IBS/Anxiety/ChestPain

[UrsH1]

Cool!

I've just discovered HealthUnlocked, what a great idea.

I'm a 20 year old female, and my problems are really random, they always come and go. And of course, being a worrier i'm forever convinced I'm extremely ill or the doctor has misdiagnosed me and i'm probably going to die soon. this is 99% not the case but It's literally my everyday (especially night time) worry.

Who else understands this? I'm sure I'm not alone!

Thanks Urs.

[puma77ram]

You are not alone.

Having it always suggested it's stress is annoying. But it's difficult not to worry when your suffering with symptoms and being told there are no reasons for having them.

Unfortunately there is a lot of ignorance when it comes to IBS.

Good luck moving forward

[Moofinator]

Hello, me! I am a worrier also and have IBS - I feel like they go together. Before I got diagnosed I was convinced that I had some terrible disease and would definitely die of it, then after I got diagnosed I had some of the same feelings that you are describing - what if the doctor got it wrong? And it becomes a vicious cycle - you worry and stress about being ill, and that then upsets your stomach, etc etc. I found that the most helpful things were going to CBT therapy sessions (I was referred by my doctor), taking a low dose of anti-depressants, and actively making time to relax every day. I never realised how much my life was governed by anxiety, until it wasn't. Its not like I don't still have off days, but they are few and far between now and much easier to cope with. I hope this helps.

[UrsH1 in reply to Moofinator]

Yes this really helps! Thank you for such a full and detailed reply, it puts me at ease to know there are other people thinking this. I have been referred to CBT also but am forever moving around the place so i'm rarely in one place long enough to actually receive some. My friends think I'm nuts but I find meditation is really helpful, I just don't make enough time for it. It's good to hear someone else is on antidepressants, I keep saying no to it because i feel like I should just be able to help myself and taking them is a sign of weakness, even though I know its not. I should probably give them a try, thank you