Anxiety, IBS and eating disorders very confused!!!!

2 years ago I got the norovirus my fear of vomitting started then I had CBT therapy which didn't help much then approx 2 weeks later I got gastroentritis and was in hospital for 6 days being treated for that my stomach hasn't been the same since I used to be 57kg and now I am 38 but it does go up and down. I was diagnosed with post infectious IBS I am currently under a gastroentroligst but I do my own research too. Ever since I had this awful stomach bug I have such a fear of going out on the day I got norovirus which is a Saturday, I get worried going shopping or in crowded places but since then my stomach hasn't been the same my appetite used to be very good and I used to be able to eat alot nowdays I can't even eat a kids portion of pasta everyone is convinced I am petrified to eat due to my IBS which does flare up and down but I am not convinced I am very interested in medicine and do my own research very often when I do eat I eat very well I just got back from holiday and was eating 3 whole plates then fruit for desert I am also lactose intolerant. I have had EVERY single test done to find the cause of my constant upper stomach pain which causes me daily nausea and loss of appetite so now everyone thinks its just in my head when I feel like this isn't the case.

Has anyone got any idea if it is IBS I feel like I am getting fobbed off by my consultant and he doesn't take me seriously enough I do eat well but when I am anxious I still eat so now I have been referred to see somebody else I feel like they are trying to cause problems instead of helping me

Any help would be greatly appreciated this has been going on for nearly 2 years and its getting worse thank you

Not sure what I can add except that I do NOT have IBS and I've always (at least until recently, and I'm 51 so that means a whole lot of years in there) had the same fear...

I mean, sure, now I need to know where to restrooms are because I drink so much water I need to make frequent dashes.

But I know, not the same thing.

As much as I can offer is to learn to manage (we cannot always "control") the symptoms and plan your days accordingly as well as your diet.

As Larry mentioned, there are OTC meds that help with some of those urges and discomfort....maybe worth trying?












M.

 Hello and welcome.

I am really sorry to hear of your digestive issues and subsequent fears and complications.

It can be very frustrating trying to distinguish between what may be a physical issue with our health...and what are anxiety symptoms.

One thing I can suggest is to try using relaxation/coping techniques for anxiety, everyday.

They are very effective, and may help to reduce your physical symptoms to the point that you will then know their origin.

...if you do not note any relief, then you can continue to pursue finding a more health related cause.

Practice these 3x's a day for a week and see how you feel.

I also recommend considering re-visiting the practice of CBT.  I went through it twice, and found much more benefit the second time around.

Post with us anytime for anxiety support!

S.C.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I