HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

IBS and anxiety

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/22/2013 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
My IBS seems to be on high alert. I've been stressing about it concerned its something more than it is. I've diagnosed myself with cancer and I can't stop thinking about it. I should probably get a colonoscopy but I can't deal with that right now. My health anxiety is now through the roof which I'm certain is causing my IBS to kick in big time. It's not bad enough dealing with anxiety on a daily basis. Add IBS to the mix and things really get out of control. I fear it's only going to get worse. I need some positive thoughts to get me out if this cycle but I can't muster any up. So I'm looking for support from those of you who sadly know what I'm going through. Thanks.
Posted 8/22/2013 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
It is really frustrating to be in the cycle of anxiety=symptoms=more anxiety!

I know how you feel. I have IBS issues, but they are really inconsistent, so I may feel fine for weeks, even months...and then, out of nowhere...the big 'D'...or I may not be able to go at all for days, like when I am traveling...and it takes days to recover.:(

So, it is always in the back of my mind that 'something else must be wrong this time' because, at least if the symptoms were more on a day to day basis, I could get used to them! (although I don't really want them daily either of course!)

Try to remember that IBS and anxiety go hand in hand for many people. It is completely common. Anxiety causes the nerves in the colon to go cray-cray (medical term, lol) and things either get, er, expediated...or come to a screeching halt.

Focus on your anxiety management when things are bad...and remember my favorite mantra...

"I am okay, it is just anxiety causing me to feel this way."

If you are having any other symptoms beyond what is expected for IBS...then by all means, talk with your docotor...but I would be willing to bet that lowering your anxiety, and not worrying about your symptoms, will help you to see less of them.

Be well,

S.C.
Posted 8/22/2013 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your supporting words. I don't have any symptoms (such as bleeding) that would fall outside of what is expected for ibs. I just can't get over the fear that this is something more than what it is. And I'm like you. I'll be fine for a while then I'll spend a month or so with issues. I need to get this under control before the people I work with think I'm a cocaine addict as I spend so much time in the bathroom!! It's just frustrating when I think it's under control only to come back a week or two later. I guess the fact that it goes from ibs-d to normal is good. Constant issues could lead me to believe something bad was wrong since my symptoms would never go away.

I wish I knew where this health anxiety comes from. It certainly doesn't seem inherited. I'm the only one blessed with this. Lucky me! But I thank God for this group of caring, understanding people. And you are always there to lend support and comfort. I give a special thanks to Him for you!
Posted 8/22/2013 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Special try Miralax, I know some people with IBS and they swear by it. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 8/22/2013 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Is Miralax for c or d? TMI, I know! I have anxiety produced D.
Posted 8/22/2013 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
Special -

I suffered with IBS from the time I was 25 until 32. D every day for 7 years. The only way I could have a solid BM was if I loaded up on Immodium AD. Then I was turned onto Citrucel, which is a plant fiber. Amazingly, I found that it firmed my BMs up instead of what I figured a fiber would do (make me go more). I have recently been suffering from Panic Attacks for the first time in my life. But looking back, man I used to have so much anxiety about IBS. I wouldn't even ride in a co-workers car for a 5 minute trip to a resturant for lunch. I had to be the one driving. And if I were in a situation where I didn't know where a bathroom was I would get incredibly anxious. If I knew I'd be in a big city, or out on a boat, or somewhere I was not familiar with I'd take Immodium before hand. So I for sure know what you're going through. No that my anxiety is manifesting itself via Panic Attacks and other physical symptoms, the D from IBS has seemed to go away. I think it's all linked. Maybe the IBS was always in my head and the Citrucel was just a placebo effect? I don't know, but it worked for me so maybe you can try it...
Posted 8/23/2013 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
I think I'll try Citrucel. I thought it was only for constipation! I suffer from panic attacks too. Mix that in with the IBS and you've got a real fun time going for yourself! Panic attacks are no fun. You never know where or when they'll strike. And once you have one you live in fear of anything. I don't think the IBS was in your head. Your symptoms were real and the Citrucel worked. And I believe that anxiety and IBS are closely linked. It's like the chicken and the egg. You don't know if the IBS causes anxiety or the anxiety causes IBS. Either way, it's no fun. But I'm going to pick up from Citrucel. Even if it's just a placebo effect, if it works, I'll be happy. How much of it do you take? I know it comes in pill form. I'm thinking that might be a little easier to get down than mixing up that powder in water . But whatever works!
Posted 8/23/2013 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
I too have ibs and anxiety/panic attacks. I dealt with it for a few years before doing anything about. I was having d about twice a day. I was convinced it was cancer, had a colonoscopy, all elective, only to realize it was all anxiety related. However, in my putting it off, I did develop a bacterial overgrowth in my large intestine. This was minor and was treated with meds and discovered through a simple breath test. I tried a probiotic Align, and that seemed to help a bit. Definitely try the citrucel, hopefully that helps. Maybe see if your gi dr will administer a breath test. I'm sure it's all anxiety related. Good luck!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply