very worried please help - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

KelMarie · 12-10-2002, 06:41 AM

HI!
I am new to this board and was relieved to see that I am not the only one with this problem. Not that I would wish it on anyone, I just don't feel so alone now. I have always been prone to some D but for the most part was very regular until 15 months ago. I have been suffering with generalized anxiety disorder for 10 years now. In Sept. 01 I was maid of honor for my girlfriends wedding. I was under soooo much anxiety and started getting D all the time. Then I started getting acid reflux and have been told by my
doc that I have IBS, GAD, and GERD. The side effects of GERD disease medicine - yep, D!!!! So I can't tell if I am having IBS attack or if it is med. I am so scared that
it is something more serious and it seems to be getting worse. One day D the next normal but pencil thin (excuse my honesty here). Doc has done 3 stool tests and all came back neg. Also had a barium swallow xray in the spring - it was normal - just reflux. What do you think?

Katie G · 12-10-2002, 10:42 AM

Hi, Kel. Why not asking your doc for another type of GERD medication? Since the side effects of some of them are diarrhea, and it appears to be affecting you, see if s/he'll prescribe another type. The GAD/IBS is a viscious circle of anxiety/IBS/IBS/anxiety as I'm sure you already know. Hang in there; once the IBS is under control, I'm sure the other problems will settle down too. Try increasing your fiber intake via Metamucil (I like the wafers), and taking calcium supplements (Caltrate + D) to help "bulk up" your stools.

Keep us posted on your results,
Katie G

6th_sense · 12-10-2002, 02:33 PM

Hi,

I just wanted to mention try eating some yogourt too.

Cheers, Raju.

Eddie 564 · 12-21-2002, 09:56 AM

Greetings, I am 100% convienced there is a direct link from the brain to the lower intestines. From what you have described I feel this may be the case. I know because I have sufffered with similar symptons all my life. My worst time is in the mornings. If I feel anxious due to a meeting that day or have to take someone to the airport or just have to go to motor vehcile I get the cramps and the D. I am too the point where I am fed up and will do anything I need to to rid my self of this IBS. Yes it sounds like its what u have triggered by stess/anxiety. There are people who get butterflys in their stomach when they think of an event like the wedding u described. Us, we get bad cramps and have to run for our lives to find a restroom. A tip that may help u is meditation. I have been practicing TM or transidental meditation for many yrs. and it does help. I just become lazy at times and become inconsistent with it. Try and find someone who knows how its done instead of paying the money they want to learn, It is real simple and you will enjoy it. Wish I could of been of more help. I am on a quest to rid myself of this afflictsion once and for all. If I help any further just email me. eddie