Regression - need help!
#84192 - 06/28/04 06:36 PM
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tam38
Reged: 06/28/04
Posts: 12
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I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 10 years old, I'm now 22. When I went away to college my symptoms got really bad, I felt sick almost everyday. My anxiety level went through the roof, and it got to the point where I never went out and was afraid to leave my house.
I decided to go through a cognitive behavioral program to help me deal with the anxiety I was having. It worked wonders, the counselor helped me face scary situations (like riding the train, being in a car for a long period of time, etc). For about 2 years I was doing great. My IBS symptoms died down to a few times a month, and when I did feel sick I was able to not get overwhelmed by panic.
But within the past couple of months, I've noticed a serious change. I started getting sick more frequently (2-3 times a week) and the panic started to come back. I started panicking on the train and in the car again. I try to remember what I learned at therapy, but for some reason I still end up freaking out.
Now I feel like I've regressed to the point where I'm afraid to go out again. I keep telling myself that it will pass, but its been a couple of months now and not gotten any better. I'm debating whether I should go back to therapy. Was the cognitive behavioral therapy only a temporary fix? Should I try something different?
I have started on the IBS diet suggested here, but I was already following most of the suggestions (low fat, less fried foods, I eat a lot of pasta). I am on a medication called Levsin, which is an antispasmic. It has worked in the past, but I'm afraid that if I take it too much that it may be a bad thing.
If anyone has been through this and could give advice I would really appreciate it!
Edited by tam38 (06/28/04 06:51 PM)
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Tam,
Welcome! I think you will find a lot of people here to give you advice on your IBS "journey."
I can't speak to the particulars of what you have been experiencing, but I think going back to the therapy sounds like a good idea. My guess is that you might need a refresher in some of the techniques you learned, so don't assume it will take as long this time. It might not!
Stick with the diet, and keep reading the boards.
Good luck!
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Christine
Those who can do; those who want it done better teach.
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Hi Tam,
Your story sounds a lot like mine. Check it out: web page
Michael truly was responsible for ridding me of my anxiety, such that I go out now with no problems, and seldom even think about scouting out public bathrooms. I believe in his program. You can read others' success stories in the hypnotherapy board as well as mine.
I do think it would help for you to return to therapy -- if not Michael, then another qualified therapist, especially if you can find one with IBS speciality. Check out the link to your left, and if you have any questions at all, post them in the hypnotherapy board; Marilyn is incredible and can answer any questions you have. She's been through the program 3 times, so I know she would understand about your needing a second round.
Can you tolerate peppermint? Check out Heather's link to the left on supplements. She offers peppermint caps that she says work better as an antispasmodic than Donnatal, which is what I take in EXTREME cases of cramping, when nothing else works (such as Hyoscyamine). (I can't take peppermint; it causes me extreme indigestion.)
I've finally gotten myself stable, and haven't needed medication at all for several months now. I have had attacks recently, but they were all due to my SFS (which is another story all together). I think the sooner you can get off meds (like my Donnatal, for instance), the better. Donnatal has EXTREME negative side effects. I know nothing about Levsin.
Please check out the hypnotherapy program. I believe in it, and I think it can help you too.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Bev's advice was great, as usual. I, too, would suggest you go back to therapy since that helped you before.
I also suffer from panic attacks...not quite as severe as yours...and I am on Librax (an anti-anxiety and stomach relaxing med) and I take Xanax only once in a while when I have a bad panic attack. A lot of the people on this board take these meds. Medication is only one other alternative for your problem but I would suggest not taking them unless nothing else works...and only after consulting with your doctor. The good thing is that there is help out there to get you back on the right track to feeling better.
Good Luck
Barbie
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First, welcome. You will find help here.
Have you been back to your doctor about the change in your symptoms? Always best to check and make sure there's not something else wrong.
Good luck, sweetie and keep us posted okay?
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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