IBS gets me bullied at School

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IBS gets me bullied at School

by Michael (Aged 12)
(UK)

I was told I had IBS by my doctor last year. He gave me some medicine (Imodium) and said that there wasn't a lot more he could do.
My mum did some research on the internet and tried me on all sorts of diets where I have to cut out different foods like bread and sugary things and dairy products but none of it seems to be helping.

All the time I have had this IBS It has been causing me to get bullied at school. Some of the other kids make fun of me because I have to go the bathroom often; they think I'm weird and abnormal. Sometimes I have to leave during a lesson which is the worst, it feels like a walk of shame as I leave the classroom. Whenever that happens I know I will be getting grief after the lesson and more fun poked at me. I try to hold on until the lessons are over but it’s not always possible and I panic sometimes. One time I had a real near-miss and nearly never made it to the bathroom in time. Luckily I did make it, but if I hadn't made it, I would have died of embarrassment.

It is really frustrating, and it's starting to get me down now. I'm only 12, but I'm finding it harder and harder to hang out with my friends and just do normal stuff. When we do go out, I worry all the time about being near a bathroom.

We have a school trip coming up soon and I'm really worried about it. It involves being on a coach for three hours.

I wish this wasn't happening to me, but it is. All I can do is keep trying new and different things to try to lessen it. I'm glad I found this website; it's helped a lot with ideas on what I can try.

I just wanted to write this in case there are any other kids like me out there going through the same. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

Michael

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IBS gets me bullied at School

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Apr 08, 2010

my heart goes out to you
by: Anonymous

i think it is easy for people to say don't be botherd by what others say but i think we all know how embarrasing this condition can get and ofcause people will react some may be more understanding than others but it doesnt make you feel any less embarassed i think there is so much focus right now on finding a cure for hiv and that is important because most of us are alive today because of that hope but then it neglets other conditions such as cancer, and IBS which really changes a life of a person over a day...i feel for you and pray to God every night that He help us find a cure for IBS

Mar 08, 2010

travel tips
by: Anonymous

Dear Michael,
Take 2 Imodium caplets before bed every evening. Then take 2 Imodium caplets in the morning, 20 minutes to half an hour before eating anything. See if this lessens your symptoms. I've read a study in a medical journal which said Imodium works better when taken at night. I wish I could be more specific, but I cannot remember anything else but that fact (it stuck with me because I was shocked to find I had been taking it incorrectly for 15 years).

Additionally, I have found taking a calcium supplement with each meal will cause less running to the bathroom. Here in the US, I take tablets called Caltrate. It does not matter which UK brand you take, just read the back of the bottle and make sure it contains calcium carbonate.

Lastly, there is a medication called Buscopan, which lessens intestinal spasms (those are what cause you to need to run to the toilet). I am fairly certain it is available in the UK. I lived in France for a time and discovered a medicine there called Spasfon, which is the same thing. Both of these medicines are available at a pharmacy/ chemist's, and you do not need a prescription to buy them. When I am traveling and must take a bus (coach), I take 2 or 3 Spasfon to prevent spasms and to prevent that "I've got to get to the toilet" feeling.

I hope this helps. If all else fails, and you simply do not feel comfortable sitting on a coach for that period of time, simply do not go on the trip. Ask your mother or doctor to write a letter excusing you. It is up to them whether they want to explain why; they can always simply say you are "not feeling well." I myself have had to do this, and while I felt bad missing the group trip, I also felt immense relief that I would not have to risk an accident.

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Mar 08, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Dear Michael, Take 2 Imodium caplets before bed every evening. Then take 2 Imodium caplets in the morning, 20 minutes to half an hour before eating anything. See if this lessens your symptoms. I've read a study in a medical journal which said Imodium works better when taken at night. I wish I could be more specific, but I cannot remember anything else but that fact (it stuck with me because I was shocked to find I had been taking it incorrectly for 15 years). Additionally, I have found taking a calcium supplement with each meal will cause less running to the bathroom. Here in the US, I take tablets called Caltrate. It does not matter which UK brand you take, just read the back of the bottle and make sure it contains calcium carbonate. Lastly, there is a medication called Buscopan, which lessens intestinal spasms (those are what cause you to need to run to the toilet). I am fairly certain it is available in the UK. I lived in France for a time and discovered a medicine there called Spasfon, which is the same thing. Both of these medicines are available at a pharmacy/ chemist's, and you do not need a prescription to buy them. When I am traveling and must take a bus (coach), I take 2 or 3 Spasfon to prevent spasms and to prevent that "I've got to get to the toilet" feeling. I hope this helps. If all else fails, and you simply do not feel comfortable sitting on a coach for that period of time, simply do not go on the trip. Ask your mother or doctor to write a letter excusing you. It is up to them whether they want to explain why; they can always simply say you are "not feeling well." I myself have had to do this, and while I felt bad missing the group trip, I also felt immense relief that I would not have to risk an accident.

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Feb 23, 2010

Don't let people get you down
by: Anonymous

Hi Michael
Sorry to hear this. Other people can be so cruel sometimes. I know it's hard but try not to let them upset you as this will only make your IBS worse. Your family and true friends will care and support you. Other people don't matter.

With regards to long coach journeys etc, I recommend taking immodium as a preventative measure. It will give you so much peace of mind and stop any accidents.

Try to stay positive. Worrying is the worse thing for IBS. Try to figure out what triggers your attacks and don't give up hope. You may never stop it totally, but there's every chance that you will be able to manage your symptoms over time.

Feb 19, 2010

So sorry to hear about your bullying
by: Olivia

Hi Michael,
Sorry to hear about what you are going through. I am still at school to and it sounds like we have very similar problems.
I don't know what to advise you but cutting certain foods out has helped a bit.
I can't believe your doctor was so rubbish - he should have at least reffered to someone.
Good luck with it all.
Olivia
xx

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IBS gets me bullied at School

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IBS gets me bullied at School