New to this forum- question about Hypnosis

I usually post on the Crohn's disease forum. But was thinking that maybe someone here could share there experience with me too. Although I would like to try and think that psychologically I have handled this journey with Crohn's for the past 10 years pretty well. I recently have had some unusual stress in my life. Two weeks ago after injections of my medication, I began getting severe heart palpatations. I have spent most of the week at mulitiple doctor appointments and having tests run to make sure that I didn't have some sort of reaction or any other underlying problems with my heart. The results of my echo/stress test came back great today! Yippie! However, they now think that I am having some sort of anxiety/panic issues. I received a long lecture today from my physican (who I respect) pointing out that I have done a really good job at managing a full-time job and battling my disease that has never been in remission. He thinks along with additional issues, that I am breaking down and suggested counseling. I am aware that I am a different person than I used to be. I have lost my zest for the normal activities that I used to love to do. I am tired most of the time and don't do much of anything but work and keep my socializing to a minimum.

I met with a therapist today who uses Hypnosis and bio-feedback therapy. Has anyone tried this approach before? I am a little skeptical. Thank you!

Hi LisaLee, this is Gail *Nanners* from the Crohns forum. I have had Crohns for almost 35 years and about 2 years ago I developed anxiety related to my Crohns. The other 33 years I did fine, but out of no where the anxiety developed. My husband and I planned a trip to visit his family in Mexico and I freaked out. I was in a constant state of anxiety worrying about what if I get sick, what if I ruin the trip for my husband, could I eat there without getting sick etc. It was so bad that I had to take a brief leave of absence from work. I went and saw my family doctor and I was diagnosed with anticipatory anxiety. He gave me a prescription for Xanax (25mg, lowest dose) to take, and that has helped immensley. I also saw a therapist for a few months. And the combination of those two things helped me to gain better control over the anxiety. I too am currently in remission, and was at the time the anxiety appeared. But thru the therapy and the occasional use of Xanax I am now much better. I kept thinking I was having mini flares of my Crohns or IBS attacks and it turns out that it was just the anxiety. I only use my Xanax about 1-3 times a month now. I tried a Hypnotist years ago when I had depression from a divorce, it was okay, but I didn't notice alot of change. But thats me, maybe you can give it a try. Good luck!