Panic when pain comes
#52926 - 03/22/04 07:42 AM
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I sometimes tend to start panicing when I feel the cramps start to come. I'm always so afraid that it will not go away quickly enough and that I'll have to go to the emergency room. I just don't know how to get myself to not panic. I know the pain will only get worse if I panic but I just can't help it sometimes.
How does everyone deal with the pain when it comes?
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Lamaze
#52928 - 03/22/04 07:47 AM
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jenX
Reged: 08/11/03
Posts: 3252
Loc: Richmond, VA
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I'm sorry you get so panicky. That's a horrible feeling added to an already horrible feeling. 
I do some deep, controlled breathing when I get panicky. And believe me, it works. It doesn't stop the cramps, but it calms me down enough to stay seated (as if I had a choice!).   I will say, breathing slowly through the cramping helps make the cramps tolerable and may even make them less painful. (I always feel like I'm on the verge of Lamaze breathing, though!  )
My last suggestion: check out the hypnotherapy tapes ...
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I know that feeling. I keep an very tiny emergency medicine cabinet in my purse -- a real pretty zipper bag that has a small supply of all my meds in it. It's my security blanket. Among that small supply is Equalactin. I've talked about this stuff in these boards so much -- everyone's sick of hearing it -- but it works for me when I feel those cramps coming on.
Maybe it's all in my head -- but then too, aren't the cramps? The more you worry about the cramps, the more you're telling your subconscious that you HAVE them and to FEAR them -- so guess what happens?
Whether it's Equalactin or something else -- Fibercon, Citrucel, or Heather's incredible peppermint caps (they're supposed to be a fabulous anti-spasmodic!) -- keep them on hand at all times. If you believe they will work for you, they WILL.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Heavenlee,
What a pretty screen name! I agree with Jen about the deep breathing. It has an amazing way of calming me down. (Studies have shown that it actually soothes the autonomous nervous system which is the cause of our problems. All I know is it works!)
Also, as Bev says, knowing you have an emergency kit of things to try first can be very reassuring. Has your doctor prescribed any meds? I'm IBS-D and Bentyl really helps my cramping, plus Gas-X to break up the bubbles and Imodium to reduce motility.
And of course for a long term solution, the hypno tapes have really helped a lot of people.
Feel better and keep us posted on what you try and what works for you. Who knows, maybe you'll find something we haven't tried yet that will help all of us!!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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When the pain starts do likd Jen says and start the Lamaze breathing. I also try and think of a relaxing place in my head. Close your eyes,concentrate on your breathing.... then go somewhere (in your head) whether its on the beach watching the waves roll in or watching the guys roll in; or in a field of grass and watching the clouds roll by. Just try and relax until the pain goes away. I know its easier said than done!! Take care and try not to panick. Sue
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Yeah, I think we all have pretty large purses, a medicine cabinet on a strap. My pretty little zippered case (which by the way is getting fuller all the time) has beano, lactase, 1/2 valiums to ease attacks, citrucil tablets, tylenol. 
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Us druggies
#53140 - 03/22/04 07:07 PM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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My colleagues think it's hilarious! One of them was feeling ill a little while ago and I had sooo many drugs and things to offer. I'm like a walking medicine cabinet. I have to carry a larger handbag just to fit all my drugs in it! I'm such a druggie! All my pills are like a secuirty blanket.
Right now I have: Co-codamol, Ibuprofen, Immodium, Sudafed (I have a cold), Lemsip (evil, but soo comforting!), Spasmonal... and at least 3 different types of tea!
Hmmm...maybe I need to get this under control!
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Re: Lamaze
#53141 - 03/22/04 07:10 PM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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We should start Lamaze courses for IBS-ers! 
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Bevrs,
This is the first I heard of Equalactin. What is it and where do you get it?
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I've posted a lot about Equalactin -- you can do a search -- but here's a source for you: Equalactin
It's a soluble fiber supplement like Fibercon or Citrucel; it's in a chewable form (and very tasty, by the way), very portable (I keep a supply in my purse for emergencies -- it's with me at all times).
