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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Regression - need help!
