Hello all,

I'm a 28 year old firefighter and for the longest time I have been suffering with an axiety issue. Whenever I leave for work or leave the station on a run I get the urge to have to use the bathroom. I know this sounds weird or funny but it happens. I love my job but this takes a lot of enjoyment out of it. I have visited with my physican and he prescribed an anti spasmodic for my stomach with no relief at all. He offered something for axiety and I turned it down. I have recently read in some forums that people have the same issue as myself. I for now while on the way to work and while at work I take tons of imodium but thats a short term fix. I have read that people have been taking a class of drugs called SSRI's, for example lexapro, prozac and zoloft with great relief. Just wondering if anyone out there has this and what they've done to over come this horrible feeling.

yep! i have the same issues, i have IBS and anxiety and one trigger for the IBS to kick in and give me heck is a nervous thought like- oh geez i cant go there cause what if i get sick and need a toilet, oh no im cant go to their house cause what if i have an attack and need the toilet for an hour, JUST the thought brings it on, no matter where i go or what i do i will have this, just going to a family function brings it on, so my life has become very limited and of course the IBS itself just has mond of its own aside from the anxiety.I posted on the IBS board also but no one has answered, I am afraid to take meds, actually will have an anxiety attack after taking one, all i have is Generic Bentyl that i take for the spasms but i havent been to the dr to get more so i suffer with the pain and mine will last for up to a week and a half at times. Only other thing i have thought of would be xanax to hold of the nervousness that would hopefully hold off an attack but I am scared to death to take it so im at a loss also, lets see if we get any ideas from other posters...
Wanda

SSRI's definately help with anxiety. The one that worked best for me was Paxil.

You don't want to be taking any benzos (xanax, ativan, etc) with the job you have. They make you tired and can become very addictive.

See your doctor and try the paxil or other if doc suggests. I think you will not regret it.

Best wishes,

JB

I would not recommend a SSRI for IBS anxiety related symptoms. I would only consider SSRI if you have full blown panic disorder, with many co-morbid symptoms, shortness of breath, racing heart, dizziness, etc. I was a former SSRI user (Paxil), in the beginning your anxiety will worsen (jitterness) than well wane in about 2-4 weeks. If you are considering this, talk to your doctor about side effects, loss of libido, and "poop out" syndrome, notorious for working 3-5 years and suddenly it quits, its a massive tradeoff for only few years, to find that your condition will require trial and error of other SSRI's.

This from my experience.

this is why for me also i was thinking of xanax or a mild tranqualizer on an as needed basis, i am still in the midst of a flare up, - spasms, running to bathroom etc, not fun!

Wanda

I just started Paxil on Tuesday and I already feel a sense of calmness. You should try an SSRI they can really help alot.