I don't have any health conditions that cause me anxiety. On the contrary - I make myself sick when I have a panic attack (or in my case anticipatory panic before a bus or taxi ride). For example - if I order a taxi to come at 8am (like this morning) - then I will give myself diarhhea and need to run to the toilet 6 times before the taxi comes. But I know that it is anxiety that is doing this because if the taxi wasnt' coming - I wouldn't need to go to the toilet even once.
I also do not have a health condition that causes me anxiety - it's the anxiety that makes me have physical symptoms that cause me to feel ill. For instance, when I'm anxious, my neck and head muscles tense up, my breathing becomes shallow and uncomfortable, my chest tightens, sometimes my throat feels like it's closing, and I get dizzy. I also may get headaches and a nauseous stomach. This is my anxiety at its worst. But I do find that if I do not pay attention to my symptoms, they last for a shorter period of time, and eventually go away. It's when I give them my full attention and let fear build up that anxiety gets at its worst, and may turn to panic. It's not fun, but I'm learning to accept it, and continue on my path to recovery.
Such a good question, Suz! I can clearly see that Sarah & Karissa have come to terms with their anxiety & have a good handle on it. You go ladies! Keep up the good work!
I used to have such fear that I was dying of a heart attack. I would get chest pain & difficulty breathing. I lived with that for a long time. When, I finally addressed that fear & was able to dismiss it, those symptoms disappeared. I admit other ones have drifted in & out, off & on, but never with such a strong hold on me. It is possible that with my diabetes & increasing age(LOL) heart disease poses a real threat to me. But, I don't want to go back there. So, I am really working on my diet. My blood sugars have been much improved with extra testing & increased insulin. I am taking Questran to help get my cholesterol down even lower, as research now shows that diabetics need lower numbers to avoid heart disease. I have not started a good exercise routine, but I am parking the car farther from my destination (this helps my anxiety, too) & hauling this butt up the stairs rather than using the elevator. I read a blurb about how standing was actually good for you, as far as using more muscles & improving your balance. Even eats up more calories. So, last week, I stood in the tire store for 35 minutes. You well know my fear of standing in line, but there was no line. It was invigorating to play a little game in my head that I could wait it out & not run for a chair:) or leave, due to anxiety. Ok. Ok. Still not an official exercise program, but it'll come. (((hugs))) jan
I am with everyone else really. My only physical symptoms are caused from the anxiety itself. The only other thing would be my great fear of driving on the highway either it be myself or with other person driving, this has caused me to make many excuses and caused much embarrasment on my part for many years, and also I have missed out on doing and enjoying so much with family and friends over the years, this is my biggest fear and the one I would love to beable to cure and the one that seems to be the hardest to deal with. When I get to see the Psychologist that I have an appt with this will be one of the things I most want to work on, plus I started a new book today called "From Panic To Power" by Lucinda Bassett, I'm sure one of you out there has read it or heard of it, I am really excited to get into it and know that it is going to be of great help to me I just have that feeling.
Hi I do have health issues which have caused me to have increased anxiety. I have bad allergies and it effects my ears also. Soooooo I get a bit dizzy to say the least. This is and has been a problem I had to work on. Ok Judy so your dizzy you are not dying you are not going to fall----- etc etc! I also hate to sweat and being 56 living in Florida has been an adjustment! I used to love the heat when younger--- it reminds me of the hot feeling when panic comes on-- but again the self talk and exposing myself to sweating and NOT PANICKING when it happens. It seems if I expose myself to it and gradually build up how long I can take it the fear disappears!! I also have Celiac Disease and am not supposed to eat ANY Gluten which is in wheat products for one! NOT DOING GOOD HERE!! Which causes stomach pain, constipation and bloating grrrrrrrrr Well I guess that is about it for now- Be GOOD to YOURSELF Judy
That *is* a good question Suz...speaking of anxiety, I feel anxious just talking about this with you gals (you'll read why). My answer got really long...sorry everybody. Maybe a couple of you who posted earlier talking about anxiety making you sick will find this a little useful though.
I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some people have IBS where they easily become constipated; some have IBS where they frequently have diarrhea; still others, including me, have IBS with both. IBS can create sort of a "feedback loop" with anxiety. If my stomach is upset, I am more anxious...if I'm anxious, my stomach is more likely to be upset. I never know which way this is going to go. Sometimes, anxiety can make me constipated and I have a very, very bad stomachache for days...other times, it can give me diarrhea and I'll be sick all day. I never know which will happen.
It's really hard to tell people about having IBS. I've only actually explained to a few people. Anything dealing with "poop" is just hard to talk about with people. With the exception of the people I went on an extended camping trip with, NO ONE wants to talk about their toilet habits, or hear about someone else's. Also, a lot of people don't believe it exists. For example, at lunch one day friends and I were joking around about words to use as names for the computer players in a video game we play. One friend suggested that we use diseases, so the messages could be things like "You were killed by pnuemonia". Another friend then said we should use "names of diseases only hypochondriacs get" the messages could be things like "You were killed by irritable bowel syndrome". How do you tell people who already thing the condition is imaginary that you missed school/work/whatever because of it?
