There's more of us than I thought!

[Bluesandsoulman]

Hullo, I'm new here although I did look at the blogs some time ago. Basically I have the pre bowel movement anxiety (PBMA) thing that many others mention. I first started to notice this about 10 years ago and I get anxiety and occasional panic attacks anyway it took me a long time to make the connection. Finally it dawned that magically my body realised before I did that I needed to go to the loo. I become restless, hot and cold, anxious, unable to focus and generally "not myself". Then, after I've had a BM it doesn't take long - minutes - for me to recover my composure. About 8 years ago I had a parathyroidectomy because I was pushing too much calcium into my blood and this was making me anxious. Removal of the parathyroid certainly helped reduce that general anxiety but did nothing for the PBMA . Since then I've had several major surgeries - including a HOLEP (prostate op), right hemicolectomy (Colon cancer) and last week a laminectomy (spinal compression) from which I'm now recovering painfully and slowly at home. . (There's more but I won't bore you!). I have wondered whether any of these ops might have an effect - good or bad - on the PBMA, but it continues pretty much as always. Since the colon cancer I go to the loo more frequently - but perfectly manageable. Usually 3 times in the morning and maybe once in the evening and the PBMA kicks in each time and then when it stops I can be fairly certain I can get on with my day. It's not fun and if it went away I wouldn't complain but I've sort of got used to it. I have never mentioned any of this to my army of doctors;maybe I should. Reading the blogs here has helped me understand. I have explained it all to my long suffering and incredibly patient wife and she understands it now and helps me cope. I was interested in the various references to the vagus nerve and I might investigate that a bit more. Ta ta for now.

[FearIsALiar]

Welcome to the group!!

[Sasical]

Wow!! This has been happening to me for about 3 years now, but I never knew it had a name PBMA!! I'm amazed! It has been ruling my life although since I started taking propanolol for my PBMA tachycardia, things seem to have improved (a bit).Can you give me any more info on why this might happen? Thanks x

[Bluesandsoulman in reply to Sasical]

I wish I could ! It's a complete mystery to me. In some of these posts there is reference to the Vagus nerve which appears to possibly be relevant. However I've sort of got used to it. At least we know what the cure is when it happens ! Good luck. Stay safe.

[Sasical in reply to Bluesandsoulman]

Thank you! I hope you start having less pain very soon x