Irritable Bowel Syndrome-- Please Help!?

i have irritable bowel syndrome but it only comes on when i need to go out because i am scared that i might need the toilet and not be able to get to one in time. it is psycological, but i can't snap myself out of it. i can travel about 3 miles atm safely, before i start to worry, and if theres a build up of traffic i feel the stomach cramps coming on straight away. i cant even go on the motorway anymore because it is illegal to stop and that scares me incase i will need the loo and not be able to stop. AM I THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM? i feel like im goin crazy sometimes! i have had this for 8 months and it was triggered by a situation where i had the runs and couldn't go which caused me extreme pain. luckily i was able to get to the loo eventually but its like that has scarred my brain into thinking that everytime i leave the house. it's nothing to do with food, cos it never happens when im sat home, just when im going out. imodiums barely work. please help i need advice!!! xxx

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Lots of people have problems with IBS. Stress is actually one of the triggers of IBS for many people. Many even develop Anxiety and Depression because of it (especially those not under the care of a physician).

First, you need to find a way to get through the Anxiety. You may need to seek a counselor to help you with relaxation techniques and coping strategies. Step 2 find out what else triggers your IBS. If you learn what to avoid, you can help reduce the anxiety.
The cramping you are feeling in your stomach is actually your bowel muscles spasming. A good way to help relieve that is to place a heating pad (or something warm) on your stomach. It will sooth the muscles and cause them to relax again. Painkillers WILL NOT help this. Trust me, I know. You are correct in saying that the imodium doesn't help because that is for when your stool is loose (gross, I know), but that isn't your problem. Your bowel spasms and pushes the contents out. There are medications called anti-spasmodics (I think I spelled that wrong) which can be used to treat this if a doctor feels it is necessary.

No, you are not crazy and you are not the only one.
IBS is not a psychological thing - it's definitely a physiological thing.
Something happened in your bowels when you had diarrhea that one time 8 months ago, and it's still happening.
See a doctor who treats people with IBS. They'll be able to give you some strategies that will help.
People with IBS have times when it's bad (flares) and times when it's good and seems to go away.
Diet helps - you'll begin to know what foods to avoid and what foods you can eat.
Some people need medications also, and there are some very effective medications on the market.
But the starting point for you should be to talk with a good physician and get the proper diagnosis. And if the first one doesn't help you, get a second opinion. And a third if you need to.
Good luck.

When you get something like this that is ignored by the medical profession, you have nothing to lose by trying any alternative remedy you come across. Here's one that has worked for many people. It takes at least a year, but it has worked wonders.

http://maul.samara.ru/~paracels/

In the meantime, do you have to travel by car or is there an alternative? Trains with toilets might be better if there are any. Or can you walk? You can carry spare clothing with you. Perhaps take note in your town as to where all the toilets are. If you do have to go by car, perhaps you could put an inconto pad on the seat. They are readily available because many people use them for children's beds. Or you could consider the kind of nighttime pants designed for children who bedwet. They come in big sizes, for teenagers.

But it seems that it's not diarrhoea that's your problem so much as the pain, and the fear of pain. Perhaps you could keep motorway journeys to a minimum and before you go on one, take painkillers. That should reduce the stomach cramps.

You're right - it does scar your mind. But please consider my suggestion. I used it for other health problems and didn't expect it to cure my IBS too. But it has restored the bowels of many people to proper working order. Good luck.

Join the club. I had all of those problems. Some are still around.
IBS is an elimination diagnosis. When no reason can be assigned after all tests, they label it as IBS.

Was prescribed various medicines. Decided to take things into my own hands. Stopped all medicines, including psyllium seed husks (Natural fibre supplement).

Quite fine now. Can handle a four hour drive without any anxiety. I avoid all spicy food, though. I have added fresh whole fruit to every meal as also increased eating unflavoured home made yogurt.