diarhea everyday, Can stress do this ? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

happyhome · 12-14-2005, 04:25 PM

Hello,

It is true, that I have an anxiety problem, and just went through Hurricane Katrina, but I have developed diarhea, everyday to the point I am living on Immodium and Lomitil at an abnormal limit...........I hear the stress can cause this......I do have it in my nervous heritage, but now it is out of control.......I am chewing Lomotil all the time.......I checked to see if it was IBS, but that just talks about constipation ? I wish I had that.......I can't even go out of the house....I have a peptic ulcer ? but I take Prilosec for that.....

I am a diabetic and that is under control.....so I do go to doctor for my health conditions, It's true, I lost my home under water in Katrina , but can my emotions start up this much diarhea, can being in the mold of the home be doing this ? What's worse is I loose my Cobra Insurance on 12/31/05 and to see a doctor is herendous......which is causing tremendous stress to loose health insurance.........

Can stress produce this much diarhea, and pain of bloated colon ? It is very painful in my large colon........is this IBS too ? Its funny it started so bad now.?............can stress produce such devastating physical symptoms and PAIN associated with it ? Is this IBS ? Thanks

diamond79 · 12-14-2005, 06:33 PM

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Stress can cause alot of problems--diarrhea included. But diarrhea can also be the result of a more serious problem. Try adding more fiber to your diet and try to cut back on things that are causing you stress (I know it's probably easier said then done) and see if that helps. If not I would try to get in and see a dr. before your insurance runs out. Like the saying goes--It's better to be safe then sorry!

Losec20mg · 12-14-2005, 09:02 PM

go get tested for Celiac Disease.

cheer up · 12-15-2005, 12:56 PM

Dear happyhome --

Sure sounds to me like you are suffering from an anxiety disorder and who would be surprised? I've been through the same thing myself though nothing stress producing like Katrina.

See if your doctor can give you Librax -- it calms down the colon a lot. Along with your other issues you may well have irritable bowel. Constipation is not the hallmark of IBS -- there are two primary problems; either diarrhea OR constipation. My family is known for the diarrhea variety and everyone I know with IBS symptoms complains of it, NOT constipation. They can be a vicious cycle, too, with protracted constipation eventually resulting in diarrhea. What you need is some calm in your life, the knowledge that you are OK, and probably something to help calm you down. You could also try Xanax -- it works wonders. You are undoubtedly somewhat depressed as well from all of this, so perhaps Paxil is an option. Speak to your doctor and describe everything to him/her.

I am not a doctor, but definitely have had lots of experience with digestive disorders (including gall bladder surgery two years ago). Believe me, your mind plays a huge part in your digestive functioning. Best wishes to you and try to make sure you get enough rest, eat right, drink lots of water and get enough exercise. All of this is necessary for keeping your system on track. Above all, NOT concentrating so much on the digestive complaints helps as well. Really, I cannot stress enough how important it is to just try to relax about the bodily functions.

Gun · 12-15-2005, 01:39 PM

I get diarrhea when I'm stressed or get anxiety. But it could also be from too much bad bacteria in your gut. If you get gassy or an offensive odor with the gas and the diarrhea, good indicator for bacteria.
I agree with the added fiber. You can try taking benefiber -- comes in a tablet form if you don't want to mix the powder. If you do try that - go SLOWLY. If you take too much it could give you a stomach ache.