From the article: Five Simple Rules for Dating with IBS
Dating with IBS presents some unique challenges. IBS bodies often choose the most inconvenient time to act up, adding an interesting twist to a budding romance. In order to reduce the sense of isolation that IBS sufferers often experience, I offer you a place to share your tales of dating disasters or heartwarming stories of true love. What has your experience been in terms of dating with IBS? Share your story here - the good, the bad and the embarrassing.
Tell Your Tale!
Diarrhea
- I just started seeing this guy that i worked with after a serious breakup. We planned the perfect date: dinner and a movie afterwards. We had just finished eating at a pub with alot of greasy food and were on our way to the movies. Riding along in his car with the windows rolled down i started to feel anxious. I didn't know why but i felt something in my stomach. All of the sudden i felt it hit and i was racing to the bathroom at the nearest K-Mart. I literally ran in the doors and asked the first person i saw where the restroom (at the back of the store) was because it was urgent. I made it to the restroom a little late but luckily i was wearing a pad for my period. I was in there for what seemed like hours. Meanwhile my date was shopping K-Mart. I felt so bad but i popped some imodium and was able to make it home. Now we are happily married and he never makes me feel embarrased when i have symptoms flare up.
- —Guest Tam
Never Trust a Fart
- I was in a new relationship, the first after my divorce and I suffer from terrible gas and bloating from IBS. I was trying to be "slick" and let out some wind (as I knew it would not smell) and I would relieve some of my pressure BUT the "wind" was accompanied by a "mudslide". I had to excuse myself, freshen up and remove my soiled underoos. I threw them in the trash and went commando for the rest of the night. Thankfully, he was none the wiser...we are getting married in October 2010 - and I have finally told him the truth! With IBS, if you can't laugh at yourself, you'll cry!
- —CMUL099539
Under pressure
- I remember my first date with my now wife. I was so nervous and felt she was way out of my league. She decided to make me dinner and lo and behold my ulcerative colitis flaired. OMG was I in pain and to make matters worse she had a very small place….the bathroom had paper thin walls and a very bad exhaust system if you know what I mean. I had to suffer until the date was over….it went well but it may be the most uncomfortable night of my life. I got home and thought I was dying…..but I just couldn’t have used her bathroom….I could have blown the whole thing…after all in my mind she was way out of my league. Fifteen years later we are fine and she has been my savior when my UC has been bad.
- —Guest Mark
Bad Barbecue
- I had just started dating this new guy. He took me to a backyard barbecue at his friend's house. I had the runs so badly that I spent what seemed like hours in the bathroom. Unfortunately, there was only one bathroom and the guys were drinking so much beer that they kept knocking on the door. A little while later, there was no more knocking. I found out my new guy told his friends to pee behind some trees, since I was sick. He eventually just took me home. In spite of that bad experience, he turned out to be a great boyfriend who is really supportive of my IBS.
- —Guest ALLY
Loud Gas
- As I was meeting my boyfriend's family for the first time, I was so nervous that I dropped my pocketbook. As I bent down to pick it up, out came the loudest fart! I was so embarrassed, but my boyfriend's mother immediately told me a story about farting on a job interview and I felt so much better!
- —Guest kenzie
