How to cope with IBS at Work

One of the biggest fears for many IBS sufferers is going outside, socializing, and being in public. Working can also be very difficult. Some IBS sufferers fell that they are less productive, and more stressed. Some sufferers feel that they must turn down promotions. Some IBS sufferers have felt that the only solution is to leave employment. However, there are less drastic options that can help you if you’re having problems managing your IBS with your job.

1. Start Your Day

Give yourself extra time in the morning. You can get ready at your own pace, while keeping watch for any symptoms, or triggers. You’ll also be more relaxed as you won’t be rushing or panicking.

2. Breakfast

You may want to pack breakfast, and eat it at work. This can mean that you avoid any symptoms during your commute. Or, if you know which foods trigger your IBS, you can eat something you know to be safe.

3. Commuting

Keep your commute as stress free as possible. Leave with plenty of time to get to work. If you drive, you can check your route to see if there’s roadworks, accidents, or anything else that could slow your drive time. This will help you plan your journey, and avoid stress. If you need to, you can take medications that would help your symptoms. For example, if you have diarrhea predominant IBS, you could try taking something like Imodium half an hour before you leave.

How To Deal With An IBS Attack At Work

If everything above fails, and you find yourself suffering from an IBS flare up at work, there are still some things you can do to ease your symptoms, and calm your fears.

• Take deep breaths.
• If you have diarrhea, you can take some medication.
• If you have bloating, you can try peppermint capsules, or teas.
• If you are experiencing pain, you can take medication, or supplements.
• If you fear leaving an odor in the bathroom at work, you can try a bathroom spray, or toilet drops.
• Some people keep an emergency pack in the car or work so they can easily deal with any IBS attacks. They feel more relaxed and able to deal with an attack because they are prepared.

IBS Preparation Kit

Everyone keeps different things in their emergency pack, but if you want to put one together, and want ideas for what to keep in it, here’s a list of suggestions.

• Medications - keep an emergency pack of any of the medications or supplements that you take. This means that if you ever need some, you’ll always have an emergency supply.
• A Diary. You should record the food you’ve eaten, and anything that happened before the flare up so you can pinpoint your triggers.
• A change of clothes. You may not need them, but it can help you to relax if you know that you have a change of clothes available.
• Odor cover. You can keep your own supply of odor covers, such as sprays or toilet drops.
• Adult wipes. Some people like to keep adult wipes in their emergency kits. These can help you feel cleaner, and fresher.
• Adult diapers/briefs. Some people keep adult diapers, or adult briefs in their bag. You may not need them, but if you do, they are not as bulky as they used to be, and nobody would be able to tell that you’re wearing one.
• Perineum pads. Some sufferers of constipation predominant, or mixed IBS can have overflow incontinence. These pads sit in your underwear, and can be changed regularly, like a menstrual pad. They’re thin, and won’t be noticed by other people.