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Anxiety and IBS

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 1/4/2012 7:31 AM (GMT 0)
When I go to new places, or places by myself or get very nervous about going some where. My stomach starts cramping and I have to start looking for a bathroom. I also hate using public bathrooms and I get embarassed how often I have to go to the bathroom specially when Im with someone else at the time. Lets say I go to a special class for work (CPR) and I'm by myself my stomach starts hurting so bad. Not eating before I go doesn't help, eating certain things also doesn't help. Does anybody else have this and have u found a way to control this? As a kid I also had it, I remember sitting on the play ground rocking myself back and forth trying to get my stomach to stop hurting. I hate to say it but I still do this as an adult. My stomach usually doesnt feel better till I go to the bathroom. It stops me from going to alot of places where I dont have to go. I've been living with this for as long as I can remember and I'm 26. Any advice? confused
Posted 1/4/2012 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have bad anxiety issues and I know that I have caused myself to have IBS.  I mentioned this to my doctor a few months back and she said she was not surprised and that there was no cure for it, told me I might want to try fiber supplements.  Well all this did was create more gas which caused more trips to the bathroom.  It is a vicious circle.  Stress/anxiety cause all kinds of medical issues unfortunately.  Pray for a cure.

Annie

Posted 1/5/2012 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
I know how bad the feeling is, so I'm sorry u also have the same issues :(
Posted 1/5/2012 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
It is a vicious cycle but one trick I use is to close my eyes and imagine using my favorite bathroom here at home, not out in public. It does seem to work. I also had a sweet golden retriever (she passed away a year ago) who would come into the bathroom with me and I imagined she was with me, instant stress reliever. We have a new dog and he already hangs out with me too.

I've been on out of town trips with all women (my in-law's) and having a very difficult time. Using hotel lobby bathrooms or staying in our room longer than everyone else, meeting up with them later. Which all needs explanations, and I really did a lot of pretending on that trip - pretending my gut was normal, I was at home, my dog at my feet. Whatever would work for you, just close your eyes and imagine yourself - there - not where you are.

I hope that helps in some small way.
Posted 1/5/2012 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
thank u marsky, i will definitely give ur advice a shot. my whole family knows about the bathroom thing, so they dont think anything about it and know as soon as i eat that i will be going to the bathroom. I really hate when u go to a store like cvs and they dont have public restrooms and then ur waiting on meds...the worst for me so far :(. I'm really glad u found something that works for u marsky :) and maybe it will work for me to...funny story a little off topic. i installed a doggie door for my boxer so she can can go outside whenever. I was using the bathroom one day and i heard this banging sound. I opened the door and my boxer thought there was a doggie door to the bathroom :) she still does it sometimes. just a funny story lol

thank u for ur help :)
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