[Janei]

Hi all I am just i the process of trying to understand my IBS having been recently diagnosed. I am C, mostly and have recently had some success with eating oats for breakfast. This helps to keep things going usually. However, recently, I have had some days when things have been bunged up and o be honest I can't work out why.My diet etc is pretty much the same as I am still trying to find the foods that are triggers for me.This may be a silly question, but can being anxious make you get C for a few days. I have had some personal issues last week which upset me and wondered if this could be the cause? Is IBS C affected by emotions etc also?ThanksJx

 

[Kathleen M.]

Every disease is effected by emotions. Every time you are anxious it sets off all sorts of physical things in the body.Stress, anxiety, etc can be a major trigger for some IBSers. We like to think diet is the only trigger, but often it is the innocent bystander that gets all the blame when other things are what are setting it off. Physical stress can be as bad as mental/emotional stress. So if you aren't getting enough sleep, or the right amount of exercise (too much or too little) or the weather is something you don't tolerate well all of those things can set it off.

 

[annie7]

hi janei so sorry you've been going through a difficult time right now.i'm ibs-c too and oh yes--kathleen is right---increased stress and anxiety really can make c worse---it sure does for me.and i do try to deal positively with stress and anxiety as much as possible. i meditate daily and try to apply the principles of meditation throughout the day----take a deep breath, let go of the worrying thoughts and empty my mind, turn my focus to whatever i am doing right then etc. and i also apply basic cognitive behavior therapy principles too. but still---stress and anxiety do have an effect--no doubt about it.hope things get better for you soon.

 

[Tiss]

Sorry to hear you are having problems but the deal is with IBS is that it is very affected by stress! I keep mine under control with magnesium and zelnorm but the one sure thing I can count on is in times of stress it always affects my IBS. So I try to stay calm and talk to myself and understand that once the stress has passed I will return to 'normal'. I have to go see my inlaws and am a bit nervous but we are staying in a hotel which makes things 100% better. If we were staying with them, gosh, I'd already be a basket case--not because we don't get along but just being around others in the mornings freaks my little ol' IBS out! Be good to yourself--especially during this time of stress in the holidays!