Did a search and I am going to the Dr.
#253110 - 03/19/06 08:33 PM
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Betharoo
Reged: 01/28/05
Posts: 815
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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at the end of the month I have a Dr's appt. I have avoided medication up until this point. I was looking for some recommendations. It looks like Buspar is popular for most for anxiety. I am in a wedding in the beginning of June and the drive is going to be 6 hours. This will be a huge milestone for me if I can make it through. My anxiety is up already and I am trying to coach myself that it will all be okay. I usually get myself so worked up that I can't make it or I just back out (not an option this time). I want something that I can start to take in the next month or so to get used to it before I go. I am IBS-A but extreme D when it comes to anxiety. I am also pain predominant. Some options I looked into would not work for me ex. Levsin, can't because I am allergic to Sulfa and it says Bentyl is a no no for people with reflux or hiatal hernia of which I have both. Just wanted to get some advice/opinions on what you think
Thanks in advance!
Bethany
p.s I didn't mention that I am an obsessive planner, I need to know what I am doing, who will be there, where the bathroooms are, when I am going to leave, how long I will be there, what am I going to wear, how will I style my hair, what if........ oh boy, I better not lose it by then!
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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I'm not positive, but if you ask the doctor, I don't believe levsin is in the same family as the sulfa drugs. I know it's got that sulfate name in it, but that is different I believe. I too, have a sulfa allergy.
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IBS C, Spasms
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I'm also extremely allergic to sulfa and have been taking lebsin for a long time with no reactions. The other thing I would offer is if you don't have them already order Michael's CD's, they are wonderful for anxiety!!! The only other suggestion and it's just a suggestion is a med to take the day of traveling (not if your driving!) and the day of wedding like, low dose of xanax or lorazapam. I prefer lorazapam because it doesn't make me tired the next day. I use it for situational things like the dentist etc.
I so admire you saying yes to being in the wedding which includes the traveling. I sadly have given up so many things in the past because I couldn't count on having a good day, week, life! Thankfully now I am much less controlled by IBS with it's spin-off of anxiety and agoraphobia (for me anyway).
I had a laugh about your controlling all aspects of your daily activities & life...me too!!!
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Franny
IBS/D
Celiac
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Both for anxiety and for the pain. My GI prescribed it because he said it is gaining popularity as a treatment for chronic GI pain in addition to the traditional use as an anti-anxiety drug. So, it hits both issues!
I have had no side effects from it. Too early to tell if it's helping the anxiety and/or pain.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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thanks Franny, that is good to know about the Levsin, at least it gives me some more options. I am assuming and hoping that my Dr will give me something like this to try. I have written down your suggestions. I would love to be able to afford the hypno cd's right now but I am a student.
Thank you for the admiration, I didn't really have a choice about being in the wedding. It is my best friend and she kinda just said here is the dress you need to order and this is when it is. I expressed my fears to her about making it there and she apologized that she didn't even think of that for me.
It would really mean alot to me if I can make it there and can make it through the wedding. My boyfriend of 5 years has also expressed that it will be a milestone for us because we have not been able to travel very far at all in our time together.
I think I am so strange sometimes for the amount of planning I do on a daily basis but it's nice to know someone else can relate, it must be an IBS thing 
Take Care
Bethany
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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Augie...
#253156 - 03/20/06 08:25 AM
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Betharoo
Reged: 01/28/05
Posts: 815
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Thanks Augie, it seems to be the most popular on the boards when I did my search. Can you let me know once you feel like it is helping, how long have you been taking it?
I am happy for you that you had no side effects and i hope it works well!
Take Care
Bethany
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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thanks for the clarification on that, I will look more into it. Franny replied that she has a bad allergy to sulfa and that she takes Levsin so the info I read must be have been outdated or wrong.
Thanks again and Take Care
Bethany
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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I've been taking 15 mg of Buspar for a year for generalized anxiety (you can take a hgher does if necessary). The only side effects I experienced were a bit of lightheadedness the first week and some weird dreams. Other than that, it's been great! I started noticing a reduction in my anxiety after a month AND a reduction in my gut pain!
I also have a prescription for lorazepam for severe panic attacks since Buspar has no affect on that. I have also been prescribed the use of lorazepam for really bad IBS attacks. I don't use it that often, but when I do it really helps.
Best wishes! 