I've been able to do a few things about the IBS. The first is to take fiber supplements to prevent constipation. That can be hard sometimes. Even though I use the tablet form instead of one of those powders, I feel like a little old lady having to take it. But, usually it works. The second is to try and always keep immodium, pepto bismol, or both on hand. There are bottles of pepto permenantly located in my desk at work and my best friend's medicine cabinet. I usually keep a couple immodium tablets in my bookbag. The third has been much harder. People with IBS often have "trigger" foods that are more likely to cause an attack. I've isolated drinks with caffeine and fatty foods as two of my major triggers. Both of these can be *really* hard to avoid. Caffeine is my biggest trigger. Except for chocolate and the wee bit in decaf tea, I've completely eliminated it from my diet. I miss iced tea at resturaunts sooooo much. Once since I decided to eliminate caffeine, I forgot and got a regular Coke. I had to leave work because I was sick. Fatty foods aren't as big of a problem, but once in a while, they really get me. Yesterday, I fell victim to my fried chicken and was sick when I had a paper to write (yes, I got it done). Even trying to avoid these though, sometimes I still get sick and have no idea why.
I know there are prescription medicines for IBS. They really aren't for the kind I have. The one advertised on TV, Zelnorm, is for the people with constipation but not diarrhea. Sometimes doctors prescribe anti-spasmodics but they can make you *really* drowsy and are for people with really frequent (like everyday) diarrhea. I've also tried a supplement called Pro-Biotica that has "healthy bacteria" for the gut. That works for some people, it made me constipated.
There's not one thing you said, Shelley, that I can't relate to. I think it was about 10 years ago, I was sitting on the throne for the umpteenth time one day & it occured to me that having a bm was a natural thing, but why in hell's half acre was I feeling so sick performing a natural bodily function?
I stick to my water, fiber & starvation if I have someplace to go & worry about the location of a bathroom. Potlucks are guaranteed misery producers, so I eat lightly. If anyone mentions it, I use my diabetes as a valid excuse. I never took pepto, immodium or any new drugs, since I am so fearful. I am taking questran now for cholesterol reduction & it has the added benefit of reducing bms as it contains a resin that attaches to bile salts in the bowel. I spent 3 entire days & nights fearing for my life but the questran is my friend now. I survived! Go figure. I get alot of support on the IBS board here on iVillage. Whoever suggested to you that IBS was imaginary, please give me their name & number. I will gladly have a go @ them:) (((hugs))) jan
I have physical problems that definitely aggravate my anxiety. I have occasional migraines and suffer from very bad PMS. My husband often notices when I am really, really anxious, I usually have a bad headache. I also find if I am not eating right or exercising, I get more anxious. Maybe being good to ourselves is the answer.
Pages
I don't have any health conditions that cause me anxiety. On the contrary - I make myself sick when I have a panic attack (or in my case anticipatory panic before a bus or taxi ride). For example - if I order a taxi to come at 8am (like this morning) - then I will give myself diarhhea and need to run to the toilet 6 times before the taxi comes.
But I know that it is anxiety that is doing this because if the taxi wasnt' coming - I wouldn't need to go to the toilet even once.
Love Sarah
Hello,
I also do not have a health condition that causes me anxiety - it's the anxiety that makes me have physical symptoms that cause me to feel ill. For instance, when I'm anxious, my neck and head muscles tense up, my breathing becomes shallow and uncomfortable, my chest tightens, sometimes my throat feels like it's closing, and I get dizzy. I also may get headaches and a nauseous stomach. This is my anxiety at its worst. But I do find that if I do not pay attention to my symptoms, they last for a shorter period of time, and eventually go away. It's when I give them my full attention and let fear build up that anxiety gets at its worst, and may turn to panic. It's not fun, but I'm learning to accept it, and continue on my path to recovery.
Thanks for listening,
Karissa
Such a good question, Suz! I can clearly see that Sarah & Karissa have come to terms with their anxiety & have a good handle on it. You go ladies! Keep up the good work!
I used to have such fear that I was dying of a heart attack. I would get chest pain & difficulty breathing. I lived with that for a long time. When, I finally addressed that fear & was able to dismiss it, those symptoms disappeared. I admit other ones have drifted in & out, off & on, but never with such a strong hold on me. It is possible that with my diabetes & increasing age(LOL) heart disease poses a real threat to me. But, I don't want to go back there. So, I am really working on my diet. My blood sugars have been much improved with extra testing & increased insulin. I am taking Questran to help get my cholesterol down even lower, as research now shows that diabetics need lower numbers to avoid heart disease. I have not started a good exercise routine, but I am parking the car farther from my destination (this helps my anxiety, too) & hauling this butt up the stairs rather than using the elevator. I read a blurb about how standing was actually good for you, as far as using more muscles & improving your balance. Even eats up more calories. So, last week, I stood in the tire store for 35 minutes. You well know my fear of standing in line, but there was no line. It was invigorating to play a little game in my head that I could wait it out & not run for a chair:) or leave, due to anxiety. Ok. Ok. Still not an official exercise program, but it'll come. (((hugs))) jan
I have bad allergies and it effects my ears also. Soooooo I get a bit dizzy to say the least. This is and has been a problem I had to work on. Ok Judy so your dizzy you are not dying you are not going to fall----- etc etc!
