Anxiety and IBS

[AliciaC73]

I am wondering how many people there are like me. I have extreme anxiety caused by my IBS. I avoid going out as much as possible due to the fear of pooing myself or the fact I am too embarrassed to poo in public toilets but I’m forced to every time I go out. I have diarrhoea most days that include me going to the toilet around 6-8 times a day. It controls my life and it makes me feel so depressed that I can’t enjoy anything in my life due to the fear caused by my IBS. I can’t do the things I enjoy such as going out with friends/family. Imodium is my go to if I need to go food shopping or something but again I’m filled with extreme fear. It makes me cry. I feel so alone and like no-one else in the world is like this (which I’m sure there are people - I just don’t know they exist). I just want to be able to go out and not have anxiety about pooing myself constantly. It’s all I ever think about, it never leaves my mind!😢😢😢

[Mhl1]

I am so sorry I can see we have a big age difference I am now 66,I know how you feel,I could have written your post 46 years ago,

I have suffered with anxiety since I was a child and since my teens it has caused IBS,I know it it is anxiety related but I have never been able to get it under control.

I don’t travel (although I have in the past drugged up with Imodium and antidepressants).if I was married to anyone else other than my wonderful husband I would be divorced as everything he suggests I refuse,days out,concerts,cinema etc all are a no go go because if my fear of accidents.

My sons have both moved with their families only 20 minutes away by car and even that is a struggle,and before I get in the car I visit the loo several times and panic that I won’t make it.

I don’t find diet has helped me,although in all honesty I haven’t persevered with Fodmap,

I have tried hypnotherapy,reflexology and other treatments nothing has helped,like you I feel desperately sad.

[AliciaC73 in reply to Mhl1]

Literally seems like the same as me, I’m so sorry that you’ve had to experience the same, it truly does control life😢 x

[Funkyfaerie]

Hi Alicia,

The trouble is, this is a round Robin situation.

You are anxious about going out, but the anxiety is probably causing the diarrhoea etc.

The stomach is the first to kick off when we are anxious. I know, as I do suffer a little like you.

It's restricting your life, making it just an existence.

Go to the doctor and get help with the anxiety, hopefully if you manage to calm a bit, it may help your tummy too!

[AliciaC73 in reply to Funkyfaerie]

This was originally the case, however now even if I’m not feeling anxious the diarrhoea is still just as bad - I’ve figured this out whilst being furloughed, best time of my life because I’m not forced to leave the house, this is how I know it’s still just as bad without anxiety. I might go doctors to see if I have BAD, as the symptoms seem exactly like mine and this is my life everyday with no ‘flare ups’, it’s just constant xx

[Bevvy1960]

Hi Alicia.

I read your post and recognised myself many years ago. I am now 60 and thankfully retired but have suffered so much with anxiety (and still do). Over the years I have been on antidepressants for some difficult things that have happened in my life in order to cope at work, and I found that they helped my IBS! I didn’t know back then that they are used for IBS as the doctor just told me to use Imodium. Later I found Fodmaps helped me a lot too but it is difficult to maintain longer term.

Anyway you don’t mention if you are working (before lockdown) and how you manage if you are but my advice would be 1) see your GP and tell him/her what you have written here and try antidepressants - low dose was enough for me and/or 2) give Fodmaps a go.

IBS is awful and it can take over your life so please don’t let it. I wish you good luck and an understanding doctor.

[pblife]

Hi, I have anxiety and IBS-D. I too think about it all the time and if I have to go out, the anxiety is terrible and I hate having to know where toilets are and then worrying if they'll be open/available. People say not to worry as you can always find a loo! But not so easy when you have seconds from the urgency to need. I have been trying everything. FODMAP worked to a point but didn't cure it long term. Imodium helps if I have to go out bet the anxiety stays. Hard not to be anxious when D hits randomly. One thing I have been trying is Enterosgel. I didn't expect much from it but I've been taking it daily just once and I haven't had D since taking it. Yesterday I was anxious due to wind but it settled. It's unbelievable but I have had a month of normal bowels. Normally I'd have to go 3-4 times a day with varying degrees of D. If you are able to try it, it has been amazing so far. But it is extremely expensive. I'm going to stop it now and see if D returns. Then take it only the days around when I have trips out.

