Anxiety ridden IBSD

[Upsetstomach18]

Does anyone have wise wisdom to share about how to manage anxiety and life-related stress to get control of their IBS? My last day in my current role (by choice following my resignation) is tomorrow and I have been dealing with a bad bought of diorrehea that has been plaguing me for about a month fairly consistently as I have been coming up to this big career related change.

I am on a 12 day streak of meditating each morning as I have heard that’s supposed to help, but even during that I don’t truly feel 100% at peace or calm.

Although I am excited about the new role, I am quite anxious about the change in my life and the uncertainty about what I am getting myself into with this new role and how I will do etc. I have been trying to eat fairly sensibly and blandly (read: plain oatmeal or Cheerios, baked chicken with plain rice, bananas, laying off: fried foods, lots of oil/butter and spicy things, minimising my dairy intake, no caffeinated coffee or drinks, less carbonation, switched to sourdough bread introduced kombucha once in a while etc.) and some days that works and I feel fine and don’t experience diarrhoea and other days I still do (sometimes 2-3 times).

Additionally, does anyone have any idea why I’ve been waking up between 3-4am most mornings to have an episode in the loo? I go to bed feeling fine and then wake up and think oh no.

Any pearls of wisdom would be very much appreciated! I am debating asking my GP to put me on some anti-anxiety for the next 6 months to help things calm down. Part of me hopes once I’ve started the new role I will feel a bit less anxious.

Historically when I’ve had a bad bout of diorrhea I’ve taken Culturelle for 30 days and it’s helped to almost reset my system, but I think this time I’m so anxious I’m not sure it would work!

[rustydog]

I’m very similar to you. Any extra stresses (and I’ve loads at the mo) in my life upsets my system. I listen to meditation/relaxation things, helps to a degree but only whilst I’m in the moment. I exercise, which helps a little. My gastroenterologist recommends I go on antidepressants, I’m loathed to but think I’m going to have to unfortunately! I’m currently on day 10 of the Low Fodmap diet which really is helping, hard but there is lots of support online. Good luck with the new career, you’ll probably find things will ease off once you settle down 🙂

[Upsetstomach18 in reply to rustydog]

Thanks! It’s judt nice to hear and bond with people who deal with the same stuff as me as I’m married to someone who basically has a digestive track made of iron and never has any issues!

[Hidden]

Hi there,

You may find something in here can help you: sickofibs.com/ibs-triggers/...

Alison

[Upsetstomach18 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Alison! I’ll have a read!

[Eastbourne11]

Try the book 'The Low Fodmap Diet" by Dr Sue Shepherd and Dr Peter Gibson. It has workd wonders for me. Good luck.