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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 3/29/2013 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I am 23 and just started a full time job. I started having IBS when I was a Freshman in college. After a few years and some serious weight loss I figured out that a lot of the cause was from my Birth Control. So I stopped taking the medicine and I stopped having D everyday. Having IBS D for several years was scarring to my mind. Now I have a lot of IBS when I am stressed. I just started a new full time job. I love the work but I am having a huge fear of having a bad episode of D in the office. I am always armed with Immodium and even took it on the first day of work as a precaution. I do a lot of work on the computer so once I am focused on work I notice I feel pretty comfortable and relaxed. Being relaxed really helps me to not have and D or anxiety. Today was day four of working and I got called into a bosses office. Nothing was wrong but I thought I was going to have an anxiety attack because I knew I couldnt leave and I was trapped. Once I got back to my desk I tired hard to relax and take deep breaths. about 30 mins later my stomach made a churning noise and I knew I was in trouble. I suddenly felt bad and knew D was coming which then cause extreme anxiety. I got sick once and immediately took imodium. Even though I didnt feel good I just sat at my desk waiting for the medicine to kick in. It did thankfully. But I know there will be a day I wont be so lucky.

I am seriously considering taking a half an imodium at lunch just so I can get through the day. I really dont know what else to do...
Posted 3/30/2013 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Have you ever talked to your doctor about your anxiety? It sounds like your physical symptoms are made worse by your anxiety. I really don't know what to tell you. I have not used Immodium but so know that many people do and it helps them alot.

Perhaps someone else will have more suggestions than my feeble ones.
Posted 4/16/2013 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have IBS also with Anxiety and my doctor gave me Zoloft which helps both the stomach and anxiety. I was glad there was one medicine for both instead of taking two seperate ones. Might want to ask about it.
Posted 4/16/2013 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
I also have IBS and Anxiety and trust me it is a vicious cycle. Maybe you could try talking to your Dr about "Librax". It is prescribed for IBS. It has 2 drugs in one. one of them is an antispasmadic, the other is a benzodiazapine which benzo's are prescribed for anxiety, so it might be like killing two birds with one stone? it isn't a large amount of benzo but it is enough to settle your stomach and nerves. Hope this helps, but maybe you could ask him. I also keep a bottle of immodium on stand bye in the car, in my purse and at home.
Posted 4/19/2013 7:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi qinming
Sorry your having trouble dealing with it. It's so very hard to find a right balance, and very taboo in public to talk about BMs and such, which is why im so glad to have this understanding forum. That must be awful not being able to take meds for it. I do hope you find some answers and some relief. Maybe a diet change, LOTS of water, and for the nerves...breathing exersises i cannot stress how much this helps. The vicious cycle thing again. Maybe you could search for some anxiety reducing tecniques and that will in turn settle your stomach some. Peppermints for some reason always help for me to. Weird I know. :)
Posted 4/19/2013 8:28 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, i was going to say that, but forgot...The hot water does help with the gas...and a heating pad on abdomen, same principle. It lets me sort of control the farts sometimes, lol.
Posted 4/30/2013 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
I struggle with the same issues! I have had IBS/ SIBO for seven years now,and anxiety/panic for three! I have noticed my anxiety has gotten worse in the last six months, like horrible actually, I fear everyday things, like going to work. I started a new job yesterday and was so sick and worked up over it, that I to took immodium! I got two hours of sleep and took immodium to help calm my stomach! I thought that after my first day, I would feel some relief since I took a huge step and faced a huge fear, but I woke up several times throughout the night feeling very anxious for my second day! I am afraid this fear will not subside! I have tried many different medications but dislike them because the symptoms they create are almost equally as bad as the symptoms without. I feel your pain and wish I had advice to get you through this, but more or less, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone!
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