Anyone also have IBS?
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Anyone also have IBS?
| Mon, 08-28-2006 - 4:16pm |
I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks (much better though now that I'm on meds) and also have mild irritable bowel syndrome. I'm finding that when my stomach is upset I get really anxious afterwards and start the dreaded cycle of "what ifs". What if I'm sick? What if it gets worse? You know the drill.
Anyone else feel this way? I've been working to make some dietary changes which have helped but now I worry every day about my stomach getting upset...even though it doesn't very often anymore. I do have fears of being sick which is what makes me so anxious but I just want to be able to enjoy the foods I like without worry.
Grrr...if it's not one thing it's another!! Any thoughts??
Thanks!! :)

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Yep!
Sheri Ann
Constipation, diahrea, bloating & gas are all symptoms, not fun!
Sheri Ann
Sheri Ann
I suffer the same thing. I think anxiety and IBS go hand-in-hand. I also suffer from high levels of stress and cortisol which not only affects my stomach by my mind as well. I'm a wreck!
But, dietary changes for IBS? Not gonna happen. This is because that each person's chemistry is uniquely different. But also unfortunately, too many foods contribute to aggravating IBS! If you were to cut them out, you'd fall into malnutrition. Blame stress. Blame the world we live in. But also, blame our weak stomachs.
Yes, I could have written your post! I think IBS and anxiety go hand in hand. I have had both of them under control for a while now (meaning I can live a semi normal life and "deal" with the anxiety when it comes up). ...Until last week when my anxiety (which conveniently comes with an added bonus, depression) grabbed hold of me. I'm miserable, and while I haven't really had an IBS flareup I am WORRYING about having one which is just as bad. I got a prescription for Zoloft which I am a little nervous to take...but I am hoping it will work for both. Because for me I either have Anxiety AND IBS or I don't. I never just have one. They are one and the same. Do you have anything that has worked for you? What meds are you on and are they working? How long do they take to start working? (I just got them yesterday).
Rachel
I know that stress is very much a part of IBS, so it's important to reduce the stress in our lives or find outlets such as exercise or hobbies, interests, etc. That has helped me in finding some balance with the debilitating diarrhea caused by my IBS. I did take cholestid granules(awful stuff) to help soak up the extra liquid in my bowel, but it never really worked that well. I haven't tried anything else.
Here's the link to the Stomach & Digestive Disorders Board where IBS is commonly discussed. They might have some answers for you.
It is no fun having to know the location of the nearest bathroom & be able to reach
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease 23 yrs. ago and have many of the same symptoms as IBS. The minute I become anxious I get diarrhea so it is kind of a double whammy. As time goes by you will easily be able to tell the difference between illness and IBS symptoms. Rarely have I actually been sick, it is usually the Crohn's. I have found that caffeine makes me more anxious and also really upsets my stomach, but everyone has different "triggers." I have also become more open about my issues with others so I don't have to feel embarrassed if I'm going to the bathroom all the time!!
Good luck
Jamie
Hi Rachel & welcome!
Sheri Ann
Hi Rachel!!!I also have IBS and have for years... long before I knew that I had Anxiety/Panic problems. I've been told I have a spastic Colon also.. lovely fun!! I have trouble eating certain foods - but my stomach will often cramp insanely after almost every meal... regardless of what it is.. but it's real bad if i eat breakfast foods! Somedays it takes forever to go eat 0- cause after we eat, I almost always have to go to the bathroom - either to go - or to double over from the cramping it causes. I don't think it's so much affected my anxiety at t his point - but only because i have problems all the time. I am in the process of finding a gastro dr. since i've been having so many problems with it - to a point that my food does not seem to be digesting properly. ICK.. i won't go into detail - will just say it's bothersome.
Good Luck!
Val
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