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  Jul 2 2008, 05:41 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: 1-July 08
From: The South
Member No.: 26,533
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Fairly new here, but this stomach thing is my main problem as well. I have GAD, without a doubt, treated successfully about a yr and a half ago with a few months of Klonopin then Zoloft for a yr. Then.......I felt soooooo good, Iwent off meds, tapered down. WHY? Because I am one of those people that hates taking meds, I want to be in control, well here I am AGAIN. When mine hits, it feels like a never ending stomach flu, I am anxious AND nauseaous 24/7, food makes me gag, then I feel weak, blood sugars feel weird which makes me MORE anxious and it is a terrible cycle, then I usually end up with ulcer type pain that got me an endoscopy last time showing "gastritis" and severe inflammation from stomach acid due to not eating. I usually drop 10-15 pounds in a month (not good, I'm not big) before I decided I have to get help. Now, back to my Psych, taking a heavy dose of Klonopin TID (heavy dose to me) to squash the constant anxiety for a few weeks, adding back the Zoloft, and then hoping for the best. Eating soups, crackers, yogurt, applesauce when I can, and drinking water. I absolutely hate this feeling and want out of this hole that I am in. I have 2 kids, 6 and 9 that want their mom back, and I want to be back.
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Jul 11 2008, 01:07 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 11-July 08
Member No.: 26,807
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QUOTE (kstours @ Mar 14 2007, 01:19 AM)  QUOTE February 26, 2007
Science Daily
Overly Anxious And Driven People Prone To Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Overly anxious and driven people are susceptible to irritable bowel syndrome, usually known as IBS, indicates research published ahead of print in the journal Gut.
The researchers studied 620 people who had confirmed gastroenteritis caused by a bacterial infection. None had had IBS before, or indeed any serious bowel disorder.
Each participant completed a detailed questionnaire when their infection was confirmed. This included questions about mood, perceived stress levels, perfectionism and illness beliefs and behaviours.
They were then monitored three and six months later to see whether they had developed the typical symptoms of IBS, which include diarrhoea and/or constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.
In all, 49 people had IBS at both time points. Women were more than twice as likely to have IBS as the men.
Those with IBS were significantly more likely to have reported high levels of stress and anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms than those who did not develop the condition.
They were also significantly more likely to be "driven," carrying on regardless until they were forced to rest - a pattern of behaviour which only worsens and prolongs the condition, say the authors.
Although not likely to be depressed, those with IBS were more likely to take a pessimistic view of illness.
IBS affects between 10 and 15% of adults in industrialised countries, but its exact cause is unknown. "Gastroenteritis may trigger the symptoms, but cognitions, behaviour and emotions may help to prolong and maintain them over time," conclude the authors, who suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by BMJ Specialty Journals. I'm new here so HI EVERYONE, first of all! lol I've had anxiety and panic issues for the last 6 years now. It started when I was in college and I was overweight at the time. I was getting nervous and having to go to the bathroom all the time. I lost 30lbs just not being able to keep anything in me. I was never told that it might have anything to do with IBS or GAD or anything like that. I just always assumed that it was happening because I was nervous a lot. It still happens now and again when I'm really nervous but immodium usually solves the problem. I think, if it were IBS for me that it would be happening more regularily. I had heard that there is a similar chemical in your bowels as in your brain which would make sense why people end up with diarrhea when they're nervous or excited.... I wonder of I should look into it.....just another thing for my obsessively worrisome brain to think over.
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Sep 2 2008, 10:56 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 2-September 08
Member No.: 28,448
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Ive only been a member for about an hour and here is something else I didnt know. IBS and anxiety? That makes sense. I have been contribution it to the diverticulitis surgery I had a few yers ago. This is a wonderful site.
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Oct 1 2008, 06:27 PM
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Advanced Member
Group: Advanced Member
Posts: 304
Joined: 27-August 08
From: Windsor, Ontario
Member No.: 28,313
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I found what really helped me with IBS was Zoloft (and now Cymbalta). They both helped me with anxiety (stress was my trigger, I couldn't find anything in my diet except very acidic foods) I think they may have an more direct effect too as SSRIs. I have heard that over 80% of the body's serotonin is actually in the G.I. tract. Interestingly, when I went on Buspar, a serotonin antagonist, over the summer, I had the worst flare up of symptoms in years. Does anyone else know more about the serotonin/IBS connection?
