stress and UC

I think it's a rule of thumb that stress equals flare...I'm sorry about your loss and stressful times. My original flare began shortly after our wedding...and then it got super worse when we also immediately after the diagnosis learned we were pregnant. : ) However, my current never-ending flare does get worse when I'm under pressure/stress. The holidays were fun but hectic...so once everything was said and done with I was exhausted and suffering horribly.

Managing your stress is very important...do yoga...take peaceful walks...meditate...read...sew...bake/cook...whatever it is that sooths your soul. When/if these methods do not do the trick you may want to talk with your doctor about a medication. I love Paxil...and when that no longer does the job I go to Effexor. I have a good little system with my medications, and they are changed depending on the situation.

Anyway, I wish you luck with your flares...hopefully you can maintain a decent remission and focus on other things that are going on.

: ) Robin

about a year ago I had an incredibly stressful period and I have no question it was this experience that brought on the bad flare I'm in now. I believe that for me, the stress can bring it on and then it's extremely difficult to get things under control. I have to find a way to never let myself get to the point of sheer stress like it was a year ago. Don't know how to do this but if anyone has an idea, I'd welcome it. Maybe some ideas will help you too Revfg. I'm sorry for your loss and the stress you've been through. Hope it gets better really soon.

Yes, definitely. Last year I was going through a stressful period with my daughter being in rehab and dealing with all of that -- I lost 20 lbs in about six weeks, was weak, flaring wildly. And in the flare I had to drive an hour each way two to three times per week to participate in her recovery (meeting with therapists, doctors, teachers, etc.). Besides having less hours available to work, I had to work more hours anyway to PAY for the darn thing!! It was a nightmare, that, thankfully, seems to be behind us. But what was even more stressful I think was my own mother's comments on how the stress was affecting me. CONSTANTLY harping on it until I told her I simply couldn't handle her calls anymore (they were the one thing I COULD control, not taking them).

Anyway, I was handling the stress as best as I could. But it was what it was. My daughter had some serious issues, we were getting her help, the place was a good place, but we had to deal with the ramifications of the situation. My flaring certainly wasn't helping matters any and was certainly adding to the stress, so that kind of snowballed, until I started taking Xanax. So, ironically enough, dealing with my daughter's substance abuse took, well, drugs.

You just have to do your best and try to at least not stress about the stress, you know?

Meesh

Thanks so much for all the replies...they have been helpful! I am dealing with so much right now and then there is this problem with my gut that seems to take priority over all else.  I have been to the doctor so much lately that I can't stand the thought of going again so I decided to find a group of like sufferers to talk to.  I was on target!  I have a few more questions and I hope that I do not become a bother to you all.  I know that there will be a loss of appetite and subsequently weight loss.  (not much...just 10 pounds in 8 months)  But my biggest question is...does anyone else have pencil or ribbon stools all the time?  I rarely have what would be considered a normal BM.  thanks everyone for listening and answering!

Revfg

     My condolences rev.  Yes, while flaring my stools are ribbon like with blood.  Doctor explained to me that is due to the inflammation.  Stools very thin in order to get out of the rectum.

     I first was diagnosed in Sept of 1998.  That year in particular was not stressful, but from 1995 thru 1996 I had extreme stress.  Loss of both parents (I am an only child), oldest daughter got married, youngest daughter went off to college, etc..  In 1997 I exhibited what I thought to be IBS but full blown IBD in 1998.  Ever since then I do suffer flares during stressful times.

Stress + IBD = FLARE