So, here is the story:
Crohns for 7 years, tried all the different medications, allergic reaction to Remicade and am now on Humira with minimal results. Dr just diagnosed me with an Ileum stricture and am now on a low residue diet and awaiting a surgical consult. Eating food makes me hurt. I have had quite a few flares in the past and this stricture is causing me so much pain, even foods without fiber hurt. I am in pain 70% if the time I am awake and nauseous the rest of the time. I can not sleep most nights because of the pain and the pressure. I have no energy and feel like the worst mother in the world.
Here is my biggest issue:
All of this has severely stressed me out and now I am having trouble convincing myself I need to eat. My mind has told the rest of my body I do not need food, therefore, I do not get hungry and don’t want to eat. My family, of course, makes me eat. But lately, before I eat, I have been having little panic attacks about eating. It is hard for me to breath, my heart starts racing, and my stomach starts hurting in anticipation of what is about to happen. Then the anxiety of eating just makes me more stressed out.
I could really use some advice and guidance if this has happened to any one else. I am not sure what to do.
Thank you.
Reply posted for aekrocks.
I'd never heard of Librax, sounds cool. I'm lucky right now I'm pretty functional, but every now and then my stricture gives me trouble. If it weren't for those liquid nutritional shakes, like Ensure, it would be worse.
For a long time I thought my anxiety problems were just me being a worry wart. I'd get all anxious about something and my gut would clench up, and then I'm running to the bathroom. Real fun. I didn't realize for years it was part of having Crohn's. It's good to see doctors taking this seriously. It actually gives me one thing less to worry about, knowing the doctor won't think I'm a nut. (-:
Reply posted for Becky002.
I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling with a stricture. I have had Crohns for 20 years now and after 3 surgeries, I know all about strictures. The pain is beyond description. I also have a screwed up relationship with food and eating - it's inevitable when you get so sick and sore after putting something in your mouth. When the stricture is bad, or I feel really ill, I just stay on fluids for a few days - lemonade, clear chicken soup, tea (no milk) and fruit juice with no pulp. Sometimes to eat and avoid the anxiety I take Buscopan before eating. It's an antispasmodic and makes the natural movement in your bowel stop, so there is minimal pain. That's the Aussie name, but I'm sure you can get something similar in the States.
I have just started to see a psychologist to manage the anxiety and my warped relationship with food. I've only had a few sessions, but it helps to talk to someone completely impartial. Anyway, good luck with the doctor, I hope there is a good outcome for you.
Reply posted for aekrocks.
I am seeing my family Dr today, I will be sure to mention them.
Thanks for the info.
Reply posted for aekrocks.
Oh, benzos can also give you the munchies. The benzo in librax is a hypnotic (aka: sleep med) so it will help you sleep as well. Hope this helps ;)
Reply posted for Becky002.
Librax! Librax! Librax! It's an amazing drug. Docs don't usually suggest it because it's got a benzodiazapine (same class as valium, xanax, klonopin) which can be addictive. It is an anxiety med and an anti-spasmodic. It's also a life saver for me! My doc also had me on Xanax for a while to help. also consider seeing a therapist :)
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