Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi there,

Just wanted to also chime in with my experience with this. I have had some form of IBS since I was about 7 (I'm 24 now) so I don't think it was "caused" by anxiety. So like others have said, even if you have no stress or anxiety, IBS can still crop up.
For me, it was when I got older that the anxiety part started to play a part in my IBS. When anxiety gets involved, I think that it creates a real vicious cycle. You feel sick, it makes you feel anxious, the anxiety makes you feel worse.. and on and on.
For a long time, I refused to take anything for this anxiety or depression because I thought that was like saying "Okay, you're right" to everyone that told my IBS was "all in my head". I know it's not all in my head, but the longer I held out against medication and the more stressful life gets, the worse everything got.
I got to the point where I was having a lot of panic attacks, and that's just not me.
I finally when to the doctor and got put onto an anti-anxiety/depressant medication and have adjusted the dose to the point where it seems to be helping.
In addition, I have been exercising regularly (usually 4 times a week) and I feel like that is really helping. In the long term, I'm sure it helps but I really feel it in the short term. After my last panic attack, I came home and then went right to the gym -- afterwards, I felt great and haven't had one full out panic attack since.
I also on just beginning the last session of the IBS Audio Program.

Anyway, I don't know if any of that is helpful to you but I know where you are coming from and thought maybe it'd be nice to let you know you aren't alone!

Cheers,

Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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