[Guest]

Hey. I am having a bad time right now with IBS, cause I'm stressed to the max. I need to find a job but can't leave the house, just in case. I am sure you know what I mean. Is there any thing I maight can take to calm my stomach, so I can get out for just a little while and look for a job???? Thanks,Andy[This message has been edited by andyj (edited 12-19-2000).]

 

[JenS]

Talk to your doctor about mediciations. Perhaps an anti-anxiety medication would help. Also, consider seeing a counselor. I see one every 2 or 3 weeks just to talk about the stress in my life. It helps. Good luck with the job hunt!

 

[Guest]

thank you Jens, but my doc is a quack. he says i have severe D but i know better. i ahve had it for two years now but it is getting worse. All he will give me is lomotal and that does not help at all. i have been seeing a counsler, i have bi-polar also so i do talk but i haven't seen her in about 6 months and t is hard to get back with her, so i am lost right now, bu6t thank you Andy

 

[JenS]

Andy, Perhaps it is time to find a new doctor, one you feel more comfortable with??? Good luck to you.

 

[wanderingstar]

Andy, anti-anxiety medication is certainly one way to go. If the IBS is making you anxious about leaving the house, you could also try meditation, relaxation, visualisation. Hypnotherapy is excellent for reducing diarrhoea and other IBS symptoms which are produced by anxiety.I use a combination of ALL of the above! Plus giving myself (my brain and my stomach) a good, strict talking to along the lines of 'Don't react to what I am doing, it is fine, there is no reason to be worried'. I systematically drill out negative thoughts and bring in the positive ones. I only recently realised how many worried and anxious thoughts were drifting about my brain and taking their toll without me consciously realising.I also take enough Immodium on a particular day if I have to go out. Usually once I leave the house (which can be a leap of faith) the diarrhoea and pain calm down becuase I have started doing what I was worried about and actually, all is fine. (Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday, and all is well).susansusan

 

[Kathleen M.]

One other thing you might want to check out is whether your local hospital has something called a wellness center, or a center for living. These clinics teach a wide variety of stress reduction techniques and may be able to help you find something that will help you cope with things better.K.