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I'm another Buspar fan. Honestly, I am having FUN for the first time in years. I feel less panic stricken just living in my own skin. I smile spontaneously. I don't hyper-organize (& re-organize, plan, obsess, map every single detail ritualistically, over & over & over again). I am more in the moment, finally. I re-interpret natural rushes of energy as excitement. I go to movies again! I don't worry about basic everyday activities like shopping, showering, sleeping, eating. Going to a family function doesn't drive me bananas.
The side-effects are as Maria mentioned. Mostly a little light-headedness, some fatigue & bizarre dreams. I do sweat more, too. I take 50 mg/day in 3 divided doses. Chewing/crushing the pills helps with any nausea/indigestion.
Kate, IBS-D.
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I am sold, let's hope my Dr agrees with me
I really do need something around for the intense pain of the attacks sometimes so I will look into the Lorezapam(sp) as well.
Glad to hear how much it has helped both of you!
Bethany
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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But my dose was recently doubled....so perhaps the higher dose will help make some sort of noticable difference. I'll let you know and you let us know how you do on it!
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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The ativan is great for those impossible situations, including weddings & travel. I think, through it all, I've learned to breath & laugh. I don't have too many of those "I'm going to die" panic-stricken afternoons. Best wishes.
Initially, I found the Buspar hard to tummy until I started crushing/chewing them or even adding them to food/snack. It's not a problem now.
Kate, IBS-D.
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Hi Bethany,
Just though I would tell you I am really proud of you saying yes!
Last summer I had to be bridesmaid for my cousin. I was so,so,so worried. Not only because I was going to be stood at the front of everyone and really worried I`d need the loo, but because the church had no loo and the meal was a set menu and was just food that I knew would set me off. I don`t know if you are ibs-d or c but I controlled my d by taking two leperomide tablets (slow your bowles) when I woke up and two before I went in the church. I was fine all day and didn`t go to the loo once!  I even survived the journey there by using leperomide.
Whilst it might not help your anxiety about travelling and the day itself I just wanted you to know how I handled it and perhaps it might help you....I`ve got another wedding this summer and one the summer after.This time im not a bridesmaid, just a guest. although they are both further away and one is my boyfriends cousin and one my boyfriends brother so I will hardly know anyone (could be a good thing, might be bad).
Anyway let us know how you go and what the doctor advises.
Good Luck, I`ll be thinking of you!
Jo 
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http://www.myspace.com/jo_elsmere
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Thanks Jo
#253260 - 03/20/06 04:17 PM
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Betharoo
Reged: 01/28/05
Posts: 815
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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It is very nice to hear some encouragement and from someone who has made it throught this. I use loperamide all the time. A couple of times a week when I am not in my C phase. I am IBS-A. I will defitely be taking a few of those before and leave and while I am there (better get the supersize box) I always use loperamide before travelling but this time I am afraid I will need something a little stronger because most of the time D kicks in with the Immodium anyway.
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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You sound exactly like me. Especially when it comes to the obssesive planning. I would plan down to the exact minute. I always considered that good sense, but when my friends started making fun of me, I wondered if it was good sense or OCD. I beleive the cause of my IBS is my constant worry and anxiety and although I always try to fix the problem myself. That doesn't always work. I recommend you try effexer (sp) Going to the doctor is the best thing you can do for yourself. When the IBS/panic attacks started to effect my daily life. I went straight to the doctor. I have been on a low dose of Klonopin for three weeks and I am doing better, but my IBS w/ C turned into my IBS w/ D. My doc recommended the effexer but I am always hesitant to start new drugs so I initially said no. My Aunt is on it now and she says it saved her life. Also I read a post on here that said that it not only helped the anxiety, but made the IBS so much better. So I as well will be going to the doctor and starting that medication. I wanna go back to life before IBS/Anxiety!
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it is nice to know I am not the only one who acts and feels this way. Sometimes it is hard to take a look at yourself and decide that you can't do it on your own. I don't like taking medication at all so hopefully it will work out okay. Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it
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Microscopic Colitis, IBS-A, GERD, Hiatal Hernia
Bethany, Ontario, Canada
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I might look into Buspar too. I have tried many many anti anxiety medicines and I couldnt tell a difference with any of them. I even tried xanax for about a week and could never tell a difference. I wonder I am immune or something. lol
Is lorasepam, klonopin and Xanax all the same types of medications?
I am IBS D and I have severe attacks because of panic and anxiety. I just got through doing a practicum experience for and next I will be looking for a job as a library media specialist.. so I have a little time to try some medications. I hate to try new stuff because of the side effects and the NOT knowing. I have to have everything planned out to a T as well.
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