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Crohn's ibs anxiety. For real?

Posted , 4 users are following.

ol05758
ol05758

Hello all

Does crohns really affect anxiety.  I've had crohns for 20 years  had operation back then hitch cured it but left with some inflammation and some minor bleeding.  But anxiety on and off stopped for  4 years. And then on then a bit better for 6 months now real bad.  Yet inflammation always there so anxiety should be too right?

Even tried fodmap diet. Lost weight but felt worse

Anyone else have something to say about links to anxiety?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • sheila51371
    sheila51371 ol05758

    Posted

    Hi ol05758

    When I first was diagnosed with Crohns I was in my 20's, now 73 and then and it was felt at that time that you had mental/nervous issues, which was certainly wrong in my case, but of course you lose a lot of weight so they think you may have anorexia etc. I have to say the pain I suffered at that time, with food trying to make itself go through and then having eaten you are paranoic about the nearest loo. I think anxiety comes from the actual complaint, because friends and relatives, however close, have no idea what you go through and you are constantly having to make excuses not to go out. 2 hours before you might hasve liked the idea, but within 2 hours you may be rolling on the floor in pain. IBS has similar side affects I believe, but unfortunately Crohns is a lot more serious, because in most cases it means that your immune system is compramised, You develop strange reactions to smells and sometimes tablets. I think you may be able to use a calming down procedure, rather like the Chinese do and I did some of this so that I would not stress when out with others on a picnic and realising there was no toilet nearby. You have said you have become anxious, can you tell me why and when you find this happening, is it because you don't think you can cope? or other reasons. Sorry I have not been much help but I do think sufferers of Crohns or IBS have a lot to put up with and like the song goes - Something has to give. Don't be hard on yourself. Tell others if they do not appear to understand why you are anxious. Believe me, most people including specialists in both complaints would not like to have the complaint. It's far reaching and sometimes confusing.

    Best wishes and hope you feel more able to cope soon.

    Sheila 51371

  • stephaney28634
    stephaney28634 ol05758

    Posted

    Hi,  i think anxiety is worsened by having crohn's and flare up.

    • sheila51371
      sheila51371 stephaney28634

      Posted

      Totally agree with you. I think one day they will produce a tablet that stops the anxiety when it is coupled with the nasty flareups that occur. The fact that it freaks you out to know things are not behaving and you are waiting for how bad the flare up will be and what more you will have to deal with. It is hard and you and I know that.

      Best wishes

      Sheila 51371

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