What if I don't make it to the toilet?

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you might sometimes need to use the toilet so urgently that you worry you won't make it in time.

Maybe you've felt that sudden panic when you're in class, on the bus, playing sport or somewhere without a toilet nearby. You might worry about having an accident and what other people would think.

First, take a breath. If this happens to you, it's not your fault, and you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. IBD can make it difficult to control when you need to go, and you're not the only kid who worries about this.

💙 What if I have an accident?

Having a toilet accident can feel embarrassing, upsetting or even frightening. You might worry that your friends will find out or that it will happen again.

If it happens, remember:

• It's not your fault. Your body is dealing with a medical condition.

• You haven't done anything wrong.

• You deserve kindness and help, not teasing or embarrassment.

• You can get through this, even if it feels really difficult at the time.

Try to remember that an accident doesn't define you. It's something that happened, not who you are.

🧻 What should I do if it happens?

If you don't make it to the toilet, you might feel like you want to disappear. But there are things you can do to make the situation easier.

1. Find a trusted adult. Tell a teacher, school nurse or another adult who can help you.

2. Get somewhere private. Ask to use a bathroom where you can clean yourself up comfortably.

3. Change if you need to. Spare underwear, wipes and a change of clothes can help you feel more comfortable.

4. Take your time. You don't need to rush or feel embarrassed about needing a few minutes.

5. Tell your parent or carer. They can help you work out whether you need extra support with your symptoms.

You don't have to explain what happened to everyone. A trusted adult can help you handle the situation privately.

🎒 How can I feel more prepared?

You can't always predict when you'll need the toilet, but having a plan can help you feel less worried.

You could keep a small emergency kit in your school bag with:

• Spare underwear.

• A spare pair of shorts or trousers.

• Wet wipes or tissues.

• A sealable plastic bag for soiled clothes.

• Any other supplies you might need.

You could also ask your parent or carer to speak with your school about having a toilet pass, knowing which toilets you can use and keeping spare clothes somewhere accessible.

If you're going somewhere new, finding out where the toilets are can help you feel more confident, too.

Being prepared doesn't mean an accident will happen. It just means you'll know what to do if you need help.

🏫 What if I'm at school?

School can feel especially stressful because you might worry about asking to leave class or having other kids notice.

You have the right to ask for help with managing your IBD at school.

Talk to your parent or carer about arranging support with your teachers. They can help make sure you can leave class quickly when you need the toilet and have somewhere private to go if you need to change.

If you're worried about your classmates finding out, remember that you don't have to share personal medical information with them.

You can simply say, “I wasn't feeling well,” if you want to explain why you left.

💭 What if I'm always worried it will happen?

Sometimes, the fear of having an accident can become almost as difficult as the symptoms themselves.

You might avoid sleepovers, school trips, sport or going out with friends because you're scared you won't reach a toilet in time.

If this sounds familiar, please tell someone you trust. You deserve to enjoy these things without constantly feeling frightened.

Planning ahead, knowing where the toilets are and carrying spare supplies can help. Talking to a parent, counsellor or IBD nurse about your worries can help, too.

If you're having frequent urgency or accidents, tell your parent or carer so they can contact your IBD team. Your symptoms may need checking, and there may be ways to help you manage them better.

🌟 Remember, you're not alone

Worrying about toilet accidents is something many kids with IBD understand. It can feel embarrassing to talk about, but you never need to feel ashamed of your body or your condition.

If an accident happens, you deserve support and understanding. And if you're worried it might happen, you don't have to keep that fear to yourself.

IBD can be unpredictable, but you deserve to feel safe, supported and included wherever you go. 💙