Posted , 6 users are following.
Why is ibs and anxiety linked ? Is it because of your fear you won't get to the restroom quick enough ? Or going out ? Or is it the unknown you have had all of the tests but fear they have missed something ? Mine is the last one could you tell me your thoughts on this many thanks
0 likes, 14 replies
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Amarna denise38168
Posted
I'm somebody who suffers with a variety of issues, ones that seem to have a foundation in IBS (amongst others), and I've come to realise over time just how interconnected things can be (and thus it's difficult to diagnose root causes for things like this)
As far as IBS and Anxiety specifically, I look at the science.
The involuntary nervous system regulates many things in the body. One of those is the digestive system. The Vagus nerve, or cranial nerve, links these together.
In the wider scheme of things it makes sense to assume that any irritation or problems with that system could cascade into feelings widely described by IBS sufferers. From phantom aches and pains, to imbalance and disorientation and likely even anxiety and nausea.
Plenty of things I have read have shown a correlation between the build up of pressure in the intestine and stomach (from digestive issues) to a feeling of panic, impending doom and fear.
So, depending on how your IBS manifests itself there can be alot more going on than simply picking out a specific fear or worry itself.
That all said, I can relate to your post. Anxiety certainly can be worsened by personal triggers as you describe. For me, as time went on, it became things I'd used to do easily - like travelling in busy environments and the feeling that I couldn't leave them easily.
Being at home didn't necessarily cure those feelings completely but it certainly made them less prevalent throughout the day.
It's a mix of things. It's why IBS, Anxiety and a whole host of interconnected issues are so hard to diagnose. Our body after all is one big giant system. When one cog doesn't work properly, the whole engine suffers.
astrozombie Amarna
Posted
"Being at home didn't necessarily cure those feelings completely but it certainly made them less prevalent throughout the day."
I could not agree more. I went back to work for 2 weeks and I became so Ill I could not cope. I am not in now and I am fine. I tell my body it is important I need to do well and make a good impression and my body behaves in the opposite way.
Maybe I need a job where I don't care.
Amarna astrozombie
Posted
I think I've possibly traced the origin of my IBS to Chiari 1 - but waiting for evaluation is slow.
astrozombie Amarna
Posted
Good for you.
Lotsofpain denise38168
Posted
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help-now/anxiety-information/anxiety-disorders/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
astrozombie denise38168
Posted
I was the sort who would spend ages in the loo prior to examinations but never expected this to become a part of daily life. It used to only happen in stressful situations as with most people here it has become more regular.
I therefore wonder if a lot of IBS sufferers were people who would become ill in stressful situations but at some point our bodies stopped recognising the difference between stressful situations and just situations.
Therefore what was once normal anxiety moves into abnormal anxiety. I would say my own is abnormal anxiety now.
Amarna astrozombie
Posted
A lot of people do seem to follow the Anxiety > IBS route but then just as many the opposite; with Anxiety ending up as a symptom of IBS, having had no previous abnormal anxiety at all.
Diagnosis is frustrating for several connected conditions because of the effects Anxiety can have/ or appear to mimic generally.
I think there is a point where the slow speed of diagnosis (especially relevent in the UK with NHS waiting times) can create a building of Anxiety on top of actual conditions themselves.
It makes it harder then still to determine a conditions origin. A neurologist is supposed to beable to help fit the symptoms together with the their root causes but it's seldom that easy.
astrozombie Amarna
Posted
i am quite a neurotic person so I think anxiety drives my IBS. This would also explain why I am ill one day after eating certain foods but then I can eat the same week after week before I am ill again.
I do not disagree but where I say anxiety increases the speed of certain parts of the body lungs, heart etc and this can drive illness is still correct but may not be the same for everyone.
I have spoken to some people about this and certain people know X food makes them Ill so if they eat X food they know illness will follow. I do not have a food which induces illness.
I agree with that. If we are left waiting this can certainly instil uncertainty.
It it is difficult with me as I suffer with ASD and a lot of people with ASD suffer with anxiety and it is not uncommon to have stomach related issues so in that area I fit the stereotype.
What I do know is elevated stress makes me very ill and after only being back in work for a week I have already started taking days out. Therefore sitting at home or in the library I am much better than I am commuting to work where the journey often stresses me and then I get stressed watching my communication to ensure I do not upset anyone. I do not often succeed as being rude comes naturally even when not intended.
Amarna astrozombie
Posted
I do know one thing. All our symptoms combine to form a shroud that covers who we really are deep down. We aren't our illnesses but people struggling to be ourselves despite them.
You should be commended for caring enough to try and regulate what your symptoms make almost 'natural' as you put it.
Continuing to reach beyond what our conditions try to bend us towards, finding the will to try and manage it and then coming here to try and help others with theirs is no small order. Hold on to that positive. It's an invaluable aid to people passing by here, even if many don't comment I know they certainly benefit.
astrozombie Amarna
Posted
We are not our illnesses but it is difficult to be accepted with them. It was the main reason my relationship broke up so if for nothing else I will always curse my symptoms. I am also finding it difficult to get back to work as I feel safe on my sofa. When I was in work I would ensure I was in and parked near the public loos 1 HR 40 mins just to avoid traffic and just in case. No wonder I was ill Easter weekend it is exhausting to live like this.
Thank you that is kind of you to say although those close to me get bored of it as it makes me unwell, unpredictable, late and very difficult to plan a day out. Also I regularly let people down which leads me to lose them out of my life.
Indeed it is my full time job at the moment. It is difficult as I want what I had but find it difficult now which means it is difficult to be me. I am a person who works hard in a stressful role and takes the odd weekend out to treat his g/f and drive down to Dorset or up to Whitby. That is who I was anyway.
Thank you
philippa61759 denise38168
Posted
astrozombie philippa61759
Posted
val46767 denise38168
Posted
My doctor suggested using a hot water bottle on the stomach, it works surprisingly well.
astrozombie val46767
Posted