I also hate to sweat and being 56 living in Florida has been an adjustment! I used to love the heat when younger--- it reminds me of the hot feeling when panic comes on--
but again the self talk and exposing myself to sweating and NOT PANICKING when it happens.
It seems if I expose myself to it and gradually build up how long I can take it the fear disappears!!
I also have Celiac Disease and am not supposed to eat ANY Gluten which is in wheat products for one! NOT DOING GOOD HERE!! Which causes stomach pain, constipation and
bloating grrrrrrrrr
Well I guess that is about it for now- Be GOOD to YOURSELF Judy
i have had diabetes since i was 11.
so when weak, etc.. i wonder is it my sugar
so i check my levels and always know where
they are....low blood sugar feels like anxiety..
and i smoke, so i worry about my health.
That *is* a good question Suz...speaking of anxiety, I feel anxious just talking about this with you gals (you'll read why). My answer got really long...sorry everybody. Maybe a couple of you who posted earlier talking about anxiety making you sick will find this a little useful though.
I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some people have IBS where they easily become constipated; some have IBS where they frequently have diarrhea; still others, including me, have IBS with both. IBS can create sort of a "feedback loop" with anxiety. If my stomach is upset, I am more anxious...if I'm anxious, my stomach is more likely to be upset. I never know which way this is going to go. Sometimes, anxiety can make me constipated and I have a very, very bad stomachache for days...other times, it can give me diarrhea and I'll be sick all day. I never know which will happen.
It's really hard to tell people about having IBS. I've only actually explained to a few people. Anything dealing with "poop" is just hard to talk about with people. With the exception of the people I went on an extended camping trip with, NO ONE wants to talk about their toilet habits, or hear about someone else's. Also, a lot of people don't believe it exists. For example, at lunch one day friends and I were joking around about words to use as names for the computer players in a video game we play. One friend suggested that we use diseases, so the messages could be things like "You were killed by pnuemonia". Another friend then said we should use "names of diseases only hypochondriacs get" the messages could be things like "You were killed by irritable bowel syndrome". How do you tell people who already thing the condition is imaginary that you missed school/work/whatever because of it?
I've been able to do a few things about the IBS. The first is to take fiber supplements to prevent constipation. That can be hard sometimes. Even though I use the tablet form instead of one of those powders, I feel like a little old lady having to take it. But, usually it works. The second is to try and always keep immodium, pepto bismol, or both on hand. There are bottles of pepto permenantly located in my desk at work and my best friend's medicine cabinet. I usually keep a couple immodium tablets in my bookbag. The third has been much harder. People with IBS often have "trigger" foods that are more likely to cause an attack. I've isolated drinks with caffeine and fatty foods as two of my major triggers. Both of these can be *really* hard to avoid. Caffeine is my biggest trigger. Except for chocolate and the wee bit in decaf tea, I've completely eliminated it from my diet. I miss iced tea at resturaunts sooooo much. Once since I decided to eliminate caffeine, I forgot and got a regular Coke. I had to leave work because I was sick. Fatty foods aren't as big of a problem, but once in a while, they really get me. Yesterday, I fell victim to my fried chicken and was sick when I had a paper to write (yes, I got it done). Even trying to avoid these though, sometimes I still get sick and have no idea why.
I know there are prescription medicines for IBS. They really aren't for the kind I have. The one advertised on TV, Zelnorm, is for the people with constipation but not diarrhea. Sometimes doctors prescribe anti-spasmodics but they can make you *really* drowsy and are for people with really frequent (like everyday) diarrhea. I've also tried a supplement called Pro-Biotica that has "healthy bacteria" for the gut. That works for some people, it made me constipated.
Anyway, so that was *really* long. sorry.
Shelley
Blessings, Suz
Posts in this Community ![]()
There's not one thing you said, Shelley, that I can't relate to. I think it was about 10 years ago, I was sitting on the throne for the umpteenth time one day & it occured to me that having a bm was a natural thing, but why in hell's half acre was I feeling so sick performing a natural bodily function?
I stick to my water, fiber & starvation if I have someplace to go & worry about the location of a bathroom. Potlucks are guaranteed misery producers, so I eat lightly. If anyone mentions it, I use my diabetes as a valid excuse. I never took pepto, immodium or any new drugs, since I am so fearful. I am taking questran now for cholesterol reduction & it has the added benefit of reducing bms as it contains a resin that attaches to bile salts in the bowel. I spent 3 entire days & nights fearing for my life but the questran is my friend now. I survived! Go figure. I get alot of support on the IBS board here on iVillage. Whoever suggested to you that IBS was imaginary, please give me their name & number. I will gladly have a go @ them:) (((hugs))) jan
Pages