Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Tips to battle anxiety

It sounds like you have D, but I could be wrong. I have C, and working out generally makes me bloated. My doctor said to picture a clown balloon that is held on both ends. The middle "bloats" out because there is no where for the air to go. That is my tummy after working out.

To answer your question, I get stomach pains sometimes after working out due to the gas. I've found that, for some reason, working out in the morning is better for the bloating, which goes away in a couple hours on its own anyway.

As for the anxiety, I would recommend doing activities that make you feel comfortable. Once I explained my problem, in full detail, to my live-in boyfriend, he is very helpful. He knows almost as well as me what I can and can't eat and is never upset if we have to drive to a different place to get me some food. I try to do plan, plan, plan - I bring baggies of food along with me everywhere, I keep packets of Fennel tea in my purse and I try to know what I'll be doing and where I'll be so that I can plan for it. The bottom line is that this is something I'm going to have to deal with for the rest of my life, so I don't want to miss out on fun things because of it. I just try to be with understanding people, most of whom I tell I have stomach problems but don't elaborate on them. I've found that most people are very understanding when you tell them you can't eat certain foods, etc. I can understand your fear of car trips if you have D, so I would suggest trying to do things that have accessible bathrooms so you don't feel panicked.

Good luck!
Elizabeth

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Elizabeth

all those years it wasn't IBS - it was celiac!
send me an email: liz@dopple.net

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