[AliciaC73]

I’m so relieved to have read about people who are the same as me, sad that you’ve had to live with this but relieved that I’m not the only one❤️

[xjrs]

Sorry to hear about your experiences. There is much that you can do to take control of your IBS so that you don't have these symptoms anymore and this could calm your anxiety, but also remember anxiety feeds IBS which is a vicious circle. Here is some information about IBS that I have shared with others in this group that can help you take control - IBS doesn't need to rule your life:

IBS can be due to a number or combination of factors - these can be stress (including stress from early life experiences) which impacts the communication between the brain and the digestive system. There are lots of free webinars online at the moment regarding mindfulness meditation which might help. Plus you can ask to be referred for CBT or something similar to reduce your anxiety - I would have thought online appointments are available. Exercise can play a major role in IBS in terms of reducing stress, helping your gut microbiome and regulating bowel movements.

There is also not absorbing certain types of carbohydrates called FODMAPs very well, the residue ending up in the colon and bacteria feeding off them causing symptoms. Ordinarily feeding gut bacteria is a really good thing - when you feed good gut bacteria these produce by-products that have great health effects in the gut and throughout the body. However, in some people with IBS bad bugs might have the upper hand over good - these bad bugs may cause symptoms such as pain or disordered bowel movements. There is an interesting infographic on this here:

gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/...

This is why it’s worth trying probiotics such as Alflorex (which has been scientifically studied for IBS) or Symprove to crowd out the bad bugs and make their numbers die down. If that doesn't work you can try the FODMAP elimination and reintroduction diet. This is normally under the guidance of a nutritionist via GP referral - this may not be possible at the moment so you can read about it online. If you download the Monash University FODMAP app it will tell you which foods contain FODMAPs and in what quantities. You can eliminate all FODMAPs for 2 weeks and then introduce each type of FODMAP one at a time starting in small quantities, increasing over a 3 day period and wait up to 4 days for symptoms. I go much slower than this - only introducing a small amount (1/4 to 1/3 of a normal portion size) of the same food for 3 days and then increase if tolerable or no symptoms and cut back to the previous amount if symptoms for longer and then try to increment again . I've read your microbiome can adapt to handling a new food if introduced very slowly and your bad bugs are under control with a good probiotic. Ideally you want to eat as many FODMAPs as you can since they are good for your health. Many people with IBS don't have diverse gut bacteria - it has been found that people who lack a diverse microbiome are more prone to diseases in general. In the long run, if you can get your symptoms under control, the ideal situation is to have a very varied diet - lots of different coloured fruits and vegetables, a variety of protein and carbohydrate sources including cereal fibres. This may seem a long way off, but with the right treatment all of this is possible. Last year all I could consume to control my IBS was white rice, protein and limited low fodmap veg. Using the approach above (particularly introducing Alflorex) I am now able to consume far more foods - more than I've ever dreamed of including wholewheat bread which is unheard of for me.

If you are also suffering from pain, you may be suffering from visceral hypersensitivity (functional abdominal pain) - there is info about it here:

iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorder...

It is where the brain interprets the normal activity of the bowel as pain - this is due to a wearing down of neurons in pain control centres of the brain which can be caused by PTSD, neglect or abuse in childhood, extreme stressful events etc. The first line treatment is nerve pain agents such as low dose amitriptyline. There is a theory that being on something like amitriptyline for 6-12 months can help the pain control centre neurons to regenerate. Note that amitriptyline can cause constipation, but this can be helpful in people who are diarrhea dominant. Unfortunately I couldn't tolerate these. Linaclotide (for IBS-C only) & Alflorex have helped me with this intestinal pain.

You may also find assistance with anti-spasmodic medication such as mebeverine (Colofac) or enteric coated peppermint.

You can find some info on self management here:

theibsnetwork.org/the-self-...

[AliciaC73 in reply to xjrs]

I actually am 99% sure I have bile acid diarrhoea. The symptoms match mine exactly! I’ve tried loads of different ways of cutting out foods and nothing has worked, I’ve tried lacto-free, tried cutting out other common trigger foods for ibs people, nothing seems to work. I’ve got an over the phone doctors appointment this afternoon, going to ask if I can have a test for BAM and maybe try BAM medication to see if it helps.

