Anyone else have this symptom?

[seasoul]

When I'm really nervous/anxious, I have to go to the bathroom. A LOT. It's awful and completely drains me of all energy (alongside the anxiety). It's also very inconvenient b/c it happens at the worst times - when we're about to leave for the airport, board the plane, take off, etc. Overall, it just makes the whole experience so much worse.

I can't think of any "cure" for this besides Immodium and the like (which I don't like taking), or anxiety control (which I have high hopes of achieving!).

Does anyone else experience this and have any advice?

[TheSwan]

I share this one...but "number 1" heehee...sorry. I am assuming it is an adeneline response. Last flight I got up at least 5 times for a one hour flight. And even had to stand waiting...uggg...which is not fun becuase it's a "hurry up, I have to go NOW" kind of feeling.

They say drink lots of water as flying is dehydrating, so I guess doubly important for us as we are losing it.

I have not experienced your issue on a plane and yes that would be very difficult and i would definetly take immodium.

[Barb-SAN]

I can't think of any "cure" for this besides Immodium and the like (which I don't like taking), or anxiety control (which I have high hopes of achieving!). Does anyone else experience this and have any advice?

I've experienced this sometimes, (usually just before the taxi shows up to go to the airport...:blush:). I figure it's one of those automatic things my body is taking care of while I'm running around making sure I didn't forget to pack something or turn off the stove. :rolleyes:

My only suggestions (if you don't like taking Immodium) would be to count on it happening, and give yourself some extra "bathroom time", get up earlier if it's a morning flight, get to the airport sooner, and get through security with plenty of time to spare. It might also help to pay attention to your diet...bland foods if that helps. Usually I eat a banana before a flight, but not a large meal, nor a lot of fluids. I don't worry much about dehydration on a short (1 hr) flight, though certainly on a long flight it's important to keep drinking fluids (and getting up out of your seat every so often is good too).

There's always "astronaut diapers" too...(no personal experience with that one though...)

[Aurora]

I too have the number 1 symptom. One of the times I got a serious panic attack on a plane, I had to go pee at least 8 times. In the end I asked myself if it really was plausible to go pee so many times with just 10-20 minutes in between, but obviously it was.

No idea why this is so, airplane toilets aren't the funniest thing I know about. It's a bit like going to the toilet on boats. You've pulled up your pants, washed your hands and everything. Then you have one hand on the door, the other on the flusher, and RUN out! :lol:

[StPeteMark]

...I can't think of any "cure" for this besides Immodium and the like (which I don't like taking), or anxiety control (which I have high hopes of achieving!).
Does anyone else experience this and have any advice?
In my earlier period attacking my FOF, I used the chewable tabs frequently, and watched what I ate the day before flying. You're not alone. Eventually, you'll rarely need it, unless your tummy is upset by other things. Be sure to hydrate after reaching your destination.
.

[Lynda]

I am unsure if I still need immodium but I take it just in case. I was really bad at the height of my fears.

[Dachiri]

Mine went the opposite way, but a very good, balanced diet will help. You're body won't freak out as much if it has everything it needs. There are also some "natural" ways to reduce your problem, like foods that stop you up a bit or reducing fiber intake for a few days. These may be more palatable to you than medications, though a single dose of immodium won't hurt. I also second Mark's suggestion, as anxiety can increase acid production which can cause your particular issue (my brother actually has a chronic condition with that causality). Maybe a combo chewable like Rolaids+ would help.

[navel_gazer]

I always eat a banana before a flight, and avoid coffee, for that reason!

On the up side, if number 1 is frequent, at least you will get to stretch your legs frequently during the flight while when you use the lav. That's what I always think, anyway.

[Kimmar]

I have experienced this, (every time I flew, before I overcame the fear.) My thinking is that it's simply the bodiy's way of shutting down all "unnecessary" bodily functions (digestion) while your mind is in the "fight or flight" mode and pumping tons of adrenalin!

I bet you can't eat and feel like you have to vomit too, huh?

The good news is it does go away, the more you work on your fear. The thing right now is to realize what's happening and deal with it as a symptom until you are more comfortable flying. Force yourself to have a banana and/or bagel before you go. Choke it down, and leave time for the bathroom runs (no pun intended! LOL) while you are at the beginning of this learning curve. It will pass (again with the puns) in time.

I no longer feel this way, and can eat, even while on the plane! LOL I don't have to take more trips to the bathroom than I ordinarily do on any given day.