Today I am working at a jobsite (I work for a large construction management co.) and the set up is quite different than when I am in the office. The conference rooms are in a different part of the building from where we work and we always have lunch in the conference room. I always enjoy it because it's nice to have the socialization. Well, I had my lovely lunch of rice and chicken with a few cooked pepper strips tossed in and about 5 minutes later the stomach starts. I'm sure you know what I mean. The closest bathroom is right in the room we are in (behind a closed door of course). I knew I would die of embarrassment if I used it so I left to go use the bathroom in our office area. It's on a different floor but I was quick! I get there and the door was locked! OMG, I started to tear up and banged on the door. Luckily someone was there and opened it to find me in tears, holding my stomach and rushing by to get to the bathroom. It was not the most quiet moment....
Needless to say, I'm feeling pretty bad about now and of course I am absolutely mortified that there were still people here who were able to hear what was going on and that he saw me crying. Sometimes it seems I cry everyday because I just want one day where I feel well.
For anyone who reads this "Thanks" I just needed to vent! I'm sure I'm not the only one who has days like this!
Laura
Just need to vent...
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Just need to vent...
All things are possible through God.
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Madcap Minx
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:17 pm
I know how you feel
I think a lot of people can empathize with you. We share our bathroom with many other offices and it is on the other side of the building from where I work. Sometimes if I've got that feeling it might happen, I leave and go hang out in the bathroom. whew!!!
Laura,
It's a cruel disease, and the social effects are probably the worst part of having this disease, due to the anxiety it can create. Your post is a perfect example of why I feel that doctors who describe MC as "a nuisance disease, with a benign course", should have to spend at least a few months suffering from the disease, before they can receive their certification as a GI specialist. Maybe then they would realize what a traumatic, and life-altering disease it actually is.
It would be nice if we could just "tune out" the rest of the world, when we are having to deal with such an event, but as we all know, that's easier said than done. Rest assured, virtually all of us have gone through what you have described, (and sometimes worse), so we understand what it's like. I hope you're feeling better by now.
TGIF.
Tex
It's a cruel disease, and the social effects are probably the worst part of having this disease, due to the anxiety it can create. Your post is a perfect example of why I feel that doctors who describe MC as "a nuisance disease, with a benign course", should have to spend at least a few months suffering from the disease, before they can receive their certification as a GI specialist. Maybe then they would realize what a traumatic, and life-altering disease it actually is.
It would be nice if we could just "tune out" the rest of the world, when we are having to deal with such an event, but as we all know, that's easier said than done. Rest assured, virtually all of us have gone through what you have described, (and sometimes worse), so we understand what it's like. I hope you're feeling better by now.
TGIF.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Yes, TGIF!! I'm so sorry you had that kind of experience. I find that my MC urges strike when I'm standing around doing water cooler talk, or standing in my boss's doorway chatting. It's so hard to abruptly stop the conversation and run to the bathroom. Sometimes I grab a seat and hope it'll pass (it usually buys me a little time to end the conversation). My work knows I have MC (well they know about the food intolerances), but I don't really want them to experience the end result in detail!! Sucks that your are in a male-dominated industry too!
BTW, I hate to admit it to myself, but I am 99% sure I am sensitive to peppers (red, green, hot or not). They send me to the bathroom every time! But I tolerate chili powder just fine. Go figure.
BTW, I hate to admit it to myself, but I am 99% sure I am sensitive to peppers (red, green, hot or not). They send me to the bathroom every time! But I tolerate chili powder just fine. Go figure.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Laura
thankfully i have not had as bad a situation at work, i put alot of careful planning into minimising issues at work.
over the christmas period i moved from a large city to a large country regional centre (moved towns, moved jobs and moved home). one of the main reasons for considering this move was that where i used to live and the distance to work it was about a 40 - 60 minute drive, if there were accidents or breakdowns it could end up being 1.5 hours, where i live now the commute to work is 12 minutes.
prior to moving there were many instances i would do a toilet stop before i left just in case, be feeling ok, then get stuck in traffic, for whatever reason, fatigue, stress a BM would want to happen and i would be stuck, not able to get out of the traffic to find a toilet and an accident would happen. by the time i got home i would be in tears, i would feel defeated, and frustrated that no matter how well i look after myself the MC cheeky monkey will spring one of these occurances on you. it was like a reminder that it is always there.