[xjrs in reply to AliciaC73]

That makes perfect sense AliciaC73. You'll find out either way for sure. I've heard there is a standard treatment for BAM that works really well and you can get your life back. Good luck!

[Harley1020]

Hello, so sorry to hear how you are feeling. I was feeling exactly the same due to IBS symptoms since 2013.

After numerous tests, a consultant referral and my own research, I finally after 7 years, have had a result.

I cut out ordinary bread and only eat gluten free bread. Also find Rennie tablets helps to alleviate stomach acid. Also Colpermin for IBS is good.

After trying numerous medications prescribed and not prescribed, my medication daily is:

20mg Amitriptyline, this settles the nerves in the stomach.

1 cimitidine tablet, twice a day (for stomach acid) and

1 colesevelam tablet, twice a day (for bile reflux malabsorption),

I have no side effects with these medications, apart from a dry mouth with the Amitriptyline after I go to sleep so I always keep a glass of diluted blackcurrant juice on my bedside cabinet.

Obviously, your symptoms differ from mine there is a lot of research books on IBS D and IBS C which I found in the library. From these books, I was able to discuss with gastroenterologist and to ask on trying different medications.

My doctor was never helpful on prescribing medication so it is better to ask a consultant. Also, perhaps look at gall stone symptoms.

Good luck on resolving your problems as it’s a nightmare not being able to go out due to bowel movements which I previously experienced before being prescribed the above medication.

Take care and stay safe.

[rosco1]

Hi AliciaC73, so sorry about your situation. Your certainly not alone, theres a lot of people that have the same symptoms and have the same feelings as yourself. I know all to well how you feel, I'm the same, I hate the thought of having to go out anywhere.

Hope you feel a little better soon.

[Pat9]

I am identical to you and you’re right it does take over your life fortunately for me I didn’t get IBS until I was in my early 60s so I had retired by then but I feel for people who have to work I find mindfulness helps hope you can find something to help you xx

[Cat33 in reply to Pat9]

Snap ! I know I couldn't work now and so thankful I'm retired too

I find mindfulness very helpful especially the listening mindfulness meditation

Wishing you all the very best x

[Pat9 in reply to Cat33]

thank you you too XX

[Cat33]

You are definitely not alone although it feels like it doesn't it I have a lovely family and friends but they have never experienced it and don't understand I had one friend joke that I needed a nappy I can't joke about it as for me it's just a living hell

I'm so sorry that you suffer so badly and you are so right it takes over your whole life doesn't it

I'm in the loo for ages before I go out and then I need to know where a loo is and with so many shut for ages recently it was a nightmare

I have actually loved lockdown and not had anxiety since March but now that we are getting back to normal all my fears are coming back

I'm sending you huge hugs as I totally understand ♥️

[AliciaC73 in reply to Cat33]

I’ve loved lockdown too! Not having to go to work or go out😁

[Cat33 in reply to AliciaC73]

I know it's been wonderful

I hope you are ok x

[Ruralquirks]

Hi Alicia, first of all you're not alone. I have severe anxiety which has thankfully gotten better over time. I struggle too with loose stools and the fear of getting diarrhoea. It can be determined by what you eat, such as eating alot of high fat diary foods, alot of cheese such as or ice cream. Or eating lots of wholemeal and brown bread, it's best to stick to white bread, white pasta, rice etc. I would advise going to your doctor and explaining to them how this is impacting your life and how miserable it is making you. I know it's hard but making that first step to get to help is a big achievement. You've already done a massive thing by speaking about this. Be proud of yourself.

[AliciaC73 in reply to Ruralquirks]

Turns out I may actually have BAM, if I do then I’ll be taking binders x

[Maureen1958 in reply to AliciaC73]

Have you spoken to your doctor about this yet?

[AliciaC73 in reply to Maureen1958]

Yes x

[Maureen1958 in reply to AliciaC73]

What did they say, are they going to let you try a bile sequestrant?