Hello Elise,

I am so sorry. This disease stinks, there's just no two ways about it. I've been where you are and while it might seem trite to say it, it will get better. My accidents were when I was having a flare-up with diarrhea (D) and I just didn't make it. I always say, when I have the urge to go I have about 15 seconds to find a bathroom.

When I'm having D Imodium helps me a lot when I have to go out in public or fly on an airplane, etc. But, if you aren't having D taking Imodium can be risky in that it could stop you up too much.

Definitely talk with your doctor - before you get there write down your symptoms as well as your questions and make a copy that you can give to him or her. Then they can "see" what you're going through and what your questions are. I've had 3 doctors tell me lately how much they appreciate this.

Something like Bentyl or Lomotil might be helpful for you as well. Again, talk to your doctor about these medications. The Bentyl helps calm the gut and the Lomotil is a anti-diarrheal but less harsh than OTC ones.

Have you looked at your diet? stress? tried things like yoga? meditation? I know you're busy with a 7 month old but you have to take time for yourself, especially with UC. While stress don't cause IBD it can make our symptoms worse.

If you're intersted, I've written a book about my experience of learning to live with UC, its title is" Living with IBD & IBS - www.ibdandibs.com, it might give you some ideas of how to go about seeing if any foods are making your symptoms worse, and learnign more about stress relief.

Having IBD does not make you a bad mother or wife or woman. It's a hard disease for anybody to live with and it's even harder because it's not really something that's easy to talk about with just anyone. Be kind to yourself and know that you are doing very well, even though you had a bad day yesterday. You can't change yesterday, you can only live in today.

Hugs,

Elizabeth