Anxiety & UC

JocelynL6

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2017

Posts : 32

Posted 7/24/2019 4:40 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Guys,

I recently posted this on the UC forum but thought maybe I could get some advice here:

I am currently recovering from a nasty ulcerative colitis flare that started in the beginning of June. I am currently tapering off of prednisone. Currently on 20mg, started taking it at the beginning of July. I feel much better and I am currently only going to the bathroom once a day. However my anxiety/stress are through the roof. I’ve never been this anxious in my life. I have panic attacks every other day. I find myself unable to breathe at times and super sick to my stomach. I’ve always had mild anxiety that usually intensifies when I flare up. This past week has been hell. I guess I’m anxious about not knowing if I’ll ever reach remission again. I am stressed about being stressed, if that makes any sense. I know stress is super harmful to the body and I guess I feel like as long as I am stressed or anxious I won’t be able to recover. I feel stressed basically the entire day. I feel pressure in my temples. It’s literally preventing me from functioning. I don’t know if anyone has some advice about how I can deal with my anxiety. I am trying to get control of my life again. Physically and mentally.

Everyday I feel so anxious that my face feels numb. Has anyone else ever experienced this feeling. I also get this weird sensation in my back which I can’t help but to link to my anxiety. Tonight was difficult. I tried to watch my favorite show and felt the anxiety just creeping in. I ended up having a small panic attack and my mum had to walk me through my breathing.

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 7/24/2019 6:17 AM (GMT 0)

Hi J and welcome to the A/P!

I am really sorry to hear that you are having a tough time currently. Chronic illness and anxiety are often co-morbid, so know that you are not alone with this struggle.

A couple of things to consider. Have you been on Prednisone previously, or is this your first experience with it? I ask because some steroids are known to cause/increase anxiety in some people. This may be a simple matter of your Rx causing this side effect.

Also, being unwell is just a natural 'foot in the door' so to speak for anxiety. We are certainly more susceptible to stress when we are not feeling our best.

Have you talked to your doctor about the possibility of an Rx for the anxiety? If not, maybe this is a conversation worth having.

Therapy and/or self help are other tools that should be considered. We have links and material for the latter in our Resources at the top of the main forum page here. Be sure to have a look.

Please post anytime with is if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Scaredy Cat

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