l hate the night l am so afraid l just eat and make myself so ill

I don't know much about the bowels apart from some relatives have been helped by Buscopan. However, I can relate to what you say about night. I also get frightened at night.
I put in earphones and listen to music and try to keep busy so I can't think about possible scenarios. X

As others have said you really need to speak to your GP and talk through how you are feeling. We can only give general advice on a forum like this which may help a bit but it's always better to seek help when you need it.

I used to feel anxious at night when in the house on my own - since OH died and I now have to face days and nights on my own, it has just gone away - I am guessing because I had a lot more things to worry about all of a sudden! And a sense that the worst had already happened, so there was a sense of what the hell!

Do seek some help - this sounds really miserable for you.

I may be wrong but it sounds like * Jillgood* has an extreme fear of something bad happening at night when it is dark and she is alone. I'm waiting for her to expand. Living with this would impact greatly on physical health.

Really good advice given already. I would just add that if you are feeling scared and alone phoning the Samaritans might help.
So sorry you are feeling like you are.

Experienced advice from franbern.
If I may add, oat porridge (no salt) strained though a wire strainer is kind to your digestion.

Good advice given here. You can't go on suffering in this way. You need help with stress and your bowels.

Harrigan, you MUST contact your GP and ask for a double appointment so that you can about both your night time fears and your bowel problems.

There are many reasons for such problems, most can be treated. They do not just go away, and the longer you leave it the worse they can become. Are the night time fears related to this -do you think you may have some dreadful illness?

Do write down quite clearly, all the causes you to have dark fears, and also write down clearly everything about your bowel movements. How bad are they, any particular foods that make them worse, times of the day/night that cause problems. Check them yourself, is there any mucus or blood in them.

Do not be afraid - most bowel problems can be treated, but the sooner the better. You may firstly have a telephone consultation with your GP, but he/she will the arrange for you to come to have physical check, and then can send you - if necessary = for a colonoscopy.

People do panic and get embarrassed when this part of their system seems to go wrong. It is not embarrassing to the Doctor, just another section of the human body.

Even when it is very bad - there is a lot that can be done. Forty years ago, my bowels went wrong,- after ten years of much treatment and medication, and feeling very, very ill most of the time, I gave in to the medics and had a total, unreversable, ileostomy. Marvellous result, became well for the first time in a decade, and have lived my life fully and actively since then - yes with that little bag, No problems though, Did so wish I had gone along with that many years earlier.

Please try to stop worrying, and do something today. Try NOT to eat later in the evening at all, but do drink, - water or water based drinks often. Steer clear of fatty foods, including cheese. Problem with cup a soups is their high salt content, best is just to have something like a green tea or fruit flavoured tea (whichever you prefer), and a very plain biscuit to accompany it.

Most important advice is STOP WORRYING AND GO TO GP

Do let us know h ow you get on.

Seek professional help.
The gut is like a second brain and reacts badly to stress.
When my bowels played up I ate only bland food, I found rice noodles less irritating.
Stay well clear of fatty junk food.

You can't live like this, make an appointment with your GP asap.
Any irrational fears such as you have need attention with both counselling and the appropriate medication.

Are you afraid because you are on your own at night jillgood ?

You need to talk to your GP about your anxiety jillgood this must be making your bowel condition worse. Try to relax, have you any family or friends who could support you through this. I hope you feel better soon.

Stress is notorious for affecting your digestive system; it sounds like you are suffering from IBS, which can be brought on by stress. You definitely need to visit your GP as you are suffering both mentally and physically. In the meantime, try to eat your main meal earlier on in the day and avoid eating large meals when you are really stressed. You could also look at some relaxation videos online or download Headspace, a really good app for relaxation.

I am so sorry you are having such a difficult time.

What is it about the dark that makes you fearful?

I think you need to talk to your GP.

Meanwhile all I can suggest is cup soup.. It feels like you are eating but may have a gentler effect on your digestive system.

No advice
But I’ll keep you in my thoughts x