Ive been dealing with anxiety & depression for six years now. I suffer from IBS real bad everyday.I bought the program & Im on week 2. When I get control of this anxiety disorder does the IBS take along time to get better ?? or Does it get any better? I cant eat anything without feeling bad & that doesnt help the anxiety.

Jimmy Mac

[This message has been edited by jimmy mac (edited 12-19-2001).]

Yo Jimmy Mac
Yes! IBS gets better as you learn to manage your condition. My IBS is nothing like it used to be. But I'm not sure if it's because it just doesn't bother me to have it, or if it has gotten so much better since I no longer have panic like I used to. Anyhoo, I felt better physcially and emotionally within a year after the program. It was not all gone, the IBS, the panic, the frustration, but I knew what I had to do, so I just kept doing it and feeling better little by little. Keep striving for compassionate, peaceful thoughts.
Tammy

Hi Jimmy Mac, I too have experienced what you are going through about a year and half ago...yes, you can get better! You are just one of those people that put all their stress into their stomach area. It is very common and curable as well. I even went to a specialist and had all the tests. The endiscopy was very thorough and said I just had a small hienal hernia (which practically the entire population has) and that wasn't the cause of my stomach distress. The doctor told me that I was holding all my tension in my gut and my body needed some TLC. He then preceded to tell me to eat very bland foods for awhile...bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. It's called the BRAT diet. Stay away from dairy and anything spicy and citric. You don't have to do this for long; use your best judgement because everyone's body is different. You know when you begin to feel better...ease into the heavy foods once your stomach begins to act in a manner that is pleasant to you. I hope this information helps because I know the uncomfortableness is dreadful. Sorry to hear about your distress. We are all pulling for your comfort...be well. DJ

Hi Jimmy Mac,

I concur that when you begin to get your anxiety in check that your IBS will improve. However, I'm wondeing if you've ever had a doctor do a full food allergy panel via blood or skin tests - or both. Food allergies can cause severe bowel distress - in my experience that is more likely of a cause than the panic. The panic probably just makes it worse. I have eliminated all simple carbs, white flour, and gluten (wheat, oats, barley, malt) and am much better than I used to be.

It may take you awhile to get to the root of it, but it can get better!

Deputy Fife