Thankfully, I'm largely recovered. I have the odd flare up every few months, but barely know its there anymore.
--------------------
We are all failures -- at least, all the best of us are. -- Sir James M. Barrie
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Oct 23 2008, 06:21 PM
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Junior Member
Group: Junior Member
Posts: 64
Joined: 12-October 08
Member No.: 29,661
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QUOTE (kstours @ Mar 14 2007, 12:19 AM) QUOTE February 26, 2007
Science Daily
Overly Anxious And Driven People Prone To Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Overly anxious and driven people are susceptible to irritable bowel syndrome, usually known as IBS, indicates research published ahead of print in the journal Gut.
The researchers studied 620 people who had confirmed gastroenteritis caused by a bacterial infection. None had had IBS before, or indeed any serious bowel disorder.
Each participant completed a detailed questionnaire when their infection was confirmed. This included questions about mood, perceived stress levels, perfectionism and illness beliefs and behaviours.
They were then monitored three and six months later to see whether they had developed the typical symptoms of IBS, which include diarrhoea and/or constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.
In all, 49 people had IBS at both time points. Women were more than twice as likely to have IBS as the men.
Those with IBS were significantly more likely to have reported high levels of stress and anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms than those who did not develop the condition.
They were also significantly more likely to be "driven," carrying on regardless until they were forced to rest - a pattern of behaviour which only worsens and prolongs the condition, say the authors.
Although not likely to be depressed, those with IBS were more likely to take a pessimistic view of illness.
IBS affects between 10 and 15% of adults in industrialised countries, but its exact cause is unknown. "Gastroenteritis may trigger the symptoms, but cognitions, behaviour and emotions may help to prolong and maintain them over time," conclude the authors, who suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by BMJ Specialty Journals. What is ibs?
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Nov 24 2008, 08:06 PM
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Junior Member
Group: Junior Member
Posts: 119
Joined: 12-October 08
From: Midwest
Member No.: 29,653
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I was diagnosed with IBS in January. Mine was mostly constipation (pretty much all the time), with diarrhea whenever I was tense. The stomach doctor prescribed a laxative for the constipation, but nothing for the diarrhea. I actually haven't had to take the laxative hardly at all since I've been on citalopram (it causes a bit of diarrhea for me, which seems to just even it out). However, I also have anxiety - not diagnosed though. I've told my doctor a couple of times that I feel very anxious a lot of the time, but I don't think he is understanding me. My therapist said if the citalopram doesn't help with the anxiety by this week (I've had 1 month on 20 mg/day, and almost 2 months on 40 mg/day), she will talk to my doctor about changing, adding a med, or something.
Right now, I'm sitting here, anxious, stomach hurting, cramping, feeling like I need to throw up. Already went to the bathroom once this evening. Not fun.
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Nov 26 2008, 04:42 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 28
Joined: 25-November 08
From: Atlanta, GA
Member No.: 31,074
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QUOTE (Maedhros @ Oct 1 2008, 06:27 PM) I found what really helped me with IBS was Zoloft (and now Cymbalta). They both helped me with anxiety (stress was my trigger, I couldn't find anything in my diet except very acidic foods) I think they may have an more direct effect too as SSRIs. I have heard that over 80% of the body's serotonin is actually in the G.I. tract. Interestingly, when I went on Buspar, a serotonin antagonist, over the summer, I had the worst flare up of symptoms in years. Does anyone else know more about the serotonin/IBS connection?
