what do you do...

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18 years old

Ever see a Garfield cartoon where Jon (his owner) tries to put him in his crate to go to the vet? Kicking and screaming and clawing his way out of that thing-- that sums up how I feel when I am not well and know no bathrooms are available.

If I must go, just getting into the car or whatever knowing i'm on my way is a huge relief.

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I used to fast before I had to go somewhere (long car ride, events where bathrooms would be few or none), in the theory of "nothing in -- nothing out"!  But my doctor has told me that fasting actually makes colitis worse, and responds better to eating frequent small meals.  Which is true, because I can guarantee flaring up when I skip meals.

Pepto Bismal helps me a lot, and it's perfectly safe to use on a daily basis.  Just a swig or two a few times a day, and you will have more formed stools (but black in color) and also helps with urgency. 

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- 45 year old; female

Eat lightly as mentioned above. And sometimes take an OTC med for D and gas, but only very occasionally. I wouldn't make a regular practice of it. For the most part, if there's not a public restroom and I'm in a flare, I'm not going.

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Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999

I generally don't go to a place with no bathrooms, or go on a long car trip when I'm flaring. Of course, a "long car trip" during a flare can be a 10 minute ride! But I have taken Immodium once in the past, & let me tell you, the stuff rocks! Not only did I survive the hour long car trip with no problems, I ate a huge Easter dinner with no trouble! But I don't like to use it- it can't be good for your body! I didn't poop for like 2 days....

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diagnosed '02

WE basically know where we are going and where the bathrooms are. If we are going out he will usually eat at home first, give enough time to make a bathroom trip or two and then he is usually good to go. However depending on how long we are out there still might need to be one bathroom stop. He has more control now than before so it is not such a crucial issue but we did eat out last Saturday with friends after a movie and while walking to the car he had the cramps and gas. We were near the cinema where we parked the car and I told him to please go in and use the bathroom and not subject himself to the 10-12 minute drive to get home. It was more gas than anything but of course you don't know that for sure.

Many times on the drive home, feeling fine and just getting out of the car and walking to the front door is enough to stir things up and he flies to the bathroom. So unpredictable at times as you all know.

I certainly have a greater understanding when I use public bathrooms and someone is in there with gas or unpleasant BMs....I know realize 99% of these situations I bet are due to some kind of IBS situation. Most people who don't have this problem choose to avoid using public restrooms and wait to go home if possible............those suffering don't have that luxury.

Still haven't gotten around to ordering that Just A Drop stuff. There was a time he needed it routinely. I still should get it so he has it if and when he needs it.

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60 yr old male~Colitis 1st diagnosed Jan '05-cleared up within a few wks. Flared again in May '06 ... left sided UC now, fully involved and trying to get in remission. Acute inflammation-pancolitis-tenesmus rectal pain-granulation is showing some healing started. Osteopena of spine from prednisone DX 8/07  July 07 starting to feel somewhat normal 75mg Imuran 40  mg prednisone (tapering 8/07) 12 Asacol, Lidocaine Hydrochloride Jelly 2%,multi vitamin, iron 3X day, DanActive, chewable calcium, Prilosec 20mg, enalapril 10mg, glipizide 5 mg, zocor 20 mg, baby aspirin, (Fentanyl pain patch 50mg 72 hrs  Morphine Sulf 15 mg twice daily)Colocourt enemas at night. Fosamax and mthly B12 shots.