Toilet tips for my digestive spoonies
As a long‑time member of the IBS spoonie club, and a much newer gluten‑intolerant spoonie, I wanted to share a couple of toilet tips I have picked up over the years.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and have no medical experience. All tips provided here are from my lived experience only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please always follow the advice of your medical team, and consult a medical professional if you ever have any concerns.
1. Keep medication close at hand.
I should caveat this point — as there is a real difference in treatment for gluten issues vs IBS. So please only follow this tip if medically relevant, and always follow the instructions of your medical team first and foremost.
With that caveat out of the way: this tip in particular relates to anti‑diarrhoea medication. Because attacks are rough — you do not want to then have to hunt through cupboards looking for your meds. Trust me.
2. Bring a pillow.
Ok, this one is slightly weird at the outset, but it really can help. When you are pooping through an IBS (or gluten) attack, you may struggle with cramps. Pressing a pillow into your tummy can help with this pain.
3. Bring a device for entertainment.
Now, I can imagine the “urgh, gross” from some corners. But as any IBS, gluten, or other digestive spoonie will know — you can spend a long old time on the toilet during an attack.
I have ended up there for several hours before. And there is nothing worse than sitting there with nothing but waves of pain, sweats, nausea, and poop to keep you company.
Bringing a device not only helps keep you distracted from the pain, but gives you something else to focus on. 100% recommended.
4. Cold water can help with the sick feeling.
Sometimes when my attacks are bad, I feel so hot and sweaty that I feel like I am going to puke. If you are near a sink, running your hand under cold water and then across your forehead and neck can help ease this feeling for a short while.
I would also suggest keeping a sick bowl in the bathroom just in case (note - you can pick up a bunch of the cardboard ones on amazon pretty cheap. This is where I got most of mine).
5. If you think you are going to faint — get off the loo and onto the floor.
And once the attack has passed, seek help. This can be serious, so please don’t let this slide.
6. If you see blood in your poop — speak to a medical professional ASAP.
This can be very serious, so you should always get it checked out.
These are just a couple of things I have picked up over the years from personal experience.
They are not meant to replace any medical advice — so please bear this in mind.
However, I hope they can at least help you get through your next attack.
Sending spoonie hugs.
