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Hey there, crinklers and friends. If you’ve followed my journey for a while, you probably already know that diapers aren’t just a fun kink or cute aesthetic for me — they’re a legitimate part of managing my day-to-day life. A big reason why? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the sneaky gut gremlin that’s been tagging along since my teenage years.
For those who might be new to the topic: IBS is a chronic gut-brain interaction disorder. It causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and wildly unpredictable bowel habits — diarrhea, constipation, or the dreaded mix of both. The nerves in your intestines get overly sensitive, the muscles contract abnormally, and suddenly your gut is throwing a tantrum because your brain sent the wrong text message. It’s not dangerous in the sense that it doesn’t damage your intestines or raise cancer risk, but oh boy does it disrupt your life.
Here’s a great video that breaks down IBS a little more:
My own story started with an Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) diagnosis back in 2013, but the IBS label came a few years later. Looking back, the signs were there way earlier — unpredictable “emergencies,” bloating that made me look six months pregnant, and bathroom trips that felt like they belonged in an action movie.
The part that really changed everything for me, though? Bowel incontinence as a direct result of the IBS.
Here’s what a typical “surge” looks like in my world:
The urge hits fast. Not a gentle building pressure — more like someone flipped the emergency switch. I usually have about 30–45 seconds to get somewhere safe before things go sideways. If I don’t make it in time, I get one of two outcomes:
- Extreme discomfort — sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, the whole “I’m about to pass out” package.
- A very real, very messy accident.
Thanks to wearing diapers every day, I can usually just handle it. No desperate sprint across the house, no clenching for dear life, no public humiliation roulette. I can answer the call of nature right where I am, stay safe, and move on. It’s honestly one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades I’ve ever made.
Here’s something sobering: my warning window keeps shrinking. Every five years or so, I lose about another five seconds. When I was younger, I could hold it longer. These days? It’s a sprint. And yeah, plenty of people in my life (both in and out of the community) have looked at my situation and just nodded like, “Of course Crinkle Cat needs diapers. This tracks.”
During the actual movement, there’s often pain — sometimes mild cramping, sometimes sharp and mean. Occasionally there’s bleeding, which is always a fun little bonus that sends me straight to the doctor for reassurance. By the time I’m done, I’m wiped out. Heavy fatigue sets in, and I’ve usually lost so much water and electrolytes from frequent, watery stools that I feel like a wrung-out sponge.
One question I get asked a lot is, “How do you deal with this in public?”
Everyone in the AB/DL community knows someone (or knows of someone) who’s messed their diaper in public for the thrill of it. But honestly, when people do that on purpose, it creates more stigma for those of us who don’t have a choice — and I very much fall into that second category. Managing incontinence and IBS in public is not easy. It takes planning, preparation, and the right gear.
When I’m out and about, I rely on NorthShore MegaMax diapers. They’re proven to have some of the best odor protection on the market, which is absolutely critical when you’re dealing with sudden, watery IBS episodes. I always have a well-stocked diaper bag in the trunk of my car — changes, wipes, disposal bags, the works. It’s my safety net.
Eating out (or even just eating in general) is a whole strategy. I focus on low-FODMAP foods whenever possible: lean proteins like chicken or fish, safe fruits (bananas, berries, oranges), low-FODMAP veggies (carrots, spinach, zucchini, sweet potatoes), gluten-free grains (rice, quinoa, oats), plus probiotics like yogurt or kefir, and tons of water. I gradually add soluble fiber from things like oats or chia seeds to help steady things. After meals, I take papaya enzymes with mint and chlorophyll — they really help with digestion and noticeably reduce the odor of any bowel movements.
And when the inevitable happens and I do have a movement? I change as soon as it’s safe. That’s where NorthShore’s Supreme Quilted Extra-Large Adult Cleansing Wipes come in clutch. They’re thick, super gentle, and actually clean up watery, messy stool without falling apart — highly recommend if IBS is part of your life.
For disposal, I swear by NorthShore DiscreetShield Scented Adult Diaper Disposal Bags. The opaque navy color completely hides the contents, and the fresh scent locks in odors so well that I can toss them in a public restroom trash can without a second thought. They make being out in the world feel way less stressful.
For anyone outside the AB/DL and babyfur communities dealing with IBS-related incontinence: I see you. It does affect quality of life. A lot. The anxiety, the planning, the constant “where’s the nearest bathroom” radar. It’s exhausting.
But for me? Diapers flipped the script. What started as a medical necessity became part of who I am, part of the joy and comfort I find in this lifestyle. I’m not “just” dealing with IBS anymore. I’m living with it, padded, protected, and honestly a lot happier because of it.
If you’re struggling with similar issues, whether you’re in the community or not — be kind to yourself. Talk to doctors, find what management tools work for you, and remember that needing extra protection doesn’t make you less. Sometimes it just makes you smarter about taking care of yourself.
Stay crinkly, stay hydrated, and take it easy on that tummy.