is very understanding and supports me 100 percent. But most people cannot grasp how much it effects our lives.

Yes, getting worked up or anxious about something will bring it on. like getting stuck in traffic or everyone wanting to go out to eat for birthdays or special occasions....I dread that...I usually dont eat anything (soup or small appetizer) as soon as my thought process says "I hope I dont have to go to the bathroom" it happens in the next 10 min....

Hi Joanne, CBT does help a lot with the anxiety because you will be able to identify you triggers better