An embarassing problem, but I need help!

MEDICJOHN · Mar 30, 2009

Honey, pre medicate yourself with some pepto or something!! Eat some starchy stuff like bread for breakfast. I hate to laugh, but, its really funny picturing you running to the bathroom after two minutes with a new patient!

txgrlnad · Mar 30, 2009

I'm not much help... but I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. lol! My stomach gets terribly upset anytime before a test, before performing a skill for the first time in front of my instructor, etc. and I'll have to run to the restroom too sometimes after it's all done and over with. Haha. I get myself way worked up. I can't recommend anything, but everything is always much better for me after I have performed that skill for the first time b/c I think, "Oh, that wasn't such a big deal afterall... Why the heck did I get myself so worked up over nothing?!!!" Anyway... Good luck w/ clinical! You'll find that it's not as bad/scary as you thought it was.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2009

Are you getting enough fiber in your diet? Are you eating a lot of vegetables and fruits every day? Spontaneous diarrhea doesn't happen when there is enough bulk in the colon unless there is disease present. Diarrhea can be controlled with over the counter medication. Foods likely to constipate are cheese (if milk products can be tolerated), bread, and rice. [the BRAT diet - bananas, rice, apples, toast]

Jolie, BSN · Mar 30, 2009

I understand completely, and have been in the same situation.

Since it is vital that you eat before clinicals, choose a meal that is unlikely to upset your stomach, such as toast (with peanut butter for protein), scrambled eggs, etc. Avoid coffee, chocolate or anything that is likely to have a laxative effect. Have a Coke or 7-Up or ginger ale to drink.

Bring a bland lunch to clinical with you, such as yogurt, banana, crackers, soft drink.

As a "security" measure, I typically wear a heavy-duty sanitary pad and carry baby wipes and clean undergarments in my bag. Thankfully, I've never had to use them, but it is comforting to know that I can change if needed.

If you are seriously concerned about urgently needing to use the BR, please privately inform your instructor of this possibility and develop a "code" to page her to your patient's room quickly.

I would strongly suggest a visit to your health care provider, to evaluate your symptoms just to be sure that you are not "writing off" a more serious problem. S/he can also suggest dietary measures and OTC or Rx products that may help to control your urgency.

Take care. You're not alone :)

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 30, 2009

Half my family has this problem. We use "Immodium" sold over-the-counter and it works quite well for us.

NightOwl0624 · Mar 30, 2009

Hey - you're definitely not alone!

If it really is a "nervous" problem, you may be surprised that once you get to clinicals, you may be too busy to think about being nervous.

I have the same problem. I almost always have an upset stomach before tests and new clinical rotations. I try to get up early enough so hopefully my problem resolves itself before I leave home. Thankfully, I've never had too much of an issue at school or clinical.

Anyway, I can sympathize and hope it works out ok for you. Good luck!

Couture85 · Apr 1, 2009

I have the same problem. I haven't had this issue in clinical b/c 1. You can pretty much go to the bathroom whenever. 2. I don't have time to be nervous! My first 2 days of clinical, I was SO NERVOUS, but now, it's cake. Try to relax and know that you're def. not alone. There's some good advice in this thread!