I'm New wondering what treatments for IBS and anxiety help you out.

[stwdiehl]

Hi, I'm new here. I'm wondering if anyone has anxiety issues with IBS flareups and what they treatments they have practiced to help relieve some of their distressful feelings, thoughts, and symptoms?

[Queeny54]

Anxiety and ibs seem to go hand in hand. Although ibs is not all in the mind anxiety and stress have a direct impact on the digestive system and will make exacerbate any symptoms. 90% of serotonin -the happy hormone lives in the gut and it is widely thought that if the digestive system is compromised this may affect mental well being. I have recently had the longest flare up of ibs in many years. This followed a long period of anxiety and stress. Looking back, I can confidently say that my ibs has only been a problem when anxiety has been an issue. Having recognised that for the sake of my health overall I had to do something to address this I am now finally after 6 months feeling well again. In January I signed up with headspace which teaches mindfull meditation. Not easy but this is working for me. I have increased my physical exercise which has also helped. Added to this I started taking a vitamin D3 supplement and a high level of probiotics. My digestive system is pretty much in full working order and my low moods and anxiety are negligible. Living with ibs is not easy and in my experience can dominate your thoughts all the time. This increases your anxiety levels and thus catches you in a viscous circle. I hope this helps & that you find a strategy for dealing with anxiety that works for you.

[dean1984 in reply to Queeny54]

You mention exercise. What specific exercises you do regularly?

[Queeny54 in reply to dean1984]

Hi

I for the pst year have had a dog so I walk several miles everyday no matter what the weather. I also swim at least twice a week. I think that making a decision to do something and then doing it is important as in my experience motivation levels when anxious or stressed are very low. The effects of physical exercise on well being are well documented and certainly help. However, in my the decision to do something and seeing it through psychologically has helped me. I think it is probably due to taking control as ibs if you let it can control your life.

Good luck and I hope this helps

[ausems]

I agree with much of the previous answer, that anxiety can be a big trigger for IBS and it can become a vicious circle - the more you suffer the more you worry, and that makes it worse!

I've had IBS for 10+ years now, since nursing my husband with terminal cancer, have had numerous tests and different medications, some of which help for a time, but there doesn't seem to be a cure - we just have to learn to manage our symptoms as best as possible. I had a course of 4 hypnotherapy sessions last Jan/Feb which helped a lot, as they taught me how to address and put behind me some issues that had made me feel guilty for years, how to relax, and stop worrying constantly about my stomach. The therapist provided a couple of C.D's and listening to some tracks if I'm feeling "uptight" does calm me down and also stop my stomach churning, and can help get me off to sleep too. Hopefully you can find a good one who specialises in IBS as some do. I don't know your exact physical symptoms, but I take a liquid medication called Kolanticon that was recommended by someone on this useful site, and this helps with excessive wind and bloating, stomach cramps, and too much acid, and also has a very calming effect on the stomach. Some Lloyds pharmacies keep it in stock, otherwise it has to be ordered, and my G.P. has put it on my repeat prescription for me. Would be interested to know how you get on, meanwhile good luck and don't despair!

[Hidden]

It depends on your symptoms - mine is diarrhorea and is controlled with a strict dairy free diet.

Reflexology can help with stress and anxiety.

I was told that there is no cure but only management of the symptoms.

[angbri]

I myself tested extremely high for sibo (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth) many ibs patients go un diagnosed. Maybe start there. Shouldn't have to live this way.. Something is causing this. Get on low fodmap diet immediately, this will help too!

[joy2121 in reply to angbri]

Hi angri, I am being tested for sibo next month. What antibiotic did they treat you with and do they help? thanks!

[angbri in reply to joy2121]

Hi, glad to hear it's a first step! Rifaximin is the only antibiotic that works. Or the natural antibiotic version. Very expensive. You can get from Canadian pharmacy half price. Natural one is cheaper. After being treated i went heavy doses probiotic & you have to stay strict on lowfodmap diet or Gaps diet. If you don't, bacteria will grow back. I re tested & it was gone & felt alot better, but I have many other things going on so I'm still having problems. I don't produce stomach acid, that's something else to test for that causes major problems. Also I suggest gluten free for while. Keep me posted, keep ur head up & never give up or take "we don't know" for an answer!

[stwdiehl]

Thank you for your answers. To expand on my situation, I've had IBS for 30+ years. I've been very sensitive to the flare ups leaving me feeling depressed, run down, eating a restricted vegetarian diet trying to control the symptoms so I don't lose my mind. I then feel fearful and anxious about my entire life. The only way I learned to quiet my symptoms was to sit as still as possible and remove all stress for six months to a year. But that isn't working for me right now. I need to work to earn money which is the source of my stress.. Which brings up worry, anxiety, and the vicious cycle continues. I've been following a diet in Helen Von Vorous book "IBS the first year". It focuses on eating soluble fiber vegetables and non gluten grains. It's worked for managing my digestive symptoms but I get lots of bloating and gas. My nutrition level is marginal because of the restrictive diet. I have problems with getting enough protein and b vitamins and probably a few other minerals and vitamins. It's affecting me emotionally and physically. I feel like an emotional basket case.

I've been full of worry which has resulted in insomnia. Insomnia caused by what if thinking. example: "Oh no I can't control my fear. I'm losing control. I won't be able to sleep at night. I can't calm down that will make my IBS worse and so on". This worry cycle resulting from IBS flare ups has happened before resulting in chronic misery. I am not a happy camper right now.

Anyone been through this particular vicious symptom worry cycle before?

[Linley]

Welcome ! hope this site helps you. This is my opinion being an IBS sufferer for 30 odd years. What comes 1st anxiety or flare ups? My answer is both feed off each other its a vicious circle. In my case a flare up (pain IBS-D) it brings me down and I have to feel safe and be near a loo. Then I pick myself up again and get on with life until another attack. Friends asked us out for a meal last week great I thought then the anxiety sets in, suppose the food upsets me? suppose I have an attack at the restaurant? Does this sound familiar? My advice to you is never give up-try everything yoga, hypnotherapy, reflexology, having a sympathetic Doctor is a must. Good Luck!

[dean1984 in reply to Linley]

I admire your strength. It must be uncomfortable to be in your case but you keep fighting. In terms of diet, what specific plan or combination of plans you're following?

[Linley in reply to dean1984]

Hello Dean, everyone is different and you will really have to work out what is best for you. But for me I avoid spicy food and any foods that ferment in the tum. I take a probiotic daily and my GP has put me on Mebrevine but its not making much difference so I am now exploring Vitamin D and its possible aid to IBS. Wish you well

[sk8tergirl]

Hi stwdiehl, lots of your post is v familiar to me, I have suffered with ibs since 1988 and the only stressful events that I worry about are particular situations at work where access to the loo can be restricted. Like you I need to work to earn a living so leaving isn't an option. Unfortunately the ibs has sparked anxiety and agoraphobia because of these situations and it is these symptoms that have taken over almost so I too feel like some kind of basket case. I can spend a whole weekend worrying about the coming Monday and if my stomach will 'behave'. The worry over what might happen if it doesn't and the embarrassment it could cause may seem ridiculous to someone else but to an ibs sufferer it is very real. I have a heather van vorous book too, I have recently tried relaxation audios and read some very useful info to do with cognitive behavioural techniques which have helped often when the worry escalates to panic, might be worth a read for you too. If none of this helps then please do take some comfort from the fact you are not alone dealing with this, which may make you feel a little less nuts.... for a while anyway

[stwdiehl]

What books have you read and how did it help you sk8tergirl?