Since moving this has not happened at all, (woo hoo) I am super super conservative with my eating and rarely try new things to my eating plan as I just dont want MC issues to occur at work.
I still carry spare clothes in the car 'just in case', and have my MC kit in my handbag.
situations like your still suck, it is like when the MC monkey comes in and wrecks your sleep with an accident... i hate those times.
big hugs laura.
this is the one place that the trials and tribulations of poop can be shared.
thankfully i have not had as bad a situation at work, i put alot of careful planning into minimising issues at work.
over the christmas period i moved from a large city to a large country regional centre (moved towns, moved jobs and moved home). one of the main reasons for considering this move was that where i used to live and the distance to work it was about a 40 - 60 minute drive, if there were accidents or breakdowns it could end up being 1.5 hours, where i live now the commute to work is 12 minutes.
prior to moving there were many instances i would do a toilet stop before i left just in case, be feeling ok, then get stuck in traffic, for whatever reason, fatigue, stress a BM would want to happen and i would be stuck, not able to get out of the traffic to find a toilet and an accident would happen. by the time i got home i would be in tears, i would feel defeated, and frustrated that no matter how well i look after myself the MC cheeky monkey will spring one of these occurances on you. it was like a reminder that it is always there.
Since moving this has not happened at all, (woo hoo) I am super super conservative with my eating and rarely try new things to my eating plan as I just dont want MC issues to occur at work.
I still carry spare clothes in the car 'just in case', and have my MC kit in my handbag.
situations like your still suck, it is like when the MC monkey comes in and wrecks your sleep with an accident... i hate those times.
big hugs laura.
this is the one place that the trials and tribulations of poop can be shared.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
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irisheyes13
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 212
- Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:46 pm
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Awww Laura- you came to the right place to vent! I doubt there is a single person who will read your post who can't relate to what you have just described in some way. It is not only painful physically but mortifying socially. I have experienced exactly what you have described both at home and at work and on a few occasions didn't quite make it there. 
I've thrown out more clothes than I care to admit over MC. When I was at my worst I avoided going anywhere I didn't absolutely have to attend and before I went, I would make sure I knew where every bathroom was between my home and my destination and scoped out the facilities upon arriving.
I hope you begin to feel better soon and can get some rest this weekend....and it WILL GET BETTER!
Hugs
Kelly
I've thrown out more clothes than I care to admit over MC. When I was at my worst I avoided going anywhere I didn't absolutely have to attend and before I went, I would make sure I knew where every bathroom was between my home and my destination and scoped out the facilities upon arriving. I hope you begin to feel better soon and can get some rest this weekend....and it WILL GET BETTER!
Hugs
Kelly
Kelly
Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things~ Joe Paterno
Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things~ Joe Paterno
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
Laura--I understand xactly your feelings----I was in a mall---and feeling like I was ok--that sudden urge hit me--I walked into an office and asked the secretary if I might use the bathroom and of course the answer was--sorry its only for us workers--when she saw the terror--tears in my eyes she immediately led me to the bathroom and just in time---
I thanked her and she nodded--
The panic in my face must have softened her soul--
luve Barbara
I thanked her and she nodded--
The panic in my face must have softened her soul--
luve Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Well, thank goodness the work day is over and I'm home now! I just have to say thank you all for your responses.....it really does help to know there are others who are going through the same thing and can commiserate.
I can't even begin to count how many social events I've missed out on because of this so I think that even contributes to the sense of being alone. When I have meetings at work I just don't eat (or just eat something that wouldn't even count as a snack) in fear of jumping up and running out!
Ah well! I'm hopeful that with starting the GF diet I may soon start to see some improvement and "issues" like this will be farther between rather than a daily occurence.
Laura
I can't even begin to count how many social events I've missed out on because of this so I think that even contributes to the sense of being alone. When I have meetings at work I just don't eat (or just eat something that wouldn't even count as a snack) in fear of jumping up and running out!
Ah well! I'm hopeful that with starting the GF diet I may soon start to see some improvement and "issues" like this will be farther between rather than a daily occurence.
Laura
All things are possible through God.
Laura,
I'm so sorry that you had to suffer that humiliation today. Your experience brought back memories of dashing to the bathroom only to find the janitors were cleaning it. I'm so glad those days are (hopefully) over for me.
I hope the Entocort kicks in quickly for you. Once it does, your accidents should subside and you can focus on your diet for long-term remission.