You can also order it from your drug store. They don't keep it in stock, for some reason, maybe because it's fairly new, but if you go up to the pharmacist, he'll look it up and order it for you.
You can also read about it in Heather's website here about soluble fiber supplements. For some reason, it just works for me better than anything else. As I said many times, it's my "security blanket." Heather first introduced me to it when she sent me a little sample with the first order I placed with her for her tummy teas. I was amazed at how wonderfully it worked, so I ordered a large supply. Great stuff.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Admit it Bev, you just like the taste don't you!
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soundslike a fun thing to do,that's funny too!
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hi heavenlee
sorry to hear about the cramps and panic attacks. I was experiencing that a few weeks ago. Not fun at all.
The doc did prescribe paxil for the anxiety, but I decided not to take it. I am trying St John's Wort and when I get anxious, I take a couple of drops of Bach's Relief Remedy (found at health stores). I do the deep breathing and put a hot pad on my tummy and that helps. I drink peppermint or fennel tea (the heat seems to relax me) and if needed, I also take an Extra Strength Tylenol.
Truthfully, what helps the most is distraction. I knit, or talk/email ..... just try to get my mind off the cramps and onto something else.
I wish you the very very best.
janet
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Oh, one more thing.
I am using Michael's hypnotherapy tapes (day 15) and they are WONDERFUL if you are prone to anxiety because of the IBS.
janet
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The IBS tape or one of the others he has? I'm doing the hypno tapes myself and am around where you are # - wise, and seem to be noticing less anxiety myself. Could this be a co-inky-dink?
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for really bad attacks I use an axiety medication called clonazepam. If I take it when the pain is starting it goes away. I have the same problem I fear the pain of the attack and the pain always gets worse but I have my amazing stomach tea for spasms and my backup anxiety pills which I have with me at all times.
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I totally know what you mean about the Lamaze breathing. I get panicky too and the breathing does help. My mom would sometimes say "Gee whiz people are going to think your nuts." So what...no one has ever said anything but if they did I would just tell them its part of my Pilates workout!
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Thank you all for your responses. I know you all know what I go through. Nobody else in my life seems to understand what I go through and thinks the pain is all in my head. My boyfriend even thinks it's wierd and just cannot sympathise with me. So I really try not to panic in front of him. If he is at my place and I start to feel like it is coming on I ask him to go home. I just don't want him to see me like that.
I will try to do the deep breathing and really try to relax and wait for it to pass.
Thank you for listening to me! It's so nice to come to a place where people really understand what I go through!
Roxanne
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Chellebelle...
#53633 - 03/24/04 05:46 AM
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jenX
Reged: 08/11/03
Posts: 3252
Loc: Richmond, VA
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Great name, btw.
So what if people think we're nuts is right! I'm going to look more nuts when I push them over while clutching my stomach and running to the "loo," now aren't I!? No one best get in MY way when I've got to go.... So deep breathing it is!
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I agree with Jen, I have always called my cramping or referred to the pain as "labor pains" because they are Very severe and come and go and I too, do the breathing, I always hated going to a male Dr. trying to explain the pains are like labor pains, like he would know what one is....Anyway, I get panicky also, because I don't know how long this episode is going to last and how painful it's going to be, IBS sucks. Also as soon as I feel it happening I do go get me a nice hot cup of mint tea. I do know that IF you are able to walk around during the pain, that does help "move things along". Also, I get very hateful and I don't want anyone to talk to me during a pain, afterwards I feel bad.......... 
Cheryl
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IBS-D, extreme pain and cramping - GERD - lactose/dairy intolerant, OCD, Fibromyalgia
DX: w/ Multiple Sclerosis 3/10
I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Phil 4:13
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I am still pretty new at this diet thing, but I was exactly like you and still am to some point. The diet has helped out so much and I really dont get that "panic" feeling all the time now.
Just hang in there, it does get better. 
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Hi JenX ,
I've been so busy lately I haven't been able to log on, thanks for responding to my post about people thinking I'm nuts with my "Lamaze" breathing. I'm just glad I wasn't the only one. By the way you left the cutest graphic on that post of a guy changing after he drank a potion. Where did you find such a cute animation gif.
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