Thankfully, I'm largely recovered. I have the odd flare up every few months, but barely know its there anymore. I was diagnosed with IBS 4 years ago, after a very complicated gallbladder surgery. My primary physician diagnosed me, but has not given me any information on the subject, or any medication to treat it either. Very frustrating! I have IBS-D (diarrhea predominant) I have several(more that 4) bowel movements a day, and my stool is almost always loos and wattery. It is also frequestly bright yellow, from the excessive bile and other stomach acids that are now in my system, thanks to not having a gallbladder. In the last few months the IBS has been really acting up, I wake up during the night with an urgent need to go to the restroom, and I have been getting nauseous before bowel movements, which is new for me. Also, I often have to run to the bathroom in the middle of or just after a meal. The only food triger I have been able to discover is Burger King... I rarely eat fast food, but every time in the past 4 years that I have eaten there my IBS has flared up horribly. Also, I am usually very fatigued after my stomach gets REALLY upset. I do have social anxiety, confrontation anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as depression. I was taking Lexapro for the anxiety and depression for a few months, but lately they have been getting worse, so my doc just switched me from Lexapro to Zoloft (started the transition process last night) I am not sure if anxiety makes my IBS worse. I do know that the IBS makes my anxiety worse... I HAVE to make sure that I have access to a rest room immediately after a meal and several times a day. I have a lot of anxiety about not being able to find an appropriate (ie. clean) restroom, or that the only restroom available will be too public. **Maedhros** I read online the other day at Wikipidia that SSRIs are used to treat constipation predominant IBS, and antidepressants called TCAs can be used to treat diarrhea predominant IBS. I tried asking my nurse about taking a TCA for my anxiety/depression/IBS, but she did not even know what they were!! So, my doc called in a Rx for Zoloft (another SSRI). I have high hopes for this med, so I am waiting to see how my IBS does with it. You may want to discuss TCAs with your doc, though. I know I am when I have the time off work after the first of the year and am able to make it to a doc appointment. I found the IBS article on Wikipedia very helpful, and you might as well. I am new here, so I don't know if I am allowed to post a link or even copy the article into a post, so you can just go to Wikipedia and search for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Hope this helps! Any comments or suggestions are welcome... I am going to try and get some info out of my doc about IBS, or possibly see a GIdoc about it. Hope everyone has an absolutley wonderful Thanksgiving!!
--------------------
MaryJaneGirl
"Don't settle for the one you can live with, wait for the one you can't live without"
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Feb 14 2009, 09:57 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 11
Joined: 1-February 09
Member No.: 33,337
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QUOTE (theguy @ Jun 12 2008, 07:42 PM) QUOTE (blues @ Jan 16 2008, 03:48 AM) I have IBS and GAD and it's hard to know (at this point) which causes which.
When my gut is upset, it makes me feel anxious (or I believe I must be anxious about something because my gut is tight). When I'm anxious, my gut gets tight and spasms, and doesn't stop until I can calm down though breathing techniques, leaving the triggering environment, or taking a benzo p.r.n to stop the anxious thinking. So, the anxiety triggers my gut/body and it gets tight, can't eat, feel nervous - or the gut/body are tight later, on their own, after something has happened (hours or days) and I get anxious about it. I hate it. it is the worst for me in the mornings. Waking up with that tight, tummy feeling and being scared (a psychological component is there too when I wake up).
It's either Citricel or Hyosimine to calm my gut. Ativan to calm my head. I don't like either.
b- Hey Blues, this is exactly what I have GAD, anxiety that tenses up my stomach and then digestion get's all messed up. i was recently diagnosed with ibs that is stress related after a colonoscopy. how can the md tell that stress is the cause as opposed to anyother cause? thnaks
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Feb 20 2009, 02:48 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: 6-October 08
Member No.: 29,444
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I can relate. I have not been diagnosed but suspect this may be the culprit. I have all the same symptoms. :( Bloating, constipation, gas, upset stomach with certain foods, some days are ok others are bad. It's hard not to worry about the symptoms and have had all kinds of tests run and am fine so far. I am 23 years old and healthy... it's hard not to worry about it being something worse that they just haven't found.
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Feb 26 2009, 04:49 PM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 23-February 09
Member No.: 34,064
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I've got anxiety problems and IBS too. Although certain foods trigger it, I'm sure that anxiety plays a role. In my case, a bigger problem has been a painful functional dyspepsia problem which is magnified by stress.
