HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Stress Stomach?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/19/2012 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
So I've been doing really well, have found some semblance of a remission (still working on it!), but with this phone interview I had yesterday and the follow up call I'm waiting for today, and the possibility of getting to do a face-to-face meeting later this week, I'm running to the bathroom.

2-3 times yesterday, near D, and once today, but my stomach is just all a mess.

I'm not even sure this is UC related - because I used to always have to allow extra time before big shows, either on stage or with the horses. It's frustrating and worries me with the added issue of the UC thrown in.

How do you deal with this?

I'm not worried about the interview or phone calls themselves, because I interview really really well both over the phone and in person, but it's the excitement / anticipation. I can't stand it!
Posted 12/19/2012 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
meyerlemony,

Stress is a huge issue for me as well... i tend to be a "dweller" where i stress over everything... this does not help my UC, then i stress about my UC... you see where this is going :) From what i have read/been told, is that stress etc increases the amount of inflamation in the body and affects everything.

As for dealing with it... not sure, cause i struggle daily with this and think that it may be keeping me from or slowing down my recovery. my wife has in the past given me a pill or two from her clonazepam (very low dose) and that helps take the edge off so to speak. there are a number of stress releasing excerisies as well, just look on google, that i do... ie deep breathing etc.

hope this helps :)

Posted 12/19/2012 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
St. Johns Wort helps to take the edge off. It's an herb.
Posted 12/19/2012 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
Doesn't St. Johns Wort interfere with birth control?

I have xanax but I just hate to take yet another pill.
Posted 12/20/2012 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think pills or natural remedies will clear this up because it is a natural reaction.

Someone mentioned breathing techniques - look into it.

Most people will find their colon starts working when they anticipate things, whether it is simply preparing to walk to the shops or going for a job interview. It is a natural reaction, but it can be helped with breathing techniques, self hypnosis etc.
Posted 12/20/2012 8:02 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe ask your doc for an antispasmodic. I use dicyclomine, and it can "mellow" one out a bit as well. I started with 10 mg dosage.

For the interview, you might want to consider a half an imodium to quiet the gut a bit.

hope all goes well.

Did you used to show horses? what exactly?

Oh, maybe at this point it could have been something you ate or are eating because of "all the excitement" to calm your nerves?

q
Posted 12/20/2012 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
To me this is an issue of learning relaxation techniques, treating your body and soul with gentleness and just being patient. Your remission is probably pretty fragile and I would not mess with additional herbs or meds. Go for a long walk. Take a warm bath. Have a glass of wine or beer or have great sex with your partner. Take your mind off your worries and just give yourself a break.
Posted 12/20/2012 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
@qincy - that's a great idea! That's exactly what it feels like, spasms. I do hunters, but I only show at like 2'9" right now. I didn't start riding until college so I'm just getting up there! This year I bought a "baby," 5 year old Canadian Warmblood mare, but she went into a bad heat and was jumping around in her stall and did some soft tissue damage and is laid up until next month. The timing was good because I wasn't feeling up to riding with the new UC thing (I can see it - handing Polly to the groom - "hold her, I need the bathroom! At least it's right by the ring...), and she'll be coming back at about the same time I am.

@kazbern - I'm sure you're right, and it IS pretty fragile. I was ALL offended when I saw blood for the first time in a few weeks (not much, and I'm not even convinced it was the UC, possibly an angry hemi).

No holiday break for me, but I'm taking my birthday week off in February and going to Hawaii for about 8 days. That should do it!

I was also for sure scheduled for 2nd round interviews with the General Counsel of that company which will actually be over the phone since she's on vacation at the moment. So that's exciting!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply