The life of a court reporter ... With IBS

by JaimieTheSufferingCourtReporter
(CT)

So I'm currently sitting here dreading work tomorrow because i have just had an unfortunate episode of stomach spasms and diarrhea. Although, I'm not sure if I should be relieved because this could quite possibly mean I will be free of an episode tomorrow at work.

Yes, you read the title right. I am a court reporter. Yes, I record everything said in court and if you are a sufferer of IBS you will probably be cringing when I tell you I have to sit in court all day except for 2 15 minute recesses and an hour for lunch.

Honestly, this was not my chosen career path considering my history of stomach problems in my 23 years of life, but as a broke recent college graduate, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a shot. Let's just say I've been at his job almost a year now and it hasn't been the most wonderful experience due to my IBS. Having to interrupt a court session and say, "Excuse me Your Honor, I need to use the bathroom" is not exactly the dream job I had in mind.

My history of IBS has included both diarrhea and constipation with the accessory of excruciating stomach pains. I'm in the process of trying to cut out caffeine (down to one cup of coffee a day and no soda) and greasy foods. Any advice for day to day or emergency remedies would be greatly appreciated!

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The life of a court reporter ... With IBS

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Jan 22, 2012
 I feel for you
by: Anonymous

I remember so many times as a teacher having to suddenly leave 30 kids and make some excuse to get out of the classroom. Then to try to walk down that L-O-N-G hallway with knife like pain in your guts.

The thing is, as a teacher, you are 100% responsible for your kids at all times and you can't just leave them!

I feel for everyone on this site - explore every possible avenue and find the best doctor you possibly can.

Thanks so much to the person who started this site.
Jan 19, 2012
 Yes, that does sound likea nightmare.
by: Siân@IBS-Life

One of my biggest nightmares is to *have* to sit somewhere and needing to go to the bathroom. It was embarrassing enough in an office to keep leaving my work station.

Lately I have been trying Fish Oil Supplements. (Not cod liver oil, but Fish Oil) as tests have shown that as well as being helpful for the heart/brain/joints, the oil soothes the gut, but it has to be 4,000 milligrams per day, so 4 capsules. They do seem to help toward pain, though the IBS Diarrhea spasms follow know rhyme or reason known to man. I used to take Pepto Bismol (I mean literally live on it) which seemed to soothe the pain a little, but I used to joke that I needed a hot pad at work. (It was not a joke, but no-one understood). I know Rick (of this site) used to take Imodium before he had to drive anywhere, or if bathrooms might be few and far between. It's also said that a boiled egg or scrambled egg will 'bind you up', so maybe having one before you go to work is an idea.

You are very brave pursuing this as a career!

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