Community Forum

I was recently diagnosed with Crohn's although I've been living with Crohn's symptoms for years. Compared to some of the other stories on this forum, my physical symptoms seem relatively mild and currently medications are helping a little.

Coping with the psychological aspects is much, much more difficult for me.  I am very scared to ride in cars with others, sit in meetings at work, etc. because I am worried that I will be embarrassed by a flare-up.  It is to the point that while I feel like I'm coping with the disease physically, I am really struggling with the anxiety of normal, everyday activities.  I am scared of most social situations but it's because I worry about where the nearest bathroom is or what if I have to go at a particular time.  Nine out of ten times in these situations, everything goes fine but I worry SO much about the one time when it doesn't.  It keeps me from being able to enjoy everyday things, and it especially affects me at work.  When I'm around others (particularly at work), my symptoms are much worse.  Is it possible that my anxiety about being embarrassed is making the symptoms worse?  Should I try a therapist or anxiety medication?

 Reply posted for NuAnoos.

hi i just joined but ive had crohns since i was 12 and thats 40 yrs ago i had surgery when i was 16, resection and removal of fistula, 2/3 of my bladder and been on meds since! as i get older, even though its been with me almost my whole life, i have to plan everything around my intestines, i used to long distance run but lately have had to find bushes to go behind! my doc is very good, my meds are fine( pentasa and entocort, plus lomotil) but yes social situations are anxious. many times like at theme parks with my kids, i just dont eat! when i travel, i dont eat. i always know where every bathroom is, and when i visit my brother in italy, let me tell you, there are NO public bathrooms, really, and some reataurants dont even have them, and forget those medieval churches, they dont even have heatLOL sometimes its hard to stay positive, and it seems im always tired and have too many accidents if you get my drift, id rather have uncontrollable vomiting, it dosent get on your clothes and run down your leg yuck.But at my age i am glad for two things first, when i had surgery at 16 they said i may never be able to have kids, and i have 5, one boy and 4 girls. my youngest had ibs, which will be diagnosed as crohns im sure when shes older, and has been symptomatis sice 8, now shes 16 and on pentasa. i am happy that she has not been as sick as me at that age, and that my other kids are healthy. I also will never be fat, and many other middle aged women are quite battling the menopause weight gain--chronic diarrhea has its benefits i guess well im glad i finally found a place to share and if my shares help others to find the bright  side, thats GREAT

 Reply posted for sandra 23.

These people are completely right!  If you look at a lot of us suffering from IBD we often have anxiety in common.  I take Xanax occasionally to battle my anxiety and I've noticed that my stress levels at work and anxiety in life in general greatly effects my ulcerative colitis.  That is why you have to learn to manage the anxiety apart from the IBD.  Exercise (when you are healthy enough) and taking time for yourself are so important.  I go to counceling and take the occasional Xanax to relax when I get into those situations where I start to lose focus and become closed-in on my problems (colitis and otherwise).  This usually helps me put things back into perspective and assists in managing the disease.  Meeting with a therapist is the toughest first step but whenever I leave my therapists office, I feel a million times better about my situation and the outlook on life that I have.  I'm now confidently approaching surgery to have a full colectomy.  It's scary and often makes me anxious, but I'm dealing with it and am confident I can do it and change my life forever.  Best of luck to you, I feel for you while you go through this.

 Reply posted for ACA11.

I have UC. I have noticed a direct correlation to when I am upset about something and the time I spend in the bathroom.

Stress has everything to do with these diseases.

My doctor prescribes chlonezepam for me to take as needed. It is quick to work and when I feel a panic attack coming on, it helps to put me back to normal and I notice that I don't have to run to the bathroom immediately.

Drugs aren't the answer for everyone, but it is an option, and not a shameful one. It doesn't bother me at all to have to rely on nerve pills from time to time if it reduces my stress-induced bathroom trips.

 Reply posted for sandra 23.

Yes, I think anxiety, and also anger. Anything that causes you to tense the abdomen can affect how you feel physically.

Meditation is great. I also take an anxiety medicine. They are very helpful, but I have had some trouble with constipation from them. Ativan, Klonopin...

The relaxation response is good too.

 Reply posted for sandra 23.

I have anxiety disorder. Stress causes flare-ups. I get stressed, I get a flare-up, I get behind on things, then I get stressed...it's a vicious cycle, really.

 Reply posted for ACA11.

Stress has EVERYTHING to do with Crohn's/Colitis... I notice the more I am stressed, the worse my flare ups are and the worse I feel overall.  One thing my doctor has me doing is a daily 20 minute meditation/deep breathing session.  Get in a dark, cool room... NO distractions for just the 20 minutes (or you can break it into two 10 minute sessions).  Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Clear your mind of everything and just concentrate on your deep, slow breathing.  I tend to turn my focus on God (you can focus on whatever you want obviously) and just let your body relax, mind relax... it's been AMAZING for me... life changing.  I've been doing this daily now for about 6 months.  I notice I am not easily angered, I am more calm, relaxed, and my blood pressure and even migraines along with the ulcerative colitis have improved dramatically!!!  I still take my meds of course, but the deep breathing encourages good oxygen flow and complete relaxation of the body and mind.  I hope this may help somewhat.  I know we all get busy with family, work, etc... but honestly, just 20 minutes a day uninterrupted and you will notice a huge difference; I'm living proof of that!!!!

God Bless!!!
Joy

 Reply posted for sandra 23.

Hi, it was great for me to read the previous two posts today because this week i'm feeling very anxious.  I teach first grade and have been diagnosed with chrons for almost two years.  I am also a worrier and have a lot of anxiety.  I thought my anxiety was under control but when I am sick it is awful!  I recently had a bit of an "accident" in school and was absolutely mortified.  Although I believe many thought it was more of a women's issue.  I started on Cimzia and now believe it or not, I was given a card stating that I needed to use a restroom immediately because of my condition.  I just turned forty but I feel soooo much older!  Hang in there everyone!

ngc

 Reply posted for sandra 23.

They say stress has nothing to do with Crohn's.  I disagree 100 percent.  I, too, "was" a worrier - worried about everything as I grew up.  I believe it is a major factor in why I have Crohn's today.  If I get stressed, upset, anxious about something, I know I will be in the bathroom and regretting it. 

In my humble opinion, I say seek some theraputic help.  Once you can erase those thoughts (anxiety) from your mind, know that you may have to be excused to go to the restroom, etc., you will see a difference.  It has been a rough, rough journey for me to reach the mental state (positive, of course!) that I am at now, but it truly makes a big, big difference when out in public, at work, etc. 

I have discovered, also, that when the going gets tough, I have some small meditative thoughts I try to generate to get myself and my insides calmed down.  You may want to think about that, too.

Please, let me know if I can help any further on this.