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About your friends - I would consider telling them. Yes, it's a little embarrassing, but at least you're being honest and won't have to come up with lame excuses all the time. Otherwise, they're likely to assume you're refusing for another reason.
Most people I've talked to (and I mean everyone - not just these boards) know of IBS and someone who has it. They're usually very sympathetic. Just tell them that you have IBS and that you have a lot of trouble digesting food. You can leave it at that, or you can explain that you get bloating, nausea, dirrarhea, or whatever you get.
I would urge you to tell them. You might lose them otherwise - they might get tired of excuses. If they're relaly your friends, they'll understand.
And yes, lots of people on this board get afraid to leave the house. I swear the second I go to a mall I have an attack and abandon all dignity running for a bathroom. Once you get your symptoms better under control, you'll likely be more confident and will feel better about leaving the house.
So hang in there,
Han.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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I also had IBS for many years but about 2 years ago it started to control my life. I did my errands only at stores where I new they had restrooms. I turned down invitations if it meant a long ride in a car. Nothing seemed to control the D. A virtualcolonoscopy showed nothing. Then I got a gallbladder attack and had emergency surgery. I was told that is was the gallbladder that caused the IBS to act up and become constant D. Now it is back to the usual IBS I've had for years. But with imodium and librax most of the days I function. I am still trying to regulate the imodium to avoid C. Hope you fell better.
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Hi,
Sorry you are having a rough time. I don't usually tell people I have IBS. You say that and then they say what's IBS and then you have to explain. Most of the time I just say I have stomach problems or food allergies.
Anyway, I feel like staying home a lot, too. I love the comfort of my home.
I do venture out to places I'm familiar with like Walmart, Walgreens, my mom & sisters, out to eat, etc.
Since my IBS is triggered by stress, it's just the places I've never been or like museums where you can't find a bathroom forever that worry me. Once we went to a museum and I was a nervous wreck because the bathroom was on the ground floor and we were going to the third floor. I took Imodium before I left and I was fine.
I would suggest eating safe foods before going out and maybe taking a preventative Imodium before you leave. Also, take any other meds you think you might need along with you. BUT, try to get out even if it is places like Walmart where the bathroom is close and you feel safe. I think you will feel better.
Barbie
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I had IBS for at least 25-30 yrs. But then I had the IBS act up terribly for about 8 months. I had the virtual colonoscopy and was given Librax but I did not know that I had gallbladder stones until I got a terrible attack and was rushed to the ER. There they did a simple sonogram that showed I was full of stones. After emergency surgery the IBS calmed down. I still get bouts of IRB but it no longer controls my life. I would ask your doctors to check out Gallbladder stones. Hope you feel better.
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With my closest of friends, I've been honest....With that otehr outer circle of friends and colleagues, I tell them I've developed major food allergies or sensitivites. And hten I rattle it off: no daory, no meat (I'm veg. anyhow), no chocolate, tomatoes, caffiene, eggs, etc.
I prefer to eat at home- and when somebody does invite me over, I make sure I've taken SFS and have taken meds before. BTW- hypntherapy and yoga have helped alot.
good luck...
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I love my space and any quiet time that will come my way. I have also found that if I go to place like Barbie just mentioned, either by myself or someone that is close to me and understands my problems, it seems to take my mind off of my IBS and I can relax a little and most of the time I do just fine.
I do remember the days though, that I would have to run to the br when shopping, and it could happen again at any time.   
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