Is my stress causing a flare?

I've been under an incredible amount of increasing stress for the past 4-6 months. As time has gone on, things have become more and more intensely stressful leading to a great deal of anxiety within me, which I've found often premeditates UC flares in my past.

I started developing these recurrent cysts in my armpits last month. They would go away and then show back up in different spots, on both arms. I went to a dermatologist after they'd stopped and he suggested it was a result of autoimmune inflammation, which he concluded because of my history of UC. I told him that I had no symptoms of colitis (I didn't) and asked if he thought this meant that I might be in the beginning stages of a flare because of the inflammation that caused the cysts. He said he would be glad to talk it over with my GI doctor, which I took to mean "I have no idea."

Fast-forward to this past Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I had about 7 BMs, increasingly smaller (as there was less food in my system) and progressively looser with more mucous and I believe the last one contained blood. I started watching what I ate on Saturday and things seemed to normalize. I ate semi recklessly on Sunday and had some trouble yesterday - 9 BMs, increasingly smaller and progressively looser with more mucous but no blood.

Today I had about 7 BMs, (again) progressively smaller with more mucous but no blood. I'd say a "good," flare free day for me consists of 3-5 BMs with no mucous.

I've been feeling very anxious as a result of my health over the past few days which I feel can exacerbate symptoms. This is on top of the stress and anxiety I already experience. I'm really a tightly wound ball of a human being lately, all things considered.

Does anyone think my symptoms suggest a flare? I have been cramping and taking extra VSL #3/Librax to try and keep things under control. The rest of my year is going to continue being stressful and I just want my health in order. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas about handling this, please feel free to respond. I plan on making an appointment for a flex sig ASAP just to be safe, but the emotional aspect of this is something I'm concerned about. I don't want it to be this way forever, and I certainly don't want to be the cause of this disease coming about in me.

Sounds exactly that you ARE in a flare.

What meds are you on?

Distressed state of mind can definitely play a part flaring.

q

Gosh I do feel you for. Stress is a terrible thing to have to deal with when you already have a lot on your plate..What Meds are you on? What kind of work do you do? Can you share why you feel so overwhelmed?..because I think your right, you do need to get your stress levels down, it will absolutely cause more problems. Have you had a chat with your doc? perhaps he could prescribe something to calm you, just to get you "on an even keel"

Whats happened about the cysts? have they cleared up?

garylouisville said...
Are you taking anything other than VSL? It sounds like you aren't taking any real meds at all. You should take higher doses of meds, etc. during periods of high stress. I hate to burst your bubble but if you are going 3-5 times per day, that is a flare, not remission.

I'm taking asacol hd, Librax, Canasa every night

As for my stress: I'm trying to figure out where to move, my job status is up in the air indefinitely and I could lose it by February (very long story), my once flourishing relationship with a girl has completely fallen apart due to health issues she's experiencing (mental and physical), I'm thinking about relocating cross country, presently living with my parents, it's the holiday season and I have nothing to do, etc. I could go on but I'm sure you all get the idea.

I'm taking klonopin (1-2mg depending) nightly to sleep

I've scheduled a flex sig for Monday with my GI. He's tough to get to just have an office visit with, and I think I should get checked out regardless.

The cysts have been gone for at least a month...

Post Edited (sfc425) : 12/3/2014 4:18:44 PM (GMT-7)

I'm taking the max dose of asacol hd

I really don't want to be flaring right now. This timing couldn't be worse.

Thanks. I know you're right, but it feels good to hear from someone else like me (I am also 30, living in NYC).

It can be difficult for me to keep perspective with things that are beyond my control, but I'm starting to accept the fact that things tend to work themselves out in the end in one way or another.