Hi - I have suffered from IBS -D for over 15 years in the last 18 months or so , I have been suffering with much more anxiety especially in social situations . It is making life so difficult to enjoy . I tend to turn down invitations & holidays , because I’m worried about embarrassing myself & not be able to access a toilet quickly . I have tried CBT & hypnotherapy. I have a good diet & exercise most days . I would love to find a “cure” . I take loperamide daily , but I’m not sure if this helps me anymore or even if it’s safe to do so it is prescribed by the GP . My question is does anyone have any advice about something I could take to calm my anxious thoughts & something other than loperamide for the IBS-d . We are going on a cruise holiday with friends in June & id love to able to enjoy meals out & go on day trips without the worry of not being by a toilet .
Does anyone have any advice . I would be very grateful.
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Jess54
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It sounds like you could benefit from anti-anxiety medication. You obviously know how closely linked the gut and brain is as you have tried so much. I understand exactly how you feel and relate to cancelling everything deeply. Sometimes it’s more beneficial to focus on eliminating the anxiety rather than the physical symptoms, you may notice it all eases up. The GP should be open about this if you talk to them.
I see you've tried hypnotherapy but did you go through the Nerva program. I found it helpful but I've also got some kind of histamine problem, so it didn't take care of all my problems (I still pay for it just in case I need a little extra help). Give it a try if you can. Sometimes they have special offers. Good luck!
You mentioned some kind of Histamine problem in your post. I've had IBS for 16 years which I have manage the best I can but I have always had a feeling that there is something else besides IBS. Im convinced it's High Histamine Intolerance and the more I study it and the symptoms it can produce, the more convinced I am that I have it. I don't think I am producing enough Diamine Oxydase ( DAO ) the Digestive Enzyme that breaks down Histamines in our foods and prevents build up of Histamine in the body. I think my IBS is a result of this or I think it has a lot to do with it.
I rarely go a few days without struggling with the toilet one way or the other. It's as if after 2 or 3 days at most, something builds up in my system and the symptoms start again, then after a day or two on the toilet, I'm fine again for another few days. My anxiety is worse some days than others which seems to come with it. I am starting to look at lowering histamines in the diet but it's too early to tell yet if anything is happening.
I wondered if you have a Histamine problem, how are you dealing with it and are you having any success.
I don't have enough DAO but I can eat things that you can't eat on a true histamine intolerance, especially spinach. After you find out what's what, then you can look for DAO pills. I use pills manufactured in Slovakia, which are cheaper than some others but they run over 40 euros for 28 days (but I don't take them with every meal - just mainly breakfast and dinner, so I can stretch them out a little). Some people also take antihistamines, quercetin and Vit. C.
One of the big things is you shouldn't eat reheated meat and everything should be as fresh as possible. But with the pills I can eat reheated meat. It's all touch and go, BUT just because you find some relief from your histamine problems doesn't mean the IBS will go away. Sorry....... Good luck!
Thank you for your reply . Yes I did try Nerva program & one to one hypo therapy sessions. It was a helpful, & I do try & use the techniques . I find my brain just takes over in social situations & what ever I try I can’t switch off to it .
I am suffering with anxiety because of this I wasn't offered anxiety medication so I asked my GP for Propranolol as I have seen on other groups others have said it has helped them. I take one when I'm really anxious and it does help me to cope as I'm having fecal accidents some days.
Hi Jess54 yes it does it helps with the symptoms so you don't worry so much. It isn't a tranquiliser so it doesn't sedate you so you can take it as and when you need it.
hi , I do take a probiotic daily ,I take optibac every day extra , not sure if it helps as I take loperamide every day , which I’m finding I can’t stop taking as it’s my safety net
Hi - yes I did , it’s been a game changer! I went on a flight recently & I was so much calmer , less anxious . I am taking them just when I need them , so whilst I was away I had one a day , now I’m home I’ve not had any . I will take when I’m off out anywhere I’m worried about the whereabouts of the toilets ! How often do you take them ? I was wondering if you could take two a day if needed . I think I’ve finally got the combination of loperamide & probiotics for me as well ! I’m feeling really well at the moment!
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