Depression, anxiety caused by toilet problems.

[BlueDevon]

I have had I.b.s now for about thirteen years and have reached a point now where I just can’t deal with it.

I can’t go out very much.When I do I can only go to shops with toilets .I don’t enjoy anything anymore.I just stay in where I feel safe.

My work is as a cleaner/housekeeper.I will only clean houses where the clients are out in case I need to use their toilet.Ive built up a real o.c.d problem all built around my bowels.

A lot of the time I feel itchy and sore and not clean, unless I just sit in a bath.

I don’t look forward to anything.I am on Amitriptyline 10mg, and at first this medication seemed to help but now they are not.Im going to the Doctor Monday but know I will just sit and cry to him.

I am a survivor of abuse that I suffered as a child and find examinations pretty traumatic.

I have had counselling and c.b.t therapy in the past but I feel that there is no hope.

[GwenDee]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this; it's rough. I've only had about six bad years, and even then it wasn't constant until the last three or four. I can relate to the weirdness of examinations; we share a similar history. I guess it's not the kind of thing where you drag a good friend along, but then I've been that friend and was fine with it!

What have you tried? And has anything worked for you?

I'm a researcher and a reader by nature, so I've done most of the fixing me. I went to a doctor who wasn't terribly helpful, so I'm still reading and learning. I did get blood testing and genetic analysis confirming Celiac or at least a predisposition, but I eat no wheat/gluten and haven't for many years.

On my own I found Low-FODMAP eating, which, added to low-carbing for diabetes plus avoiding the allergies I've had even longer, is kind of a pain -- but not as bad as IBS-D! It's definitely getting me closer to normal. Been using Low-FODMAP eating for almost a year now, and it's definitely helped. I also eat organic when I can because I do react to pesticides and chemicals, generally; helps me with IBS, I think. I did speak with a Monash-trained dietician, but she wasn't particularly helpful either. (I wanted to know about how to calculate when combining the same FODMAPs, and her answer was "Don't worry about it.")

I only recently have started going places, and I'm really careful to not eat for hours beforehand. I do time-restricted eating for diabetes and general healing, which actually makes it easier -- I'm used to eating within a six to eight hour window so I just schedule around that. But I'm retired, and not required to function for long periods in a day.

I'm tossing out all that I've tried and what knowledge I've gained in my own process, to see if anything seems useful to you. Thirteen years is a long time to feel like you're fighting your own body! I seriously empathize and hope you find good help soon.

[Sandiegob13]

BlueDevon, IBS-D, and several food allergies for about 25 years here. Some days/weeks months feel exactly as you’re describing, for me, too.

A low fodmap diet, small portions, timed/specific eating and occasional use of Imodium together really have solved 99% of my issues.

My “approved” food list is smaller than most people, but i also now eat very clean and have a good time cooking at home, trying new recipes.

There’s probably no silver bullet cure-all, but probably a number of small changes. SO many folks are in the same boat as us. Chin up.

[BlueDevon in reply to Sandiegob13]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.I have tried a low fod map diet but it’s hard to stick to.

I do occasionally use Imodium but I don’t want to use too many.Its a viscous circle isn’t it?

[b1b1b1 in reply to BlueDevon]

If the low fodmap diet helped you try to stick to it. It actually includes quite a large number of different foods.

[teresa4]

Dear Devon - try to google Lorna Byrne - she is a very spiritual person and her videos are so comforting. This will all help you on your journey. I pray for healing and health for you. xx

[Lactosebitb]

I'm sorry you are in so much physical and emotional pain. What have you tried so far - have you eliminated dairy? Have you tried taking a daily probiotic. Your gut bacteria is wrong (this is true for IBSD sufferers) so you need to try and alter it. Sometimes that is changing your diet. For me I kept track of what I was eating (so I could tell when my symptoms got worse). I only eat lactose free items if I want a dairy product. Taking a daily probiotic literally changed my health - as I was able to change my gut bacteria. I went from20 yrs of horrific IBSD to a normal life again. It can happen - don't lose faith. Try and watch some meditation videos - if you are stressed (which you are) about going out you need to try and calm your mind. Your own thoughts of fear and anxiety are making it harder on you - its not easy. Start each day with a mantra - like - today is going to be a good day, or I have got this or I will not let my diarrhea stop me from living. Try and learn some breathing techniques that will calm you. Check youtube - there are lots. Keep strong, feel better. And tell your friends that you have this condition so then they understand if you have to dash to the bathroom. Fear and shame - they always add to your stress.

