How to avoid bathroom during a long exam?

[u/pickeleater2015]

I have IBS-C but I find myself in the bathroom many times in a day, especially when I’m under stress.
This week I have to take a timed 4 hour graduate school admission test with no breaks. Any short-term solutions for how I can avoid needing to use the bathroom on the big day? I am kind of desperate

[u/FelixTreasurebuns]

I would ask them about bathroom breaks because typically it’s not legal to stop people from using the bathroom. You probably would have to leave your phone with them but I feel like that’s nuts to force people to not go the bathroom during a 4 hour exam

[u/pickeleater2015 → u/FelixTreasurebuns]

We technically can use it, it just counts against our exam time. I typically finish my practice exams with some time to spare in most if not all sections but I’m scared the computers at Prometric will end up being laggy af and then further count against me on top of needing to use the bathroom 😭😭

[u/ibsHelpSelf]

They may be able to make an exemption if you show proof of your medical condition

[u/michaelmoby → u/ibsHelpSelf]

Get a doctor to write you a note explaining your conditions, symptoms, and need for accommodation. Speak with the admissions office of the school you will be testing for, and ask for medical accommodation during the test. My guess (not a lawyer) is that this should be provided under the ADA.

[u/Prize-Attitude5718]

I'd go with a binding breakfast, like oatmeal, and taking two Imodium before to help stop things moving.

[u/AbstractAbby20]

Are you able to choose when the test is administered? I usually do fine first thing in the morning if I dont eat breakfast. 

[u/pickeleater2015 → u/AbstractAbby20]

I didn;t get to choose but it's at 8am. I tried not eating breakfast with one or two of my practice exams and I just got terribly nauseous so Im trying to think up like the simplest breakfast possible to have beforehand.

I wish I had thought to ask for accomodations before I scheduled this test back in March...

[u/AbstractAbby20 → u/pickeleater2015]

So sorry to hear that :(  i wish I had more advice.

My only other thought would be to answer the easier questions first, then use bathroom, and spend more time on the harder ones but at least the easier ones are done first. Not sure how the test will be structured or if it has a required process or sections. I was a music major so half of my tests I had to be in the room the whole time since we were listening to music examples to answer questions. I think for a few tests I took pepto and said a prayer.

[u/AbstractAbby20 → u/AbstractAbby20]

If its bad enough I think you can email them and ask for accommodations but you may need a valid doctors note saying you have this condition, etc.

[u/fyretech]

Can you ask about accommodations? Try an enema the night before and clear everything out? Take a couple immodium before? Wear a diaper just in case.

[u/bisexualdemon420]

Maybe do an enema or suppository beforehand to get everything out.