Anxiety: Do you think anxiety starts after you... - IBS Network

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Anxiety

SueFML profile image
14 Replies

Do you think anxiety starts after you have been diagnosed with IBS, sure I never had it before diagnosis. I wake up feeling anxious, thinking what is my day going to be like, I don't want to go out incase I want the toilet. Feel safe in my own house.

My doctor said IBS can affect you from the top of your head to the tip of your toes and I agree with him. I get waves of feeling sick, get indigestion, feel bloated.

All this makes my anxiety worse.

Oh to feel normal.

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SueFML profile image
SueFML
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14 Replies
b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1

Are you seeing a gastroenterologist.? They can be more helpful. Look up the Fodmap diet.

Also, try occasional immodium when you want to be out. It is difficult, but try to deal with it so it doesn't ruin your life. xx

SueFML profile image
SueFML in reply to b1b1b1

Thank you, have been discharged from the gastroenterology department, had a barium enema, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, found I had a inflammed bowel, that's been sorted so now they say it is IBS as my last colonoscopy was clear

b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1 in reply to SueFML

There is an IBS site on health unlocked. I have IBS d, so understand what you are going through.

b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1 in reply to b1b1b1

Sorry, did not realize that you posted on the IBS site.

pajohns profile image
pajohns

I'm seeing a gastroenterologist next week, do they have a holistic approach? I also suffer from a cycle of anxiety So I'm wondering if it's worth talking about the anxiety to them? Will they dismiss the psychological side or treat that too?

SueFML profile image
SueFML in reply to pajohns

It's worth mentioning it but know our health service they will most likely say your doctor needs to refer you to the appropriate specialist, but mention it as I think they are connected.

MollyMouse profile image
MollyMouse

I totally agree. I didn't really have any worries or anxiety before having IBS. All I can recommend is to try and manage it by finding your 'thing'. Mine is painting/ listenit to music. In the morning to stop myself from thinking about the day ahead I turn on the TV. I've also download this app called 'head space' which I use if I feel really anxious.

Just know that there are others out there (ie me) who feel exactly the same!

Chin up x

SueFML profile image
SueFML in reply to MollyMouse

Thank you. I love doing my nails one way I do relax, also jigsaw puzzles. One thing I do and something I have to do is walk my dog that is a must it does me good especially meeting other people with dogs and having a chat.

LCat profile image
LCat

The anxiety results not because you KNOW now that you have IBS but, because of the IBS, your Vagus Nerve gets irritated and, as a consequence all these horrible symptoms like nausea and vomiting in some people and anxiety and fatigue in other people occur. It’s caused physically not mentally. But of course stress makes it worse and trying to relax can help. I find it helpful if other people don’t stress me and if they’re nice and gentle. Relaxation exercises lots like MollyMouse does (music) and breathing exercises have also a good influence on IBS I find. As MollyMouse rightly says : it’s perfect if you can find what works for you.... Music for MollyMouse and for me as well (the right kind of music) and maybe something else for you. I’m by nature a very busy busy person .... good at multi-tasking etc. Unfortunately IBS doesn’t like super busy and multi-tasking. Therefore I have to do things that are opposite to my personality , I e being calm and peaceful .... sometimes ‘do nothing’ and relax ..... relax .... relax

SueFML profile image
SueFML in reply to LCat

Thank you x

SueFML profile image
SueFML in reply to LCat

Thank you, going to walk my dog more often, 3 walks a day instead of one, that relaxes me.

torcol profile image
torcol

For some reason morning is the worst? I don’t know why but a majority of people eat breakfast and all heck breaks loose, I don’t even have to eat breakfast, wake up and two or three running episodes. Yes, anxiety s definitely heightened!

lYNNETT profile image
lYNNETT

SueFML you sound just like me! l appreciate your posting this! How to keep it down is what l would like to know!

Johopeful profile image
Johopeful

I don't think it's the diagnosis that makes us anxious It's the fact that whatever we take for ibs doesn't help us and nobody understands how we feel I was diagnosed 3 years ago and your doctor is right it can affect all parts of your body

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