[Harmacy]

I couldn't find another thread about IBS but wondered if it's part of anybody's anxiety issues.

I've suffered from it on and off for over 20 years and these last few weeks it's got really bad again. I'm seeing the doctor soon (and am anxious about even talking about it). I'm sure anxiety is the biggest factor as it hits worst in the mornings but I'm now fretting over food intolerances and getting to the point where I'm suspecting most everything I eat. If there was one food I could avoid to relieve the symptoms I would but I can't narrow it down.

Working with IBS is torturous at times. Sometimes I'll walk to the other side of the building to use a quiet restroom so I don't have to be seen using the one in the main office again. And then there are times when I just want to sit in a stall for 20 minutes until the cramping and discomfort go but I'm anxious that everyone is mentally counting down the minutes and wondering where I've gone. Which makes me come back too soon, and then need to go again shortly afterwards!

And now, because my work place is so quiet sometimes I'm getting anxious about any noises from my gut. So spend a lot of time dreading an embarrassing gurgling noise, which means I'm constantly anxious about the idea of it happening even when my gut is relatively calm.

Anyway, embarrassing topic but hoping sharing on here will help. It's something I don't really talk about to anyone and I think that's part of the problem.

[Little Lulu]

The worry about 'what people are thinking' makes IBS (and other issues) so much worse. We think people are paying attention to what we are doing - how many times we leave our desk, use the bathroom, make gut noises, etc. when the truth is people are so absorbed in their own issues they have little time or interest to track your comings and goings.

I was deeply invested in some personal issue that I can't even recall now and a good friend said to me 'So what'. Those two words have helped me since then with so many issues. So what is you need to spend a little more time than usual in the bathroom? So what if you have a noisy belly? Doesn't make you bad person or bad employee - just someone with a belly condition.

I imagine I would like you a lot better than some of the dregs I have had to work with over the years ... let your good self shine and let go of the rest. Try taking the day off worrying about this today, poo and gurgle when you need to, and see how good it feels.

[Altered Moment]

I think it is very common for it to be a part of anxiety. Or that anxiety can cause it or make it worse. Anxiety gives me GI issues. I went with a girl for a long time and her anxiety definitely made her IBS worse. I hope both can be treated for you.

[growlycat]

I was on a medication that gave me very IBS like symptoms. Ever try probiotics as a supplement? I swear by them.

My grandfather had IBS and it seemed hard to manage. I hope you work with considerate people.

I like this NPR article because it admits that the science behind how it affects us has some promising results but needs further study.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/201...probiotics-101

I am very wary of whackadoo treatments but personally, I found it helpful.

[summerblueskies]

Originally Posted by Harmacy

I couldn't find another thread about IBS but wondered if it's part of anybody's anxiety issues.

I've suffered from it on and off for over 20 years and these last few weeks it's got really bad again. I'm seeing the doctor soon (and am anxious about even talking about it). I'm sure anxiety is the biggest factor as it hits worst in the mornings but I'm now fretting over food intolerances and getting to the point where I'm suspecting most everything I eat. If there was one food I could avoid to relieve the symptoms I would but I can't narrow it down.

Working with IBS is torturous at times. Sometimes I'll walk to the other side of the building to use a quiet restroom so I don't have to be seen using the one in the main office again. And then there are times when I just want to sit in a stall for 20 minutes until the cramping and discomfort go but I'm anxious that everyone is mentally counting down the minutes and wondering where I've gone. Which makes me come back too soon, and then need to go again shortly afterwards!

And now, because my work place is so quiet sometimes I'm getting anxious about any noises from my gut. So spend a lot of time dreading an embarrassing gurgling noise, which means I'm constantly anxious about the idea of it happening even when my gut is relatively calm.

Anyway, embarrassing topic but hoping sharing on here will help. It's something I don't really talk about to anyone and I think that's part of the problem.

