Time to speak about the unspoken

Dear LPG,

I was checking the statistics on line recently and they show that I am one of the many people that suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.   The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) informs that an estimated 10-15% of the UK's population is affected by IBS at any one time but it is still, for the most-part, a subject that few talk about.  It is also a fact that there are double the amount of female sufferers than male.

One of the major symptoms is incontinence, which often makes one afraid to leave the house for fear of needing a toilet at really short notice.  The lack of public toilets becomes really apparent when one has IBS.  In all fairness the real problem is not their numerical availability, but  the fact that Ladies’ toilets are so often locked.

I had a really bad experience during a Saturday Morning shopping trip recently.  We went by train and the Ladies’ room at the station was locked when I needed it most.  Luckily I was with my husband who was available to guard the Gents while I used the facilities there.   When I told a friend about this, she told me about an article that she had read in the LPG.

So I telephoned them, and was given the telephone number of the Bladder and Bowel foundation and I now have a key and a ‘Just can’t wait’ card which has given me back the confidence to leave my house.

TS, Catford

LPG is really happy to have been able to help. To find out more about the Card and Key telephone 0845 345 0165.