Gloria
I'm so sorry that you had to suffer that humiliation today. Your experience brought back memories of dashing to the bathroom only to find the janitors were cleaning it. I'm so glad those days are (hopefully) over for me.
I hope the Entocort kicks in quickly for you. Once it does, your accidents should subside and you can focus on your diet for long-term remission.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
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jodibelle352
- Angel
- Posts: 610
- Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:57 pm
- Location: Michigan
- Contact:
Hi Laura:
This is where you come to vent~Why? Because we all have been exactly where you are. There is nothing more imbarrassing than to need a bathroom NOW!~Yet we sometimes run into obsticules that force us into a 'brick wall'.
When 1st diagnoised with CC (Colagenous Colitis) I had NO clue on how to LIVE this disease. How can I protect myself if I'm caught in an awkward position, was something I had to learn. Sometimes I have to plan my day ahead of time by making sure I get up early enough to take my meds. as well as give myself the chance to calm down so I won't feel rushed before leaving.
The worst situation is just what happened to you, you're eating, you're with co-workers and the unthinkable happens. With all of us we soon have to make a choice~do I risk having an accident because I waited a little to long or do I make it to the nearest bathroom. You are a beautiful person; Laura who just happens to have a disease that others who look at us CAN NOT see~we look good to them from the outside but they have no idea what's happening to us on the inside. With time you'll learn from others some tips so you can better prepare yourself ahead of time for a 'What if?' situation presents it's self. I've even made sure that if I'm going somewhere I wear a Depends so I don't ruin my clothing.
Each of us fight on a daily basis the possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. When I first found the PP I was a complete wreck. I had crawled into a deep dark hole & going outside my home was NOT an option. I've learned alot in almost 3 years & I'm still learning. This becomes our 'extended family' they don't just deal with our disease, they also comfort us when we experience losses in our lives, when out family & friends don't understand what we are saying~we can come here and we all speak the same language. It's the Potty People Language.
Love & God's Blessings:
Jodi
This is where you come to vent~Why? Because we all have been exactly where you are. There is nothing more imbarrassing than to need a bathroom NOW!~Yet we sometimes run into obsticules that force us into a 'brick wall'.
When 1st diagnoised with CC (Colagenous Colitis) I had NO clue on how to LIVE this disease. How can I protect myself if I'm caught in an awkward position, was something I had to learn. Sometimes I have to plan my day ahead of time by making sure I get up early enough to take my meds. as well as give myself the chance to calm down so I won't feel rushed before leaving.
The worst situation is just what happened to you, you're eating, you're with co-workers and the unthinkable happens. With all of us we soon have to make a choice~do I risk having an accident because I waited a little to long or do I make it to the nearest bathroom. You are a beautiful person; Laura who just happens to have a disease that others who look at us CAN NOT see~we look good to them from the outside but they have no idea what's happening to us on the inside. With time you'll learn from others some tips so you can better prepare yourself ahead of time for a 'What if?' situation presents it's self. I've even made sure that if I'm going somewhere I wear a Depends so I don't ruin my clothing.
Each of us fight on a daily basis the possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. When I first found the PP I was a complete wreck. I had crawled into a deep dark hole & going outside my home was NOT an option. I've learned alot in almost 3 years & I'm still learning. This becomes our 'extended family' they don't just deal with our disease, they also comfort us when we experience losses in our lives, when out family & friends don't understand what we are saying~we can come here and we all speak the same language. It's the Potty People Language.
Love & God's Blessings:
JodiMay God and All His Angels, watchover, protect and guide you "One Day At A Time".
Laura,
I'm so sorry about this grueling and upsetting experience, and also glad you survived it, reasonably OK, despite how traumatic it still must have been. As Tex said - TGIF indeed.
As you now know - you are NOT alone! I was once driving a friend in my car, weeping because I couldn't possibly beat the traffic to get to our destination with the restroom... she (genius best friend) turned the air-conditioner to full on my face. Who knew? It bought me a few minutes and worked.
People are more compassionate than you think. And more people have 'symptoms' than we realize. Oh, and if they're not compassionate? I have an evil ray gun :) (Kidding, really!! I think...)
I have taken ideas from so many people here on this forum about creating a "toolkit" and am going to stock my bag with a better set of basics... and I plant to shop for a crazy-cute case to keep it all in.
