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IBS or health anxiety?

Posted , 6 users are following.

emily72476
emily72476

Hi all,

I'm 23, vegan, exercise a lot, rarely drink alcohol, don't smoke, drink lots of water, and generally lead a healthy life. I've had hemorrhoids for a while (talking like 2 years+!) and had these checked by the doctor who said they will just go by themselves. They haven't! I've tried various ointments, and increasing water and fibre intake and if anything they seem to be worse. I'm starting to think they'll never go and I'm also really embarrassed at having them at a young age and anxious about my long-term boyfriend seeing down there. Alongside this I also experience constant bloating and this is strangely worse after a bowel movement. This goes against what I read about IBS where a bowel movement is meant to relieve the bloat. Does anyone else have this?

I want to go to the gp about it but I also know I have health anxiety and don't want to burden the doctor with it if it's just anxiety (esp during the coronavirus pandemic), but I'm really sick of having all these digestive issues.

Should I bother with the gp? Is there anything I can do to relieve symptoms?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • audrey32349
    audrey32349 emily72476

    Posted

    Hi many times after a bm I do get sicker. I bloat constantly but many times I get cramps sometimes nausea and more bloated. It always feels like an incomplete bm.

  • sam90321
    sam90321 emily72476

    Posted

    sometimes after bowel movement i would get bloated and feeling sick, no relieve after, i honestly stick it out and eat light until it passes cause my dr dont know much so am stuck,i also have health anxiety and depression

  • sam18386
    sam18386 emily72476

    Posted

    hi Emily, having read your post i think seeing a doctor might help as confirming in your own mind what has happened will help put your mind at ease. if you have social anxiety ask someone close to go with you. it might be a good idea anyway because then you'll not just hear all the negative things your told. i wish you luck, i hope someone gives you some support.

  • rob2000
    rob2000 emily72476

    Edited

    I think you should try the fodmap diet and check what you are eating. Being a vegan might make it worse as you are eating more vegetables.

    Bloating is trapped gas and having a bowl movement doesn't mean it will go. I often wake up fine then get bloating at the end of the day, does not matter what i eat. You can buy over the counter medication for bloating which is good for this. .

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