Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I am so happy by reading this message board that I could cry. I have had IBS-D for about seven years now. I recently went to the hospital for a bacterial infection and they found that I have high liver enzyme levels most likely due to my use of Immodium. I have taken it every day for around five years. My panic started when my doctor said that it would be best if I tried something that was noninvasive.

It frustrates me since doctors don't know much more about IBS then I do. My IBS-D led to panic attacks as well as fear of riding with someone in a car that I didn't feel comfortable enough with to pull over and use a restroom or the nearest tree.

I eventually went to a psychiatrist who I have been seeing for years that made me feel like it is completely normal to have this panic. I was put on anti-anxiety medication to control my panic attacks which have worked. I originally went into the field of teaching but felt like I could not stand in front of a classroom with this diagnosis. However, I went back to graduate school and am studying to be a school psychologist.

My panic left me after taking Immodium proved successful; however, the damage that this was doing to my body was clear. I found this website yesterday and was so happy to see that people like me had the same fears and "uncomfortable" sitatuations. I am going to try the diet and tried my first FiberCon pill this morning - so far so good. I also had the notion that "laxatives" didn't make any sense with IBS-D until reading Heather's article. When my husband wants to take a walk after dinner and I just cannot do it I feel so out of control of my body. This lack of control with one's body leads to anxiety and in some cases panic attacks. My friend had cancer and she told me the worst part of it was the panic attacks that followed. It is somewhat comforting to know that this anxiety is common when you cannot control your own body.

I think your daughter is using food as her way of controlling her situation. I completely understand. I could go all day without eating and then eat when I get home. I am going to try doing away with "trigger" foods and hopefully things will improve. But this list is truly a life saver and I am so glad that I found it.

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