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IBS and its relationship with stress.

Posted , 7 users are following.

bobcrachet
bobcrachet

I have suffered from IBS for over two years and have come to the conclusion that it is generated because I cannot properly cope with stress.

There seems to be a connection berween emotions and my gastrointestional tract. I seem to get IBS flare ups when I am worried about something or I spend too much time thinking about a problem I am unable to solve. This condition also affects my sleep which makes my IBS even worse.

I have had a Colonoscopy, four X rays and a CT scan. The hospital consultant could find nothing physically wrong. My GP said it was IBS.

I am trying to improve myself by relaxing more and putting problems out of my head. It does seem to have an effect.

If you have been diagnosed with IBS I would like to here your comments.

Best regards

Robert

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • libralady13
    libralady13 bobcrachet

    Posted

    Hello Robert,  Yes I completely agree that stress affects IBS.  I suffer from anxiety and know it affects my body in many ways.  I am 67 and have other health problem so it is hard to know what symptoms are from those and what are from anxiety. I would go as far to say that for some people it causes the IBS but not all.  It certainly make the condition worse.  As you say you have to learn to deal with stress which is not easy I know.  Stress and anxiety can affect your body in other ways not just the digestive system.  Good luck to you hope that can find a way to deal with your stress.
  • colin22073
    colin22073 bobcrachet

    Posted

    Yes I think my ibs may be stress related too, I did have problems in the past when I use to be a lecturer. I've just bought a book on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Don't know if it can be accomplished by yourself or if a therapist is necessary. I'll give anything a go to get rid of stress and ibs!
    • libralady13
      libralady13 colin22073

      Posted

      Hello Colin  I suffer from anxiety particularly health anxiety. I worry just I about everything.  I attended a CBT workshop (NHS) and did find it helped although I was unable to complete the course as I broke my wrist and was in a lot of pain so could not do the final session.  I am now seeing a CBT councillor on a one to one basis which is helping 

      a bit. Unfortunately much of my present problem is around health issues which are long term and being able to cope with them.  CBT teaches you that what you think affects how you feel and how you act.

      I won't go into detail as you have bought the book. Hope you find it useful.  Not sure if I can help but please ask any questions  about it if you want.  Good luck.

       

  • joseph17739
    joseph17739 bobcrachet

    Posted

    I agree totally I just had a flare up yesteday this was I am fairly sure[hard to be absolutely sure] due to a conversation I had on Friday about tax I need to sort out. I have been working on my subconscious mind trying to rid myself of self critical thoughts since I started  doing this as well as following the FODMAPS diet [since May] my episodes last for hours with less severe pain rather than weeks in the past. The best of luck with to stress management.
  • bobcrachet
    bobcrachet

    Posted

    Dear libralady,

    I would like to thank you for your reply. I have other health issues as well. The GP diagnosed type 2 diabetes with complications back in 1999.

    This IBS has been a very suttle thing fo start for me. Initally it was a slight irritation in my desending colon on my left side and my GP said it was probably diverticulitis, now I know that it is IBS because there was no sign of any diverticulitis  when they carried out my colonoscopy examination.

    I now have colon pains left and right, groin pain, tingling in my left hand and a misterious tickling sensation in my left shoulder blade during an IBS flare up.

    Don't feel you have to reply to me. I just feel that I should give you as much information as I can so you get a complete picture of what has happened in my particular case.

    Hope you feel better today

    Best wishes

    Robert

  • eilostnyc
    eilostnyc bobcrachet

    Posted

    Robert,

    I agree.  I worry about everything and it definitely gets to my stomach lately.  Also I have interstitial cystitis (bladder inflammation) for 3 years now and stress worsens that too,

  • eilostnyc
    eilostnyc bobcrachet

    Posted

    I agree its stress related.  I have IC (Interstitial Cystitis) which is inflamation of the bladder and stress aggravates that as well.  Yes IBS is dreadful and when you worry how you will go somewhere you dont want to go anywhere.  This is what I go through with having to urinate frequently.  Its such a problem.  Have a blessed holiday!
  • g75183
    g75183 bobcrachet

    Posted

    Hi, I have over the oast 1 and a half months been suffering from IBS almost the whole day of every day, first diagnosed 12 years ago...it came on strong after a bacterial infection....I have been stressing ever since, my stress is that of my stomach, I feel that these symptoms are more sinister, I do at times accept that this is GAD, common among IBS sufferers...this is an anxiety disorder in which you cannot shut off your mind, its a constant problem for me all day...this in turn causes me to have the flareups all day...pains in upper, lower abdomen and my stomach fills with butterflies most of the day..... there is a solution which is to work on your stresses and anxiety....I have been trying to do this for a few days, I have had small successes but it will take me time....if you suffer from all day every day IBS symptoms, try not to be afraid...I had blood tests etc and nothing was wrong....but my mind doesnt allow me to accept im fine....so you have to remove that stress in order for your IBS to relax....I am 100% sure that stress and anxiety, which both affect your stomach, is one of the main causes for bad IBS symptoms...which in turn leads to more stress....a vicoius cycle....but one that has to be broken if you want to live a normal life.
    • eilostnyc
      eilostnyc g75183

      Posted

      I understand what you are saying but I don't know where to begin to break the cycle.  I have several conditions that I worry and stress over especially this new one (IBS).  I also have interstitial cystitis which is a bladder inflammation that causes pain and frequency (similar to a UTI) but there is no infection.  I get bladder instillations via a catheter to help relieve that pain and I have a pill called Uribel to calm the bladder but I can't take it if I take an antidepressant cause it can have a dangerous side effect, but the antidepressant, called Celexa did help the cramping but causes headache, some insomnia, moodswings, so that makes for more anxiety.  I just don't know what to do.  Doctor want me to continue to take the antidepressant.  Its so hard.thanks for writing to me
  • B2014
    B2014 bobcrachet

    Posted

    Robert it most deffinately is stress related. I have had IBS (colitis, Proctitis, Diverticuli and gastric ulcers for over 20 years and the worse flares are ALWAYS after stressful times. It may not flare straight away it could be a few days or a couple of weeks after a situation but stress is guaranteed to cause a flare up. I can even predict the severity of on coming flare up depending on the severity of the stress endured. 

    I have learnt some good techniques to avoid stress where possible - it takes practice but it works and that is ...remain calm and take deep breaths where ever stressful situations arise. Keep reminding yourself what the stress will do and nothing is worth getting that upset about. I also have a collection of happy thoughts I use to avoid thinking about things that stress me out. Sound mad I know but it works. A simple smile on my face for a few minutes can prevent weeks of flare up misery.

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