Anyone experiencing panic attacks and anxiety from UC?

I have been really having problems dealing with panic attacks and anxiety from UC. I have tried numerous antianxiety meds, but they bother me and make my symptoms worse than what I am experiencing. It seems after every flareup, I suffer with these. I haven't been driving at all. This is when I have these panic attacks, so I don't feel safe behind the wheel. Since I can't seem to take any of the antianxiety meds, the doctor suggested I go get therapy. I really don't want to do that because, well, I just don't. I know UC and leaving the house has always been an issue with me even after a flare.

My gyne told me at my last annual exam that I am menopausal. I did have a hysterectomy about 9 years ago and have no other symptoms with menopause except all of this anxiety. She put me on estrogen, but so far, I am still having these. I also still have my ovaries.

I wonder if the meds I take for UC are causing this anxiety. Have any of you experienced this?

I do take Elavil, but it does not help with the anxiety. It does, however, help me sleep and with the colon spasms at night that I experience with a flareup.

TIA :)

Hi Sharry,

Yes, I experience anxiety at the onset of every flare. I also sometimes experience anxiety when I'm not sick, but it usually coincides with something being "off" in my digestive system. I know that many others have written in on this topic as well, and I'm convinced that there's a direct link between the two conditions.

Like you, I've tried several anti anxiety meds, all of which actually made my symptoms worse, too. The only one I've found that works is Valium, and it can be addictive so I limit myself to one per week to help with sleep and just go to therapy, meditate and do yoga to cope with it the rest of the time. I've also found that taking lots of probiotics seems to help with the anxiety too. I'm sure others will write in, but you're definitely not alone!

Laura

Wow! I experience the same thing.
In fact, yesterday after leaving the doctor's I was stuck in traffic and had both of my small kids in the back....scared to death about needing the bathroom. I have resorted to having a small potty in the back of my car. It's was my kids potty but it comes in very handy when I need it......and believe me I have needed it!!

One of the things that I use for relief of anxiety is the gym. I work out everyday, if it's not the gym, I go to a park if at all possible. I try to exercise at least an hour a day. This really, really helps me out. Not only do I feel great after I do this but it helps put my troubles at ease. I run, walk, aerobics classes, spinning classes, etc. I enjoy it. I realize that not everyone feels this way but, this has worked for me. I am on enough medications and don't want to take one for anxiety. My grandmother, father and youngest sister take medication for anxiety.....nerve problems run in the family so to speak but I hope that I don't ever need them. I get enough of my anxiety just worrying about where the next bathroom is.

Thanks everyone for your responses. You all are the greatest! I am so glad I found this forum.

I too believe anxiety and UC are tied together. I also think the Prednisone has a lot to do with it. Each flareup makes it harder for me to drive and leave the house. My poor GI doctor has tried me on numerous antianxiety meds. The first one I tried was about 4 years ago. It was Paxil. That one took me 2 days to get out of my system. I was afraid to try others, so I dealt with the anxiety and panic attacks. I would avoid traffic, busy intersections, etc. I even bought a portapotty and carry it with me even now in my vehicle. That worked for a while, but the last two flareups have made me a mess. The thought of even driving down the street gives me panic attacks, one after the other. They totally exhaust me. Isn't it crazy how the mind works?

So far I have tried Xanax, Ativan, Zoloft, Buspar, plus I take the UC meds.

I have also heard about the exercising. I do walk about 3 evenings a week, that is if I feel okay. Some days, even after a flareup, I get diarrhea, so I won't leave the house due to my low energy level and cramping. I also do a ton of yard work. I used to exercise so faithfully, but the older I get, the harder it is to get motivated. I have developed arthritis in my lower back and neck from UC. I have tried the breathing exercises, but whenever I get anxious, I can't do them. I even have relaxation CDs to listen to. I try to listen to them before I leave the house. I did try therapy once, and I felt the therapist didn't understand how UC has affected me and my leaving the house and driving issues. I should try to find one that has treated UC patients. My poor husband drives me everywhere now. He doesn't know what to think about all of this.

I also think some of this anxiety is from menopause. I remember one of my mother's friends that went through menopause. She didn't have UC, but she did suffer so bad from these panic attacks. She even had my mother stay with her a few times when her husband had to go out of town. My mom would even go get her groceries because she didn't want to leave the house. I talked to this person recently, and she told me that one day I will get up and all of this anxiety will be gone. Her anxiety issues lasted a few years, and now she is a very successful professional.

Can one take too many probiotics?

Thanks again everyone, you all give such great advice! I am really going to try to exercise more.

:)