[Kensington26]

Hi, please don't despair, the body gets used to 10mg and you just have to up the dosage. It's good your going to the doctor and he/she will probably write you a prescription for a higher dosage.

[LOLly11]

I have had some success with 10mg amitriptyline 3hrs before sleep time ( that reduces being sleepy next morning), and a ZERO FODMAP reactor diet, but the one med that brought me immediate success with IBS is Duloxetine which I was prescribed for chronic nerve pain. Unfortunately, medications for chronic pain caused chronic constipation, necessitating embarking on the search for my personal FODMAPS.

Finding which particular FODMAP triggers to avoid is a long and meticulous process which varies from person to person. My Dietitian provided me with guidance booklets by the Kings College Nhs Trust group, which are indispensable.

[Jackie1612]

hi,

I have had IBS for about 13 years too, and I am also a survivor of child sexual abuse.

Various books I have read explain that many women with IBS have been abused. Long-term stress in childhood causes reactions in the nervous system which affect digestion.

Unfortunately I have never found that diets help that much, although I have to avoid the obvious culprits, like beans, peas, too much fruit and vegetables and dairy, and a lot of fibre.

You mentioned that you stay in where you feel safe, I think that this is part of the function of IBS which helps us to stay safe when underneath we do not feel safe.

So I feel that helping with the trauma you have suffered by other techniques, such as meditation and relaxation and daily exercise can really help. As can psychotherapy.

I can, and do, lead a full life, although I still have IBS and a lot of pain, and I have to be careful what I eat. There are a lot of relaxation and meditation videos on YouTube online which are very helpful.

[missymo]

blueDevon, so sorry to hear this, I know exactly what you mean! Not the abuse but but the bowel thing, my life was hell& anxiety levels hit the roof! I’ve got TWO stoma’s& it’s equally as bad even now!! Works for lots on people’ but sadly not for me🥰

[winfong]

I've had depression (and IBS) all my adult life. I've been on more anti-depressants than I can remember. Some of them stop working, some develop side effects, some need a different dose ...

Have you brought up the lack of effectiveness with your GP? Could possibly be time for a change.

[Dollymae06]

I am exactly the same I was on a coach trip on 15th November for Xmas meal I had the stomach pains and had to use a toilet at a Nhs centre. I was so embarrassed my hubby asked the driver to drop me home as I have Ibs and not feeling well. I told my hubby to carry on that I would be fine once home. I put the key in the front door I felt so relieved as I was in my safe space. My sister also has Ibs and suffers with bowel incontinence as I do at times. She has had a treatment called TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION . She said its little fine needles put in her ankle it only lasts few minutes it isn't painful. She had them for 12 weeks at first then every 3 months then every 6 months she says it's really helped her. Also they have given her a catheter to wash her bowels after every bowel movement. After that happened to me on the coach I telephoned my Gp and asked to see a specialist to the same treatment as my sister I will probably be waiting months.🙈x

[AmethystRoseOx]

I feel the same as you, I've not had it anywhere near as long as you have I've only had it for about 2 years but in them 2 years it's taken over my life, I don't like going out to busy public places anymore incase I need to use the toliet while I'm out and the embarrassment of having to use a public toliet. I avoid restaurants at all costs incase the ingredients they use for there food doesent suit my bowels I've built up so much anxiety from having ibs I've got to a point were I literally just go to work and come home I don't go anywhere else I don't even go to the supermarket to do my shopping I do it all online. People don't seem to think of ibs as a big deal which doesent help as you don't feel understood, I'm glad I've found this forum though seeing how many other people actually suffer from the same thing you do makes you feel like your not alone after all. We got this🙌