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Posted 2/5/2008 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering how many folks on here suffer with Anxiety because of their Crohns or in conjunction with your Crohns?  And how do you treat it and/or deal with it?

I have had Crohns for over 32 years and have found that since my surgeries (approx 6 yrs) that I suffer with more anxiety than I ever have.  Just curious if others go thru it too.

Posted 2/5/2008 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
For me it came hand in hand with depression...I replied on Kitts depression and crohns post here at the forum on how I battled both.

I found though with the anxiety, once I got my port-o-pot and bought a mini van to put it in the back so I could use it whenever leaving the house, and when symptoms improved my anxiety improved as well, exercising also helps.

:)
Posted 2/6/2008 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Oh indeed I also deal with Anxiety associated with my Crohn's Disease. Frankly how can we not be anxious...worrying about getting sick, flaring, medications, losing control, not making it to a restroom...uugh. I have taken zoloft for a few years and it has worked well, but since surgery I have noticed a lot more acute panic attacks. Not big ones, but just an overall anxious, uptight feeling that I hate. Any suggestions would be great.
Posted 2/6/2008 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
I too suffer from anxiety. I have had anxiety issues for awhile. I think it's the GAD type. Lately the anxiety has gotten worse. It may be because I had a major flair up of the Crohn's last year and had to have a resection. I guess this sort of drove home the point that I do have a chronic illness. Something that I really didn't feel like I had before because the Crohns' was in remission for years and I sort of forgot about it.

Anyway I see a therapist a couple times a month and am trying to change my thought patterns from mainly being negative to trying to be more positive. I also take buspar for the anxiety.
Posted 2/6/2008 7:31 AM (GMT 0)

I have also been dealing with anxiety issues for the first time.  I did have a couple of panic attacks when I was very sick after diagnosis, but I believe what I'm dealing with now is more of an underlying factor of my Crohn's.  What's interesting to me is that normally when I am faced with stress, I would react gastrointestinally (diarrhea, mouth ulcers, mini-flares).  Now I am reacting with more anxiety symptoms (sinus tachycardia, muscle twitching/spasms, palpatations, jittery, etc).  Like timmysang, I think it is GAD and I am trying to exercise regularly and am looking into techniques to help stop the worrying and learn to relax. 

Two things that have really worked for me: BHI Heel Anxiety.  It's a homeopathic pill that you dissolve under your tongue and can be found in a health food/supplement store.  It seems to help me relax/calm down when I am feeling agitated and jittery.  I also see a massage therapist who will also do a little cranial-sacral along with the massage. Very relaxing and therapeutic.

Good luck and take care :)

Posted 2/6/2008 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
I suffer with anxiety, and depression along with the CD. I was given Celexa for my depression after objecting to it for years. At the moment I'm not taking anything for anxiety although I was on Trazadol for a long time....I take clonazepam for Restless Leg syndrome which worked at first but I may have to switch to Requip?For weeks now I have been up during the night worrying and not sleeping. That had all stopped for a while but has started again after my grandaughters birth.
Anyway to answer your question...I think chronic illness goes hand in hand with anxiety and depression after a while.
Posted 2/6/2008 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your replies. I realize now I need to go into my doctor, as this is starting to get WAY out of control. The meds I use just aren't working as well as I think they should and I am not happy with these feelings. Keep me in your prayers.
Posted 2/6/2008 3:40 PM (GMT 0)

Nanners, you are in my prayers and I know that overwhelming feeling that anxiety brings.  Be strong my friend and you will make it through. You have a whole forum here to support you as you support so many.

Hugs
Kitt

Posted 2/7/2008 10:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nanners I deal with it by keeping a good interest in other things like birds and gardening things that hold my interest I have learned to deal with more in the last year and feel the surgery I had will benefit me now . I have quit smoking now too so am doing more to help myself. I think about the really good things in life and set myself some small goals. I am going to paint my ceilings this spring. Hope this helps you and cheer up we all need to have some good thoughts to keep us going . lol gail
Posted 2/8/2008 4:56 PM (GMT 0)

Went to the Dr. yesterday and she put me on Zoloft 25 mg for one week and after that I will move to 50mg a day.  Sure hope this helps get things under control.  I don't like it one bit.

On good news side, my boss was totally understanding and gave me the rest of the week off to try to rest and getting back into a better place.  Actually said to take as much time as I needed. 

Posted 2/10/2008 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Well the Zoloft is out now, made me seriously ill. Ended up in the ER having to get a nausea med shot as it upset my stomach so much. I have to go back to the doc tomorrow and see if there is a different med I can take that will help me but not make me sick. Wish me luck! Also, anyone take another type of med that doesn't upset the stomach so much? Suggestions appreciated.
Posted 2/10/2008 6:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Nanners,
I am so sorry........talk with your Physician about one of the new meds, Lexapro or Cymbalta.  They may be a better choice.  It is tough with your Crohns.  Keep posting my friend and please know I am praying for you.

Hugs

Kitt

Posted 2/10/2008 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Kitt I am so thankful for your reply. Trying really hard right now not to take the Valium. I am so afraid of becoming dependent that I don't want to take it. I tried to send you a email this am but not sure if it went thru. Sometimes at home I have trouble sending them. Do you know if either of those meds cause the stomach upset like the Zoloft did? My daughter said the Cymbalta made her really nauseaous. I know we are all different but I can't handle the stomach upset it only makes me more anxious. Any help appreciated!
Posted 2/11/2008 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
I started on Xanax for my anxiety. I started at the lowest dose which is 0.25 mg 3 times a day and now I am taking .5 mg. 3 times a day and it seems to be helping. I too worry about being dependent on these medications but I also really need to be able to leave the house and try to have a "normal" life. It is such a tough disease but my family and friends have been so supportive that I feel that anything that is going to help me, whether it be in the form of a pill, or just some relaxation techniques, I will do anything at this point.

Jill
Posted 2/11/2008 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
wellburain is suppose to be better on the gi tract.
Posted 2/12/2008 12:31 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Nanners,

Not sure if it's anxiety for me or just worrying.  I guess they're one in the same.  I constantly worry about my CD:  for my health, job issues, whether my kids will get it, ad infinitum. 

I think I'm going to go see a head shrinker in another couple of weeks to try and get my arms around it.  It's definitely not healthy for me and probably contributes to my CD issues.

I remain....

Poopington McToot

Posted 2/12/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Well I went to the doctor today and they have given me Xanax & Prozac to try to get a handle on this anxiety. God willing, these will do the trick and things will settle down. I will also start seeing a Pdoc next Weds.

Poopington McToot, please do go see someone. I really think with this horrible disease we all need someone to help us get thru this. I now know that is exactly what I need. I too worry incessantly. What if this, what if that? So do please go. It does definetly effect us Crohnies in negative gastric ways.
Posted 2/12/2008 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Nanners, Hugs to you my friend and I am hoping things settle down now for you.  I think it is good for members that want to talk about their anxiety to get it out here.

Many people with a chronic disease have these same issues but their disease process always gets the attention.  So please keep posting and we are here to support you.
Gentle Hugs
Kitt

Posted 2/12/2008 5:36 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Nanners,

I am so glad you got different meds. I know this is a little late, but I take welburtin and lexapro. So far it is helping tremendously. I worried about everything from A to Z and I am already feeling better. I hope this works. I struggle with a chronic illness, depression and anxiety, and migraines. It is tricky, but you are all so supportive. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kgirlie

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