I have had IBS for 10 years now (I'm 28). I am on week 6 of the program, and am making great progress. Just like the tapes said would happen, I did feel more anxious at the beginning of the program. But now I feel so much more confident and positive! I've started a new job and have been taking all kinds of risks that were unthinkable before.

However, I still struggle with IBS. My biggest fear is what if I have to go to the bathroom and I can't get to one? It seems so silly, but I end up arranging my life around my stomach problem and making sure I'm always near a bathroom. I frequently drive on the interstate (I have a 100 mile commute every week to school). But it is difficult - before the program I got stuck in tractor trailer wrecks and construction delays, which caused panic attacks and immediate stomach aches. So I "what-if" frequently when driving.

Since I have been on the program, I have not had a panic attack when stuck in traffic (I was stuck in a rolling road block just last week); I have used self-talk to stay calm. The fear is so huge though - I tried to explain it to my fiance, and I said it is the same feeling I would have if I stepped into a lion's cage or something.

The funny thing is that except for VERY close relatives and friends, no one has a clue that I have this problem because I cover it up. Does anyone else deal with this?

Oh ya! This program has helped me so much. I still have anxiety and I still get body symptoms but they are much smaller now. I still get stomach problems occasionally but not near what I was going thru before. Just remind yourself that it is just anxiety. When I would start to get nauseous I would do my breathing and remind myself what this is and I would relax more and that helped. oh. 2 weeks ago I almost did NOT make it to a potty and I was feeling pretty yucky and had to go home and rest for the afternoon. It hits me more when I haven't been exercising regularly and listening to a relaxation tape. When I don't take care of me I suffer for it. Its like a signal to me to get with the program. I just couldn't understand how stess can do this but it can. You'll feel better. Just take care of you. Reena
Ps. yes, I have been revolving myself around bathrooms for years. Fun, huh? I used to carry around in my car a lg. coffee can with a roll of tp in it in case of emergencies. I never had to use it, thank goodness. What a life style!

IBS is so embarrasing.


[This message has been edited by mgoldberg (edited 08-26-2001).]

I had IBS for 4 years. I finally overcame it and am regular as clockwork. It stopped when I went on 40mg of Paxil. There must be something in it that helps IBS. Anyway I don't worry about bathrooms when I go to places. Now if only I could overcome my anxiety things would be great.

Renee,

Sounds like you and I are alike! My biggest fear is having to go to the bathroom and not getting to one. I know the majority of my problem is anxiety because when I'm alone in a car driving, I feel absolutely calm. BUT if I have to ride anywhere with anyone, especially someone I don't know, my anxiety goes through the roof and I'll do ANYTHING to avoid it. The old "what if" thinking kicks in elevating my stress level to astronomical levels! I'm just starting the program and am hoping it will help.

I don't have any answers for you, but it sure does help to know others have the same fears. They're not "silly" to those of us that have them!

I wish you success!

I have mild colitis for 2.5 years now...funny thing is, when I started taking xanax and started dealing witht he stress in my life my colitis cleared up almost entirely. I have the odd rumble but haven;t needed me medication since I started the xanax...go figure?

Dale

OH YES. I have to make sure that there is a bathroom everywhere I go. I went on vacation and it was awful. I all most didn[t make it one time. I said i wouldn't make another trip till I got this under control. The Doc. told me to try citrucel. Ive just started using it. So far it has helped on the pain I have. Hasn't slowed the diarreah yet but he said it would help so Im gonna keep trying. Ill let you know how it does as time goes by. Maybe it will help you also.
Ive even woke up in the middle of the night and had to run to the bathroom.
Good luck

I'm encouraged by the Posters that said their IBS symptoms improved as their coping skills improved. That gives me hope! I need to remember that a year ago, my IBS was really under control. It has only been since going to grad school and working two jobs that it has flared up again (go figure!!) : )

I take Librax, an anti-spasmodic, which is great except it makes me sleepy. It really helped get my symptoms under control to the point where I started trying new things (socializing and traveling) and eventually gained confidence and overcame my agoraphobia.

Now that my IBS symptoms are back, I have gotten the program and hope to not only get back to where I was before grad school, but to improve and eventually completely recover.

I know we can do it!