I hope you have a restful and restorative weekend - you deserve it. You *will* find your path to what works for you, even if it takes a little time.
All my best,
Sara
I'm so sorry about this grueling and upsetting experience, and also glad you survived it, reasonably OK, despite how traumatic it still must have been. As Tex said - TGIF indeed.
As you now know - you are NOT alone! I was once driving a friend in my car, weeping because I couldn't possibly beat the traffic to get to our destination with the restroom... she (genius best friend) turned the air-conditioner to full on my face. Who knew? It bought me a few minutes and worked.
People are more compassionate than you think. And more people have 'symptoms' than we realize. Oh, and if they're not compassionate? I have an evil ray gun :) (Kidding, really!! I think...)
I have taken ideas from so many people here on this forum about creating a "toolkit" and am going to stock my bag with a better set of basics... and I plant to shop for a crazy-cute case to keep it all in.
I hope you have a restful and restorative weekend - you deserve it. You *will* find your path to what works for you, even if it takes a little time.
All my best,
Sara
Okay, I have to ask...What is a "tool kit"? I'm guessing probably some gf food for those times nothing else you can eat is available and probably some clothes. Any suggestions for what to carry?
BTW - I did my first GF grocery shopping and while I was a bit sad about what I couldn't have I'm trying to look at what I CAN have. I do have to say that the prices are quite a bit higher. I tried to take some advice and not go crazy although I did buy some chocolate cappuccino cupcakes!!
Laura
BTW - I did my first GF grocery shopping and while I was a bit sad about what I couldn't have I'm trying to look at what I CAN have. I do have to say that the prices are quite a bit higher. I tried to take some advice and not go crazy although I did buy some chocolate cappuccino cupcakes!!
Laura
All things are possible through God.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
My handbag tool kit
flushable wipes, spare undies, spare liners and the little bags that are for dirty nappy that i use to put any soiled undies in.
Car tool kit
flushable wipes, washer(?face cloth), hand towel, spare undies, spare pants, heavy duty liners.
I also have a bag that i take if I am staying with friends i leave it in the bathroom for the duration of my stay, it has most of what is above plus some disentfectant wipes so i can clean the toilet if needbe.
some of the friends i stay with are on septic so i can use much toilet paper, the wipes and the faceclothes are great and i just put them all in the scented nappy bags and deal with them when i get home
i am really lucky at my work place, each toilet is like a mini bathroom ie each toilet has its own sink, i can leave my stash of wipes and spare liners in the cupboard, and if toilet paper is not enough then I am ok.
The work kits are in small cases/bags that i got when i was the international flights last year, the kit in my handbag is in a pink velvet pouch i found in a $2 shop, it has two sections the top where i can fit the wipes etc, and there is a small section at the bottom where i store any medications etc.
flushable wipes, spare undies, spare liners and the little bags that are for dirty nappy that i use to put any soiled undies in.
Car tool kit
flushable wipes, washer(?face cloth), hand towel, spare undies, spare pants, heavy duty liners.
I also have a bag that i take if I am staying with friends i leave it in the bathroom for the duration of my stay, it has most of what is above plus some disentfectant wipes so i can clean the toilet if needbe.
some of the friends i stay with are on septic so i can use much toilet paper, the wipes and the faceclothes are great and i just put them all in the scented nappy bags and deal with them when i get home
i am really lucky at my work place, each toilet is like a mini bathroom ie each toilet has its own sink, i can leave my stash of wipes and spare liners in the cupboard, and if toilet paper is not enough then I am ok.
The work kits are in small cases/bags that i got when i was the international flights last year, the kit in my handbag is in a pink velvet pouch i found in a $2 shop, it has two sections the top where i can fit the wipes etc, and there is a small section at the bottom where i store any medications etc.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Laura--
I carry all of what Gabes carries + a complete change of clothes & some of that wrinkle-free spray. It works both as a deodorizer & to spruce up your clothes if you have to change (since my car kit stays in my car). Also, I changed from regular undies to the boy-short kind. They seem to contain "accidents" much better, and keep pads in place much easier.
Mags
I carry all of what Gabes carries + a complete change of clothes & some of that wrinkle-free spray. It works both as a deodorizer & to spruce up your clothes if you have to change (since my car kit stays in my car). Also, I changed from regular undies to the boy-short kind. They seem to contain "accidents" much better, and keep pads in place much easier.
Mags