Bathroom Problems Affecting School

[freshdood]

The past 2 months have been miserable for me.  
Everyday when I wake up I cannot go to the bathroom, but as soon as I get to school I do.
I go to the bathroom when I arrive and I am ok for about 20 minutes and then I have to go again.  I have to go to the bathroom atleast once during every class in the morning, but after I eat lunch I am totally fine.  It only happens in the mornings.
I am in a great deal of stress from school and feel this might be a reason for my frequent bathroom breaks.

Someone please help me.
I have to take SATs soon and they will not allow me to go to the bathroom.
I am dreading the test for that reason mainly. please help!

[mom215]

My 17 yr. old daughter had  severe constipation for three wks. before she was hospitalized for three days.  They did a go lightly drip and four enemas.  She takes miralax 3 times a day to keep the colon small.  Since we came home her b.m.'s are horribly painful.  She is so sore because she can't push with her rectum so her stomach muscles feel like they are going to bust.   She gets all clamy and sweats, screams and eyes roll to the back of her head.  After she's done the pain in her abdomine continues all day.  She has had constant migrane for a week now. BAD Rectal pain all day, sharp pains are sporadic.  She feels like someone is jabbing a knife in her bum.  No energy, seven wks. out of school and no possibility of return.  I try to get her to walk every hour and it's a challenge because of the pain.  She's had every test done and everything is turning up negative.  Yesterday an MRI so we're still waiting for the results.  Doc want us to see a Rumetologist and Motility spec. next week.  I'm thinking in my heart this is severe IBS-C.  Last yr. she had on off diarrhea and stomach pain but not near this severity. Has anyone had IBS where life just stops, can't deal with the headache, stomach pain, rectal pain?  I feel like she's been poisened.  Just want her up  and around and its impossible. Oh yeah, one small roid to speak of but can't tell if she has fissures unless the MRI shows something or Rectal surgeon checks her.  Any ideas please would help greatly.  Thank you.

[georgyj]

I'm 16 and have pretty bad ibs for a couple years now.  It is realy starting to effect my attendance in school and its harder to keep up my grades.  I have talked to so many different doctors about it and stress management has only helped to a certain point.  It's effecting all parts of my life now from school to social life.  I wake up every morning and have bad diahrea over and over.  i get extreme nausea and feel like i cant get through the day...any suggestions or similiar experiences on how to overcome this

[emmyn74]

I dealt with this all through school from the time I was in Elementary. The doctor told me that there was nothing wrong either. Just nerves. My mom kept taking me back in and then we went to a different doctor. Both my sister and I had IBS.  Mine was exactly like yours. I would get so nervous on my way to school thinking that I wouldn't be able to make it to the bathroom and what would happen if I didn't that I made myself have to go every 15-20 minutes. The doctor did write a note to the teacher and I was allowed to go but that got embarrassing when I got to be in high school. I did learn through the years that if I did not stress about anything on my way to school, that I would not have to go as often and it would not make my stomach hurt as bad. If you learn to stay calm on your way to school and once you are there, then you are going to be much better and won't have to take bathroom breaks as often. Whenever I was nervous I used to tell myself that there is no need to get worked up about something because more than likely it is going to happen anyway (tests, school functions). Mine worked for me. Maybe you could listen to music, or plan something after school that you have to look forward to. Just find whatever works for you.

[freshdood]

I went to the doctor and I am totally fine, he says its all in my head. he said that most people after hearing that they are fine from the doctor feel better but I didnt.  I still have the urge to go to the restroom often but I am not stressed or nervous about anything in perticular.  the SAT im more worried about going to the bathroom during the test than my score.  I do well in school and I know im going to do fine, but the feeling is always in me. does anyone have advice as to how I can just relax and realize that its all in my head.

[scoobymom]

I know stress really affects my IBS and learning to deal with stress can be a challenge. I suggest making an appointment with your family doctor too and maybe he/she could suggest ways to deal with the IBS better.  I know when I was first diagnosed, the doctor's office had information that I could read about it and it really helped, from knowing what to eat and not eat, etc.  you'll eventually learn what foods and things like caffeine that set it off.  Good luck - you'll do fine on the SAT's!  God bless.

[Krushdice]

Your tale reminds me of me.  Except that I would wake up go and vomit.  Then go to work full time and be on the pot every 15 to 20minutes.  They let me go.  I was then on a years disability to find what was wrong.  This was back in 1984
I found a gastroenterologist and went to several til 1997 and had the operation I needed.
  My situation has improved but it's far from perfect.  Now fortunately when I really need security I will don a protective garment.   And surprisingly with the safety it stays clean.  I prefer going this route to taking something internally that may prove ineffectual and or have adverse side effects.
And if you feel weird buying them.  They are of course for your great grandmother.

Good luck on you SATS

[tuscon]

what methods would you suggest for "nip it in the bud before it gets into other areas of your life."?

[anom12]

sounds like stress... I agree, taking something like immodium can help prevent an attack from happenning.  Also, avoid somethings that may trigger bathroom attacks, like caffiene, - are you drinkig alot of coffee to stay awake?  or a lot of soda?
I have IBS, but I am aware that I have a similar issue that happens when I have to get on a plane because I am afraid I will have to go to the bathroom.  I get myself so worked up about it that I end up getting sick.  I've had to fly quite a bit and I have gotten much better but it is all baby steps.  If you take immodium before your exams, you should be able to get through the exam without having to go.  although psychologically, you've already created a disaster in your head that you aren't "allowed" to go, so you are going to create more discomfort by worrying about it.  If you weren't taking an exam or SAT or anything you needed to concentrate on, you could help avoid the stress by taking like 1/2 a xanex or mild medication to relax.  I have these when I travel and when my mind starts freaking out on me that i am going to have to use the bathroom and won't be able to and I feel like I am losing control, i just pop a little pill and those little thoughts eventually dissappear.  Having a phobia of the bathroom is a real disorder, so nip it in the bud before it gets into other areas of your life.  You are simply stressed and overthinking about it.  You will be fine.  And of course, if this continues after your exams are over, see a doctor to rule out any other issues Good luck on you tests!.

[xeros]

Your problem is probably increased by the stress of upcoming exams.
Make sure you get to bed early, get up early and have breakfast, relax and give yourself plenty of time. Sit on the toilet and read a book. Don't hurry.
Next, buy some anti-diarrhea tablets at the drugstore.
These might get you through the exams.
They will make you constipated but you won't feel like going so often.
After that, if things don't improve, see a Doctor and get the problem diagnosed properly.

[badhealth]

you can apply to take the SAT under circumstances which gives you more time because of IBS. You can also take metamucile or some other type of fiber to help better regulate your colon. Bananas help