Anxiety and bowel disease....how to deal with it

Probiotics, stupid tablet.

That's interesting Tegan, I was told by the hospital after my bowel operation that under no circumstances must I take prebiotic even though I had a lot of antibiotics.

Interesting Gracesgran. I have a copy of Dr Ali's Nutrition Bible going back to when I was having all sorts of digestion problems [it really is my 'bible']. It's not so much what you eat but what you eliminate that's important. I'm also a great believer in probiotics and have just bought some Optibac ones after being on a course of antibiotics. I bought the as the paediatric ones were recommended on here and I found a shop that sells them, so got some for my granddaughter and couldn't resist getting some for myself.

Has anyone suggested low FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols) to you meandashy

I haven't come across anyone else on it but it has made a huge difference to me and I would rather adjust my diet than take medication and I haven't had to have anything since I started this. It is difficult to get your head round - why can't I eat blackberries but can eat blueberries for instance but worth it. I can't eat wheat - nothing to do with gluten but to do with the ability to digest the wheat itself and it is in so many things so my meals have gone back to being very simple. I can't have lactose and just removing that made a huge difference to my constant exhaustion. There is much more, fructose is a culprit but there is more in some fruit than others hence the yes to blueberries and no to blackberries (I think). No onions or garlic (printed in bold and very much a no, no) but the whole thing means I can digest what I am eating and I seem to be absorbing the good things like vitamins better too. The physical symptoms of anxiety have gone too - really completely gone. I don't mean nothing makes me anxious but that is natural; anxiety is not and it is very difficult to live with.

If you suffer from Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) it may be worth asking your doctor about this. I am very lucky that my doctor specialised in endocrinology (I have low thyroid too) and likes natural solutions although there is no alternative to thyroxine replacement.

This article is very interesting and at one point it says;

There is strong evidence that functional gut symptoms occur more commonly in patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than those without. Our studies have shown that fructose malabsorption is more common in patients with Crohn’s disease and that this is most marked in those patients in whom the small bowel is most affected. Furthermore, we have shown that lactose malabsorption is more common in patients with ulcerative colitis than healthy controls or patients with IBS

Sorry to go on but I feel so much better, less exhausted and in control that I am a bit evangelical about it.

I have diverticuler disease, and also IBS.

I frequently need the toilet several times a day. Sometimes it's a job to leave the house, and it's also exhausting.

If I am going to go away somewhere, or if bowels are playing up, I take two instant imodiums.
The only drawback with that is the ensuing constipation. I once had a telephone consultation with my GP about this problem and he said "take some Imodium" , so that what I do. Only take them if problem is severe and it's getting me down.

I was prescribed amitriptyline for night time ibs. It works a treat. I also find valerian good (it's a natural relaxant ) & found it in b&m stores for 99p!!!

I can relate to all this. For the last two years I've been suffering from the same thing. My worst experience was when driving my car with my four year old granddaughter. Lets just say, I couldn't hold it in. I'm now having all the tests done to see what's wrong with me. I no longer go for walks in the country or on the beach because there are no toilets. I keep to towns and know where every public toilet it. So far my doctor hasn't suggested any medicine, but I'm going for a private food tolerance test this week. Worrying certainly makes it worse.

I wish you would explain the acronyms. I just do not always understand their meaning

I used to have the problem of being very constipated if I took even one Immodium. I've solved the problem by taking children's Immodium which is liquid so you can take a small amount. You do need a prescription for it though.

I went to Dr and he gave me mebeverine and I can honestly say its changed my life! over the counter stuff is ok for mild symptoms, but I am same as you stress = constant toilet visits, I take mebeverine and it eases it.

The French are a lot more relaxed about discussing their habits than we uptight English - I have sat pop eyed while the most intimate of bodily functions has been a lively topic over a restaurant table. I agree that if you quietly explain to your host(ess) that you may need to visit the bathroom frequently I bet they will even wonder why you bothered to be so courteous - and that in itself might make you less stressed. Enjoy the event!

Hi yes have had the same problems after a colectomy.
Loperamide from the doctor and I double up dose. This works for a few days. I also take a few paper knickers from Boots maternity section and use these so that I do not have to carry soiled pants back in my suitcase. I also take wet wipes to ensure I do not stain sheets.
These precautions have given me a sense of being in control.
Don't worry about the noise too much as with a lot of people there will be lots of others needing to go at night.
Hope you enjoy.

Fluoxetine would probably help you to get the problem in perspective. Bit late for that though.

Just take a deep breath and go. You will be fine.

There is no active ingredient in Rescue Remedy, except a minute amount of alcohol. It can do nothing.

I agree with Mumsy that rescue remedy is useful. Mimilus is good to take beforehand, I.e. Now, as its for apprehension of a known event.
They'll probably be more stressed than you, they'll probably be preoccupied by the clothes, the food, the timings and all the details.
Good luck. I hope you enjoy it.

I can't offer any more help than to suggest, as others have done, that some explanation is made to your hosts.

IBD seems to be more connected to disease than IBS and I imagine it can be very difficult. My father had ulcerative colitis which seems can be part of IBD and the rush for a loo caused him to stop going out to a great degree. I have IBS but am on a low FODMAP diet which makes a HUGE difference. Sadly these digestive problems can actually carry anxiety as a symptom so do go down the explanation route. Perhaps whoever has arranged for you to stay there of the couple - the bride? - may be the person to approach as someone who knows you may be easier to talk to.

Glad it's sorted. It is possible to be be almost housebound with IBS, I had it for a few years and lost two stone, suffered from depression, and was afraid to go into town or travel more that 10 minutes away from a loo. Any sort of stress resulted in a very noisy explosive evacuation, which led to some embarrassing moments!
I am lucky in that in my case it was found that I am allergic to wheat and dairy (and fumes from anything made with oil such as plastics etc eg car interiors) and by avoiding them I am mostly OK, unless really stressed out.

luckygirl

...or even squits.

Imodium - if you are very sensitive to it and get blocked up on it, you can always open the capsule and empty half out so that you take a smaller dose. I know how a=hard it is for those who have never suffered with IBS to imagine how you can go from watery quits 10 times a day to being blocked up one one Imodium - but that is how the illness works. You have to titrate a dose that strikes a happy medium - and stress can send it all off kilter again. There has been recent research regarding the separate "gut brain" that is at fault in IBS. It is a dreadful illness and very socially isolating.

Where does it go, when you take Immodium for several days in a row?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I can't take Immodium any longer as it gives me chronic constipation / blockage. I would certainly have booked into a hotel if that had been an option but the wedding is in the middle of nowhere.... ANYWAY good news.... there's been a slight change of plans I've been allocated a room in the house where my sister and DIL are staying. Hurrah. So stress has alleviated.However I will definitely get some more Rescue Remedy. Thank you all - lovely people!

I find rescue remedy helps with stress, you can get it from boots or holland and barrett.

I understand how you feel, I always used to get a dodgy gut when I went to France. I used to put it down to the heat and lots of fluids, sometimes I would spend the entire night in the bathroom. I now have a colostomy and avoid the mad dash at night.
I would say it depends on how many bathrooms the house has, if you more or less have one to yourself I wouldn't worry about disturbing other people.

I empathise , I take metformin and it is notorious for the side effect of bowl problems.
In a situation like yours I take an Imodium each morning for a day or two before and continue for a couple of days after This usually stops the worst of the problem. I have read on another forum that some doctors advise taking Imodium daily regardless of symptoms.