Hello all...I am new to posting so I need to describe the history before I spill the punch line, so please hang in there..Although I have had IBS for about 8 years, I did nothing for a while, having been quite embarressed by the whole affair. When I finally went to my GP, he said to exercise more. This was very frustrating advice, since I had to stop exercising precisely because of my IBS - unless of course I just wanted to run around in my bathroom.I then went to a counsler who was somewhat helpful in outlining possible connections between stress and IBS. Not wanting to dig any deeper, I "grinned and bared it" for another couple of years.
Finally, I went back to a different GP with renewed purpose. She was sympathetic, but after the Citrocil didn't work she suggested drugs. I resisted. Out of frustration I went to a psychiatrist, which was actually quite rewarding on all sorts of levels. But, unfortunately I still made mad dashes to the restroom. My analyst, being very concerned with this physical manifestation, sent me to a collegue who diagnosed me with General Anxiety Disorder.
Now, seeing as how this is the complex du jour, I was skeptical. Furthermore, to my knowlege, there is no empirical or clinically tested link between GAD and IBS, although stress is clearly a common denominator. Never the less, she finally convinced me to take what is popularly known as Busbar or buspirone, which is a non-addictive SSRI. In other words it modifies my saratonin absorption, which is a neurotransmitter found both in the brain and the intestines - modifying such things as moods, relaxation and appetite. Ultimately, both my anxiety and IBS symptoms are reduced due to this drug. And, yes, when I try to go off it I get cranky and my intestines turn.
Now I have just enough control to do yoga, run, swim, hang with friends/family, etc. without excessive worry, which helps even more.
Everyone is different, but hopefully you can put a piece of my story in your quiver of options to explore...Good luck and take it easy.




