Published
I have IBS. I've been lucky it hasn't interfered with clinicals (knock on wood.) I take the "smooth texture" Metamucil. It is a little gloppy, but you get used to it. It was recommended to me because I was having gas problems with other fiber supplements. I also really try to watch what I eat and drink. For instance I can't eat much more for breakfast than cereal most days and coffee can overstimulate me.
It's doable.
Malia
if so...how do you handle it while in classes/clinicals? this terrifies me.
Yes, IBS sufferer here. My doctor prescribed me Cholestyramine which actually works very well. Before clinical I eat only very. very small meals and I try not to eat a big lunch either. I can't eat anything high in fat or heavy. I have had attacks at clinical before....thank goodness for the private bathrooms....it's sad but I always have to seek them out beforehand so I know where they are should I have to go.
Wow... it is sooo comforting to know that I'm not alone in this. I mean, I'm so sorry that you all are sufferers too, but I really have been wondering if it's even possible to be in nursing school with it. I had a doctor laugh and tell me it'd be next to impossible. He was so rude, like it was my fault. BoonersMom, you described how I feel exactly. Always having to know where the bathrooms are. It's caused a slight agoraphobia. I'm actually hoping nursing school well help me to learn how to deal with it so I can live normally. Thanks to all of you for your replies!
For years I had what you refer to as a "nervous stomach." At least that's what I think it was. I never went to the doctor for it. When I got nervous or even went out to eat, I'd get cramping followed by diarrhea.
Then I lost a lot of weight, got my gallbladder out, & discovered I was lactose intolerant. As long as I didn't have dairy I was fine. Then..... I started nursing school & got a very demanding clinical instructor. The nervous stomach returned each time I had clinical. I no longer have her but still carry Imodium or Pepto Bismo just in case. That does the trick.
Dixie
time2fly
37 Posts
if so...how do you handle it while in classes/clinicals? this terrifies me.