Posted , 6 users are following.
I have recently been diagnosed with IBS. (no tests other than a stool sample). But i also suffer from severe aniexty disorder and have done for years. The doctors think the stress i suffer from has induced this horrible condition.
My aniextys roll around my health mainly. So im finding this new change at increasingly diffiicult to manage and whats worse, im not sure if my symptoms are normal for IBS or not.
It tends to flare up when i am more nervous/ on my own and not doing anything. If im busy and out i seem fine (touch wood). I suffer from loose stool, at times i have a number of BM a day. When this dies down i will go days with no BM at all. (not constipation) Then it will flare again. This period of time with nothing sends me into a paranoid state as i dont like leaving the house when i have a flare up. So far the only food i can pinpoint a reaction from is mints and nerves. Any other food and when im positive i seem ok.
I beg for a period where i can go back to normal. Just for a time as doing research it says symptoms will die down. But when? This has been going on a few weeks now. The doctors are useless. They gave me Mebeverine which i have just started today to see if it helps. (fingers crossed) But other than that told me to just leave it till it settles. Easier said than done though.
Im only 20 years old and i feel like the rest of my life is now on hold. Its very depressing. I have been upped on my aniexty medication which im hoping will take the edge off. But how do you cope with BOTH conditions? Can someone please shed some light on this?!
0 likes, 23 replies
Emzleeds emily_92420
Posted
Hi huni, I am 28 years old and have had ibs now for around 16 years and over the time due to things ive been through i develoed depression and anxiety, Which any psychological illnesses or disorders will cause your ibs to be worsened. I am a loose stool ibs sufferer and can be best buddies with the loo for hours before i go out and can continue through the day, I have learned over the years that the only way i can go out anywhere and not suffer with toiletting is to take a codiene before i go anywhere and that bungs me up until the evening, But then the next day i can have the relapse of my ibs not been so great. Long term regular codiene is not good just like any medications especially being such a heavy duty drug so i would ask to be referred to a bowel specialist where they can try other meds with you first and trial things out, unlike myself the other given meds to help ibs sufferers do not work on me :-( So i rely on the codiene to have a "normal" life otherwise i would be indoors or out and incontinent. Try to look at your stress and anxiety levels and ways that you can self help yourself rather than looking straight at the ibs. My anxiety plays up like crazy when im outdoors in a crowded or unknown area so i either try to avoid it or have a codiene a few times a week ( which my consultant told me to take upto 12 a day if needed, which it isnt) Maybe counselling can help? Look at your diet, Cut out stress and anxiety where you an control and also get intouch with a new circle of friend ( online? groups?) that you feel comfortable talking to and who are going through the same thing, As my friends giggle at me and make jokes of the situations my ibs can put me in, But in the end i actually giggle along. I'l be happy to keep intouch if you need someone to talk to :-) and here for anyone else too xx
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emily_92420 Emzleeds
Posted
Its so lovely on here! I thought when posting this i wouldn't get a good response but is so lovely to have people who know and understand what i am going through. My other half sits and listens but he doesn't understand it enough to offer advice or to really help in support. He is just someone to vent to.
Im really hoping the Mebeverine has a good affect on me. So far today it hasn't but only on my second dose. Although im sorry to hear your condition is so bad. Makes me feel lucky in a way to have it on a minor scale when you read some of the other stories.
I have picked up lots of information today and hopefully with the medication can try and get this condition under control a bit. If all else fails im going back to the doctors to ask for further tests as they seem reluctant to offer them to me at the moment.
Im almost certain if i didnt find this site i would of lost my mind. Feeling so much better.
n1710 emily_92420
Posted
Hi Emily,
Firstly remember, it is not disease or infection which can be fixed by medicine in one go. Basically, it is malfunctioning so it would be controlled over time.Trust me in my case anxiety was worse. My doctor is used to say - stomach is second brain. So even whatever your subconscious mind retains as depression/negative thought/hate/anger, impacts your stomach. And yes,
some foods or bad bacterias make this condition hell.
Now, way to come out of it:
1. Try to make your conscious / subconscious mind at peace
2. Listen to soothing music, talk to friendly people
3. Focus on healthy diet with small meal . Probiotic is good way to maintain good bacteria
4. Meditate on anything you trust the most (parents, God..), try to make yourself understand you'll manage everything and you're fine. Meditation or Yoga whatever you find easy..try from tomorrow.
5. Start your morning slow (may be with some health drink, a good call, nice music)
6. If you're afraid of anything specific, try to find out way to kill that insecurity.
7. Make small wins, that help to regain confidence. And get disconnect to
anything which pulls you back to anxiety.
I am sure after some time , You'll be helping others to kill anxiety
Best Wishes
NS
emily_92420 n1710
Posted
Hi NS
Does that mean the Mebeverine may take a while to fully work? As from what i have read it normally has a quick action.
Yes my doctor has said that to me. And just recently i have believed it. The tiniest bit of aniexty or stress immediatly goes to my stomach and thus flares up my IBS. Sometimes it flares up before i even realise im nervous.
Thankyou. I have researched some diets, meal plans and keeping up with a food diary. As well as all the tips and support on here. I used to cope with my aniexty rather well as could predict my bodies reactions and control them. But with IBS i have no real control of it and therefore its giving me a sense of insecurity. However this is all rather fresh so maybe once its sinked in i will be able to cope with it better. One can only hope!!
philippa61759 emily_92420
Posted
emily_92420 philippa61759
Posted
philippa61759 emily_92420
Posted
Initially, my IBS made me anxious when I didn't know what was wrong. Now my symptoms don't really panic me.
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