Stress??? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

Sparkle · 08-18-2002, 08:35 PM

Well I have been kind of nervous/anxious/worried over the past few weeks because I was reading an article where this 33 year old lady developed bowel cancer and she was a vegetarian. One of my parents passed away with the same disease at 54. Im 27. Im really freaking out.

The more i have been reading about the more tummy pains I have been getting. One day my left side will hurt, then my right, then I get indigestion, then I get constipated a little cause I am scared I will see blood or something, then I get like a kidney pain, then a bladder or ovary pain. I am totally stressing out!!!!! Can stress or an inflammed bowel or something cause this. I am constantly looking for more symptoms. I noticed when I went to the toilet there was a bit of mucus, clear stuff. The pain moves all around and isn't localised.

I made a pact with myself to have a colonoscopy when I turn 30 cause the dr said to go when im about 44. Ten years before my parent was diagnosed.

Im a stressy nervey person and this is freaking me out. Oh by the way, I mainly eat vegetables and drink water with a little bit of white meat for dinner and some fibre bread for breakfast. My bm's are still like little round marbles (bigger than marbles though)

Can stress cause these pains???? Can someone help?

Harry · 08-18-2002, 10:42 PM

Sparkie,

Stress can do some unusual things?? But, I haven't heard that it produces marble like stools---more like loose diarrhea type BMs.
You probably need more fiber in your diet with water because lack of a good diet will cause bowel cancer. It is also a good Idea to have a colon exam if you are that worried. It sure will help your mental attitude and peace of mind!!!

If you are really concerned and it sounds like you are then make sure you eat a balanced diet that contains at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily. If you cannot do it and most of us don't----then take a water soluble fiber like psyllium seed husk. It is safe to take daily and will make your BMs regular and gentle. Also ---drink enough water daily!!! Fiber is what makes your gastrointestinal system function properly!!!
If your bowels don't work right you can have pain in the form of cramps, spasms and trapped gas.
Take care!!!

God Bless---Harry

[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 08-19-2002).]

08-19-2002, 03:38 AM

Hi,

Yes, the mind and lots of stress can affect your tummy. There is something called the mind/gut link where certain chemicals are released from the brain that have a direct effect on the workings of the gut. Also, the peristaltic action can be affected and can push when it should be pulling and vice versa which will cause you to have crampy tummy pains. The mind/gut link is very much involved with IBS and sometimes the more stressed people are the worse their IBS symptoms are.

As Harry said, you could probably benefit from increasing your fiber intake and also drinking plenty of fluid. Also try and reduce your stress levels too and relax if you can. Try some relaxation exercises.

At the moment though, it does sound more like IBS symptoms, but if you are worried, go and see your doc to put your mind at rest.

Sarah

08-19-2002, 06:43 PM

GOTTA tell you, Sparkle, that I know how you feel. Just got the results from the six polyps removed during my colonoscopy today and everything ..... EVERYTHING .... was benign. What a relief.

I was sure it was the end when the doctor told me he found six of them. It wasn't, obviously, but what a week I've had. I know how you feel with the "extra" pains and aches. You think everything that's not normal is because you have something that's spread. Not so. The mind is so very powerful. It can upset your entire intestinal system. My only advice is get that test done. It will relieve you and you can live your life happy and worry-free. What a JOY that is!! Just imagine not having to examine what's in the toilet!!! Please let us know how you're doing.

ChristinaD · 08-20-2002, 07:30 AM

Hi sparkle,
You definetely sound like you have anxiety! I know because I too have it. I have major back problems and if I am not mistaken, seeing you on the forum, you do to. Stress and anxiety cause me most of my bowel problems. I first noticed my bowel problems about 5 years ago and that is the time in my life when I started experiencing alot of stress and anxiety attacks. You are reading and diagnosing and making yourself believe that you have even more problems. I can tell you this because I do the same thing.
All you can do is talk yourself out of it. I am 27 too and I know how you feel. I also only ate white meat and veggies and alot of bread and potatoes, and only water. Now I am starting to eat meat because it was doing me no favors not to. Your body needs that "red meat protein" not alot but some. Also, with back problems, I did not eat right and people kept telling me that me back needs protein to get better too. What can I say, I'll try anything!
I know what you mean by the "marbles" that is due to constipation, I still have it, not AS bad as I used to but it's not fun. I try to eat alot of fiber and take fiber pills and drink alot of water.
Also, I think you are jumping to conclusions with the spinal tumor thing, I often think the same thing at times. But I have disc problems and you have the same symptoms as me.
Hope you feel better!
Christina

[This message has been edited by ChristinaD (edited 08-20-2002).]