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Stress-Related IBS?

Posted , 4 users are following.

charlotte82605
charlotte82605

Hello all. I've always had problems with my bowels and I'm regularly getting diarrhoea often, usually it only happens after I've eaten something that doesn't agree with me, like takeaway. About 7 years ago when I was at school, I was dealing with a lot of stress and ended up with upset stomach almost daily, causing me to miss lots of school. Recently, I've been suffering with severe anxiety, which causes IBS-like symptoms almost immediately (diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain) and makes my anxiety so much worse. Over the last few weeks I've had stomach pain and upset tummy almost daily, and the only way to stop it is to take Imodium. So I'm currently in a cycle of Anxiety ? Diarrhoea ? Imodium ? Blocked up for days ? Diarrhoea ? Anxiety ? Imodium. I know anxiety can cause stomach distress anyway, but I'm wondering if I have IBS too that's made worse by the anxiety? I've been to the Doctors about it and I'm waiting on results to make sure I haven't got a stomach bug.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • martin31040
    martin31040 charlotte82605

    Posted

    Hi, check out the FODMAP DIET online, do you get enough fibre?, get some multi strain probiotics as strong as possible.
  • sam18386
    sam18386 charlotte82605

    Posted

    Are you sure this is only IBS? I thought mine was but it's diverticulosis it turns out. That explains the killer pain I get. Get it rechecked!!!

    • charlotte82605
      charlotte82605 sam18386

      Posted

      I'm not sure what it is. I've sent a sample off to get checked for stomach bugs etc. so it could be something else. What's diverticulosis?

    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 sam18386

      Posted

      Most people don't have symptoms with diverticulosis which is pouches in your colon. If they get infected, this is diverticulitis which would cause intense pain, bowel habit change and fever.  If you are getting pain, bowel habit changes along with other symptoms like bloating, nausea or back pain, but no fever,  this is more likely to be IBS.  Painful diverticular disease is often caused by IBS.

    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 sam18386

      Posted

      I meant to put painful diverticular disease is ‘lkely’ caused by IBS.
    • sam18386
      sam18386 pippa58442

      Posted

      Oops sorry Charlotte, I told you I was no expert about diverticulosis, I feel stupid now Pippa for getting it wrong! I said I'm no expert, I have a friend coming with me to my next dietitians appointment as I think my lack of understanding is making my health worse!

    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 sam18386

      Posted

      I think the terminology can be confusing so I had to look it up to make sure I didn’t give dodgy information! Once I made a mistake unknowingly while posting advice and I was told off for it and reminded that I had made the mistake four times!  So now I always check on google!
    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 sam18386

      Posted

      Apart from trying to give good advice; I think my best gift is amusing people.  I will private message you more fun!
  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 charlotte82605

    Posted

    IBS is made worse by anxiety and it can feel as if you have a stomach bug.  When I first got IBS, I thought I had a stomach upset too. I had stool changes,mainly constipation, nausea, moving stomach pain, back pain and loose stools.  Lots of tests ruled out everything else so I got diagnosed with IBS.  It can cause food intolerance, especially to processed foods.  However, healthy foods can be a problem too.

    If you have had lots of stress and anxiety, it could be IBS.  I have stress related IBS.

    • charlotte82605
      charlotte82605 pippa58442

      Posted

      It's awful, as soon as the Imodium wears off I end up with the cramps and diarrhoea again, even if I don't feel particularly anxious. Sorry that you have you to deal with this too.

    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 charlotte82605

      Posted

      I can get pain immediately after getting anxious or upset.  My stomach is so hyper sensitive now.
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