Stress triggers destroying my life. - IBS Network

IBS Network

48,837 members16,118 posts

Stress triggers destroying my life.

Yikes_what_a_load_of profile image

How do I manage getting out and about when I’m so anxious of symptoms/incidents?

Only coffee and alcohol seem to trigger, and been on the low Fodmap for a few days just in case. It’s more about stress when I leave the house that’s completely destroying my life.

I feel totally helpless.

Written by
Yikes_what_a_load_of profile image
Yikes_what_a_load_of
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
12 Replies
huggit profile image
huggit

Hi I am the same because of the randomness of symptoms I take Imodium most days. Don’t want to but have to or the nerves get the better of me. But then I get blocked up so it’s a no win situation.

Yikes_what_a_load_of profile image
Yikes_what_a_load_of in reply tohuggit

I also take Imodium for some respite so I can work. Last week some trigger made it through the ‘defence’ I’d created and caused damage resulting in bleeding, pain and awful diarrhoea. I tried going out but just ended up panicking and crying my eyes out in public. I’m so low at the moment.

huggit profile image
huggit in reply toYikes_what_a_load_of

You are not alone ! I would love to just be normal even for just a week.it makes you stressed and on high alert always. I do take Bach remedies to calm me down as well.

Yikes_what_a_load_of profile image
Yikes_what_a_load_of in reply tohuggit

Thanks for replying. Just knowing that I’m not alone has gone a long way tonight. 👍🏻

huggit profile image
huggit in reply toYikes_what_a_load_of

Good! It helps me too I just live day by day with Imodium by my side. I hope there is never a shortage 😌

Yikes_what_a_load_of profile image
Yikes_what_a_load_of in reply tohuggit

Amen to that! I exist on entire trays of instants. Trying to dial it down so I don’t have to experience another incident. Good luck for tomorrow 🍀🐒

BabsyWabsy profile image
BabsyWabsy in reply tohuggit

Loperamide is the generic equivalent of Loperamide. If it works for you it is a lot cheaper.

Yikes_what_a_load_of profile image
Yikes_what_a_load_of in reply toBabsyWabsy

Thanks. I have other chronic health conditions which entitle me to ‘free’ scripts. I’ve tried the Loperamide capsules and they’re not as effective/difficult to manage in a community setting when I’m working.

BabsyWabsy profile image
BabsyWabsy in reply toYikes_what_a_load_of

I meant to say the generic equivalent of Immodium because it has the same active ingredient, although sub-ingredients may be slightly different. Gotta do what works for you.

torcol profile image
torcol

This could be a page from my life story! I too have extreme anxiety. I was in the same place, wouldn’t leave out of fear of embarrassment. I actually had several public “episodes” over a period of years hat left me so depressed and isolated that life was just another day to get thru. I finally came to the realization that I was born anxious. Had anxiety my whole childhood and adult life. I refused any type of medication due to medical anxiety ( of course) and one day I had a eureka moment! I was like “I caused this, only I can fix this”. I absolutely know in my heart that the nasty gut wrenching panic, nerves, stress of anxiety that I put myself thru for so long caused my IBS. The body has to respond in some way when you continuously put it thru such turmoil. I decided that no matter what happens, no matter when or where I am going to live again. I know that for me mornings are the worst, I eat and give myself one hour. I know I will go at least three times after the first food I ingest after getting up. If I don’t have time or am running late I will not eat, period because the time does not matter. It’s that first food of my day no matter what time. I stopped being concerned about “what if” and whom might notice or see me or what if I have an accident etc.... I realized that the only one that mattered was me! I don’t know what took me soooo long to come to terms with myself but I’m there and I feel ninety percent better. I still see bad days, have bathroom rushes, get bloated, stomach pain but hey who doesn’t have bad days? I sure hope that you can break thru the barriers and do the things that make you happy. I’ve been in your shoes and there are sunny days ahead. I have never tried a fodmap diet or restricted what I eat so I don’t know if that may be of help to you and others? I made a mental lifestyle change and it literally changed my life. I can deal with the physical side of IBS, explosive, urgent diarrhea and all. How I react to it is what I can control. I hope this may be of any help to you and sure wish you good days to come.

JMcNamara profile image
JMcNamara

Lord, we all deal with the debilitating effects of IBS-D or C. Several items I use that have been helpful are peppermint oil capsules and soluble fiber (not insoluble fiber). For the anxiety I am using Medical Marijuana, 4 to 1 CBD to THC. Some relief.

Josie

IBSNetwork profile image
IBSNetworkPartnerIBS Network

Sorry to hear you're struggling. If you need help and support please get in touch theibsnetwork.org

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Stress triggers

Last year I had a particularly bad year. My mum died in May, followed by dad in June. One of my...
efsb profile image

Bloating is completely destroying my day to day life please help!

Hi everyone, I'm desperately hoping someone can help me. I've was diagnosed with ibs a few months...
Monterisi profile image

Triggers

I suffer with IBS-C. Have been suffering for a couple of years with bloating and not being able to...
Eliza2811 profile image

IBS attack triggers

I've had IBS for over 30yrs now , I have mytimes when I can go a couple of weeks without an attack...
Nisi1 profile image

triggers

Well my ibs can be ok until i have, Lemsip, antibiotics, garlic. onions, anything fried, mashed or...

Moderation team

IBSNetwork profile image
IBSNetworkPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.