Holding Tips? and ?s
Tue, April 21, 2009 4:28 PM
Hey all,
So I recently checked out this site after having a slight incident a few days ago. I have found all the forums and stories to be really helpful so I decided to take a risk a shoot my own questions out there. I am a 20 year old college student and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis about 7 years ago. My incident occurred as I was sitting in a lecture class. I felt abdominal cramping and a sudden urge to use the restroom. Sometimes if I just sit there feelings like these will pass, but I didn't feel like this was going to go away. I got up to use the restroom and in the hallway I passed out and soiled myself. I ended up going to the ER for a few hours to find out why I passed out. Turns out I had low potassium. My doctor gave me some advice like next standing up and quickly leaving a place to help not feel dizzy. So now when I go to class I'm worried that I will feel the urge to go and now I not only worry about gettin to the bathroom but also about passing out and having another episode like this one. What are some of your alls tips for dealing with a sudden urge but not being able to get to a restroom? Also, I've been feeling quite tired lately even though I've pretty much been in remission for the past few years. Is that normal? I don't know if its all in my head or if this is a common problem. Finally, I've been having some dull neck pain that seems to be around all the time. Does anyone else have this problem? I've been taking Asacol and Azathioprine and I read somewhere that they may cause joint pain, so I was just wondering if this bascially that. Thanks so much for reading my story and I would love to hear any advice.
God Bless
Joined Apr 21, 2009
Wed, May 13, 2009 7:59 PM
Reply posted for mucat25.
Unfortunately JE is right about the diapers. I am 35, and about two or three years ago I was in a UC flare. Like you, I can sometimes sit very still, clench, breathe, whatever and the urgency will pass. Not this time. Twice in one week I had an accident in my chair at work. I have had plenty of other accidents in the 15 years since my diagnosis, but none quite so humiliating. My mom bought me some adult diapers after the first of these two experiences.
I also keep some wet wipes to clean myself off, and an extra pair of slacks, along with a gigantic ziploc bag. Part of the humiliating experience that day was getting rid of my soiled clothes/carrying them out of the building. The ziploc bag will make it easy to lock in the odor until you get home to the washing machine. Of course you'll probably want a second bag since ziplocs are clear.
I can't offer any advice on the potassium. As you grow older you will learn warning signs and how to listen to your body, so that perhaps you aren't as likely to run low in some vitamins like potassium. I, too, have experienced low potassium, but didn't get to the point of fainting from it.
anga20Joined Mar 9, 2009
Mon, April 27, 2009 6:12 PM
Reply posted for mucat25.
Sounds like you're probably NOT in remission right now! I hope you have a good GI doc who will help you out--it's often hard to find a good doctor when you're away from home at college. Ask your student health center for a referral--you need more than just an infirmary doctor.
When I'm having a flare up of UC, sometimes the anxiety about having to go and not making it to the bathroom is worse than the actual cramps. I hate to mention this to a 20-year-old, but have you considered adult diapers? You might still have to rush to the bathroom, but at least you wouldn't have diarrhea running down your legs. And honestly they don't show--they've really been improved since they first came out. I wear really tight pants and they leave no lines and have no noticeable bulk. They won't stop the cramps, but they go a long way toward alleviating the anxiety. (Just don't let your college acquaintances see you buying them at your local Walmart! They don't need to know.)
jeJoined Dec 3, 2008
Related Topics
IBD and trauma
JanelizaJoined Apr 13, 2022
Hi all! I've had Crohn's since 2014 with m....
read more
Life Insurance?
Joined Dec 2, 2022
40 y.o. male looking to get life insurance. ....
read more
IBD and exercise/sport
Joined Aug 14, 2023
This is my first post. I am 28 and I was diagnosed....
read more