IBS is often caused by food intolerance or an underlying digestive disease. Try looking into the Paleo diet or an elimination diet. An elimination diet is where you start out eating a few bland foods, and gradually, slowly add back one food at a time, over several weeks, until you notice a reaction from a 'problem food'. You might also find it useful to keep a food diary of how you feel after different kinds of meals. I would also recommend gentle yoga. It will help reduce stress, and at the same time increase blood flow to your abdomen, which is helpful to digestion. I wanted to give you this information because many doctors say that IBS can only be treated by drugs. And I think it is possible to heal yourself through lifestyle changes. Personally, I suffered with digestive symptoms for much of my childhood. I was diagnosed with ADD, told I was just stressed out, even told that all my pain was simply from eating too much at dinner! Finally I was diagnosed with celiac disease, now I feel perfectly healthy with a gluten free diet.

[Harmacy]

Thanks for the replies.

The elimination diet sounds like a good idea. As for pro-biotics I have taken those in tablet form with mixed results. Got on really well at first but then stated getting occasional attacks of quite severe diarrhea (real emergency stuff) which struck outside of the normal IBS pattern.

I've gone back onto bio yoghurts now which I know have helped in the past. I'm wondering about lactose intolerance though although have read that yoghurt is easier to digest than other dairy and has less lactose, especially Greek yoghurt. As for Celiac disease I eat very little wheat products but may try eradicating it completely and see how it goes. I'll also ask my doctor if they can do a test for that.

And yes, a lot of it is to do with my hang ups about bodily functions probably - I expect some forgotten trauma form my infancy has been repressed and is coming out physically now

[liveforfish]

I suffer from IBS and know what you mean about work. It's embarrassing.
Do you see a GI doctor? I'm seeing one now myself. I keep a food/symptom diary. It help to do for a long time to see patterns.

Stress definitely makes it worse.

Just had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done to see if there's a bigger problem.

I'm on an antacid medication and going to start taking an antispasmodic to help IBS.

[summerblueskies]

Originally Posted by Harmacy

Thanks for the replies.

The elimination diet sounds like a good idea. As for pro-biotics I have taken those in tablet form with mixed results. Got on really well at first but then stated getting occasional attacks of quite severe diarrhea (real emergency stuff) which struck outside of the normal IBS pattern.

I've gone back onto bio yoghurts now which I know have helped in the past. I'm wondering about lactose intolerance though although have read that yoghurt is easier to digest than other dairy and has less lactose, especially Greek yoghurt. As for Celiac disease I eat very little wheat products but may try eradicating it completely and see how it goes. I'll also ask my doctor if they can do a test for that.

And yes, a lot of it is to do with my hang ups about bodily functions probably - I expect some forgotten trauma form my infancy has been repressed and is coming out physically now

Definitely look up some stress reduction techniques that work for you too. I used to get awful stomach aches in high school if there was social stress :/ It felt like being punched in the stomach repeatedly . Anyway, as for the food, there are lactose free and dairy free yogurts, that might still have probiotics, try asking at a health food store. Giving up gluten completely can be very healing too.

[Harmacy]

Originally Posted by liveforfish

Do you see a GI doctor? I'm seeing one now myself.

I'll be seeing my GP initially but if that doesn't work out then I may look into paying to see a specialist, depends how expensive it would be or if I can get a referral on the NHS.

Incidentally, I used to have sever acid reflux but since cutting right down on wheat products, that has almost vanished, along with mild asthma. I started by stopping eating bread and that alone was a big help. I also lost about a stone in weight long term so maybe that played a part too.

[summerblueskies]

Just a tip but gluten is not just in bread. Its a common misconception that I hear at times. Gluten is also in many bottled sauces, tv dinners, frozen foods, marinades, soups, some drinks, lunch meats, fried food, gum and most candy. To give a few examples. Even things like corn bread and corn tortillas often have wheat flour added as well. It can be a full time job but worth it for many of us!