Crohn's Disease and Anxiety

Cathy89
Hello and welcome to the A & P Forum. I am glad you took a ride to the ER and I am wondering if the hypertension was diagnosised during that visit ?

I have a theory that anyone who lives with Crohn's or any chronic illness has issues with anxiety. My husband has had Crohn's for 35 years no and has had 4 major surgeries but it was 15 years between his 3rd and 4th surgery so we were fortunate. He has anxiety issues too but has a hard time dealing with them.

I am glad you reached out to us and I hope you will find the support you need here in the forum.

If you find yourself at a point where you need help in reducing anxiety then you have two options: seek professional help if you feel you cannot do it on your own or use some practical methods to help reduce your everyday stress.

One way to change thought patterns is by limiting time spent thinking. Find a hobby or a distraction that you enjoy, preferably one that has a high degree of mental concentration. Painting and drawing are good examples. With both these activities, your mind is on the task at hand so you have very little time to picture or think about what causes you stress. The main point is to find something you enjoy that can be done for a long period of time.

I know you will be hearing from other members so please stick with us and know we care.

Kindly,

Kitt

Thank you, Kitt and awty for the welcome!

Kitt, the bp issue was actually noticed a few months ago during a check of my vitals before a Remicade infusion but in subsequent doctor visits, it wasn't always high. On my follow up after the ER, my PCP felt it was a good idea to put me on HCTZ.... systolic number has come down but they're keeping an eye on my diastolic because it tends to stay in the 80 to 90 range. I have a bp check on Thursday and if the diastolic is still high, doc said she'd put me on another med.

I do know that peri-menopause and my weight aren't helping. I am trying to battle (for lack of a better word) one thing at a time and I know I will prevail!!!!

Thanks again!

Yeah that's the spirit that will keep you one step ahead of the anxiety! Hi and welcome, glad that you have found us. This is a great place, that has helped so many of us with A/P learn how to cope and become victorious over fear.
It does sound like you have a lot to contend with. Like any other chronic condition, anxiety needs to be mananged daily, so as not to let it flare. (I hope that this reference is not offending, but there are similarities between mental and physical diorders imo) Daily relaxation practices are crucial. I really had to be disciplined with these during the height of my anxiety. Even on the calm days, make the time to do these. (If you don't have any techniques yet, or are looking for more, I'll list some sites @ the bottom of this post)
I hope that things will go well for you in the next few weeks. This is both a busy, and down time for teachers with the holidays approaching, and it is all challenging! Let us know how it is going soon.
Take care,
Scaredy Cat


www.stress-relief-exercises.com/progressive_muscle_relaxation
www.healthplace.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-self-help/breathing