worse IBS flare up in about 2 years

[Cimmy]

hi all, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted about my IBS, my question is can IBS flare up due to anxiety??, I’ve had a lot on my plate lately {excuse the pun}, and my IBS is uncontrollable right now, don’t know what to do to settle it down, feel really bad, upset stomach, pain in stomach, bowels are playing up, nausea, just feel horrible and don’t know what to do, I’m anxious because I don’t feel well and it feels like a viscous circle, any feedback on what to do would be so appreciated. Take care everyone and have a great day

[meadfoot]

Anxiety is a very real trigger for me. The gut/brain connection is a well established mechanism which can cause hovoc for those of us susceptible to such things. Recognising anxiety as a factor may calm things in themselves. Be kind to yourself, eat well and sensibly ensuring you take nothing in which is a known trigger for you. Its not easy but recognising your anxiety and triggers wilk help somewhat. Best wishes.

[BaneOfRagnar]

hi, anxiety is a trigger for me too. I’ve had a flare up for months and like you it just keeps going round in a circle, anxious for various reasons then because you feel unwell with ibs you get anxious about that, so so draining. I had 2 days (just last week) where my motions were normal then back to ibsd?!

Tried so many different things over the years, some work in the short term, some foods do trigger but I guess it’s mainly anxiety.

I take probiotic and loperamide (1 a day) to try and ease it, but to be honest it only helps a little. I’m in the middle of trying to work out where I go next, I hope you find something to settle it.

[stacem1987]

Hi Cimmy

In short yes, anxiety is a major factor in my IBS/IBD along with certain foods and stress.

Definitely speak to your GP and get some help. They can provide short term and long term medication if you are going through periods of stress and anxiety. You can also seek advice from a pharmacist.

I hope you get sorted and your symptoms ease soon.

Best wishes

[Nanabud8]

Hi Cimmy, sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. I posted here a short time ago as I had been having a dreadful flare up, still getting it on/off after 3 months. I know it was stress related but the flare up did'nt help, it just made it way worse. Its a vicious circle and like you, it has been years since i last had it so bad. Im getting both IBS C and D, never know from hour to hour what is going to happen! I've tried just about everything there is on the market, i have had all the 'oscopys' last year and have very mild diverticulitis and hiatal hernia as well. I really cant advise you as we are all so different, just know that it will ease in time, it may come and go in between and knock you back again but try and keep positive, its not easy as i recently found out. Im not taking anything for it at the mo, as nothing worked, so im just winging it now. I am slightly better but still a long way from 'normal'. Hope you get some relief soon. Hugs x

[Dollymae06]

I have exactly the same symptoms I take Mebeverine and Loperamide daily. I've bought Alflorex chewable tablets I take one at night and they are really helping me at the moment. A Consultant recommended them to his patients and they had a good success rate. Give them a try you have nothing to lose. I've spent loads on supplements with no joy but these are helping .

[Laxmi_kook]

anxiety and stress are big triggers for me. And flare my IBS. Which causes me more stress and anxiety. It’s definitely a vicious cycle.