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Jun 4 2009, 12:27 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: 4-June 09
Member No.: 37,414
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QUOTE (Jkm @ Apr 29 2008, 12:55 AM) I think it has to do more with what's going on, in my situation. I can start out fine, then if the stressors get high, watch out.... I don't recommend coffee, as it might go straight through. I also find that Immodium to be a life saver. Even half of a pill will calm down a jittery stomach. I don't recommend that anyone drink alcohol. It can irritate your stomach and gut if you tend to be anxious. I know a doc I had years ago told me to take immodium, mylanta and eat yogurt until it stopped. It works for me. Jackie  Hi, I have had IBS and MDD for almost 20 years. I use 1-2 Imodium every day. I still get breakthrough episodes. It just occure to me that my MDD has not been as well controlled as it could be. I am going through a med adjustment now and starting to feel a bit better. I am on Cymbalta 60 mg but still have a LOT of anxiety with and without cause. This always kicks off the IBS. Not a nice combo. I am coming to terms ( trying to) with GAD. I have had a few episodes lately that are impacting my job (nurse) and this just adds more stress, more IBS and worsening MDD. Wonder if increasing Cymbalta to 90 (or more) is the answer??? Had a patient the other day on Buspar and he said it worked great. Afraid of brain fog and flat affect....Any ideas???? Appreciate the input.
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Jun 19 2009, 03:42 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 12
Joined: 19-June 09
Member No.: 37,887
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Yes I have IBS. This time last year was particularly bad for a couple of months. I modified my diet and apart from a couple of shorter lasting bouts I have been better. I agree that anxiety is a contributory factor. I was determined to get it under control because I already have enough to cope with, with my depression. IBS is horrible.
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Aug 23 2009, 05:25 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 43
Joined: 26-May 09
From: Australia
Member No.: 37,130
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Shiatsu, mindfulness based cbt, and other disciplines that believe that emotions lie within the body (eg love in the heart, fear in the chest) and not just the brain. Anxiety lies within the gut - everyone can remember having butterflies in the stomach at one time or another. I particularly noticed this since i began mindfulness based CBT which (as part of the therapy) puts you more in tune with your body. If the anxiety is prolonged, the gut will be constantly irritated causing stomach problems. I had constipation, bloating, pains and diarrhea when my social anxiety peaked. Then those things made me more anxious. IT sucks when your body doesnt work properly. Lucky for me - the symptoms began to clear as my anxiety and depression lifted.
Stress has been linked to almost every disease out there. The field concerned with this link between stress and disease is called psychoimmunology.
--------------------
I'd rather a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy
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Nov 7 2009, 09:48 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: 25-October 09
Member No.: 41,906
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Wow, I knew my stomach problems were related to stress. I didn't realize how stressed and anxious I really was. I always thought "Hey I can handle my stress just fine", but I could feel it in my stomach and I would also break out in rashes. I've been on Meds for about 4 weeks now, I started on Cipralex it worked well but it made me sleepy and my libido disapeared, so we switched to Wellbutrin, its ok but not as good as Cipralex so now I started on Pristiq yesterday. Well see how it goes. I had a HUGE emotional episode yesterday, worrying about my relationship and crying. I"m not sure what happened and if my BF will hang around to see if I get better. Great information!
Oh since I started the meds my stomach has been just fine, so it was definitely related to my anxiety.
This post has been edited by Zane: Nov 7 2009, 09:49 AM
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Nov 11 2009, 01:02 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: 10-November 09
From: Ontario, Canada
Member No.: 42,413
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I also have IBS and I have an anxiety disorder.
The thing I find most bothersome about IBS is whenever I'm about to have a bowel movement I pretty much know because I get reallly bad pains in my abdomen. If I don't have access to a washroom immediately, the pain gets more severe until I actually go. I thought this condition would be temporary, but I've been just trying to cope with it over the passed couple of months.
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"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - Shakespeare
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Anxious People Prone To IBS |
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Depression Forums - A Depression & Mental Health Community Support Group > OTHER DEPRESSION & ANXIETY RELATED ILLNESSES > Anxiety and Panic Disorders
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