Embarassing IBS | ADHD Information

Embarassing, but I have to ask...for many years I've had symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I'll spare you the details. Suffice it to say that when I get anxious, I feel the sensation that I have to go, and I have about 1.5 minutes to find a bathroom. If stuck in traffic or otherwise unable to get to a bathroom, I have been .... let's say "caught off guard". I started Ritalin this week and I have not had any bowel problems! Very regular! Have any of you had this problem? And did your meds fix it?  My apologies to anyone who finds the question distasteful. I don't find this question distasteful at all - I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 17.

I wouldn't wish this condition on my worst enemy.

I have often been afraid to leave the house if I know I am going somewhere for any length of time and I know there won't be a bathroom handy. I was almost too afraid to go to my own high school graduation.

I haven't started any meds yet... but are you saying Ritalin seems to be helping you in this department??? I'm too afraid to hope.... I sometimes go weeks at a time with no symptoms... could the same be happening to you?
BCgirl, Whew! I'm not alone! My IBS symptoms are not related to what I eat, and a doc told me a couple of years ago that he suspected it was stress related. He suggested I go to a Mental Health professional and I thought he was crazy! I have been eating Immodium like M&M's! Now I think my IBS is related to anxiety...the anxiety related to AD/HD. I react to stress with that feeling in your stomach that one gets when called to the Principal's office. But with the Ritalin, I am more clear-headed, less likely to have that "OH *&$%! I'M IN TROUBLE!" reaction. So did treating the AD/HD also treat the IBS?