Community Forum

Almost every time I leave the house these days, I get sooo concerned that I won't be able to make it to my destination (work, for example) before I have to stop and use the restroom.  This self-inflicted stress seems to bring on the severe urgency that I'm sure you all know too well, and then I DO have to make a stop...barely making it.  My boyfriend says he can see the stress on my face every time we go somewhere now.  I guess it has gotten pretty bad.  I don't know why I'm stressing out so much!  I'm just so worried about having an "accident" lately.   Sometimes I try to talk my stress down...like saying "you can hold it", "don't worry, no problem" etc. but it is hard to do sometimes.

I don't want to go on meds, like anti-depressents.  Have any others had this self-inflicted stress and how did you handle it?

Thanks a lot!

 Reply posted for suz1015.

Give yourself permission.  Give yourself permission to go to the bathroom as often as you need.  give yourself permission to only do things that will give you access to a restroom.  give yourself permission to leave early, or excuse yourself because you are not well.  Give yourself permission to not eat what someone is offering you.  Give yourself permission to participate at whatever level your body can tolerate at any given moment.  Give yourself permission to spend a couple of hours in the bathroom; and turn it into some self-pampering!.  Give yourself permission to say "It's my turn!" even if you have had the last 10 turns.  Give yourself permission to hog the bathroom.  Give yourself permission to stop as many times as necessary on the way to <x> or the way home.  Give yourself permission to be ill.  GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO BE WELL.   Being well may not be what you thought it was.  You may have to redefine.

 Reply posted for ocdq.

I'm glad I'm not alone with this anxiousness!! I met with my doc who prescribed me digex.  it helps a little but not as much as I would like.  I see him again soon so i will ask if there is something a little stronger.  i have also used imodium...it seems to work better than the prescription!  lol   I still have the anxious fellings and MAYBE will consider taking something mild for that.  I am just afraid of feeling "out of it" and I need to be sharp on my job.

thanks you guys for your replies! 

 Reply posted for ocdq.

I'm glad I'm not alone with this anxiousness!! I met with my doc who prescribed me digex.  it helps a little but not as much as I would like.  I see him again soon so i will ask if there is something a little stronger.  i have also used imodium...it seems to work better than the prescription!  lol   I still have the anxious fellings and MAYBE will consider taking something mild for that.  I am just afraid of feeling "out of it" and I need to be sharp on my job.

thanks you guys for your replies! 

 Reply posted for suz1015.

I have these same feelings of anxiety. I was prescribed Belladonna to help reduce bowel activity and always take it prior to leaving the house. Immodium does not work as good as precription Lomotil-to help reduce diarrhea.

Try Lexapro liquid to ease the anxiety and depression and if really bad take a Vicodin or a muscle relaxer to help with pain management.

And driving instead of being the passenger can also help take your mind away from anxious thinking.

Good Luck!

 Reply posted for suz1015.

Imodium    

 Reply posted for suz1015.

Suz,

I am the queen of finding stress.  My kitten, George, is my worry now.  What if George knocks himself silly while I am at work and gets a kitten concussion? Yep, that has gone thru my mind.  Understand, he is prone to running at full speed into walls and furniture.  He "dazed" himself last night.  My husband has his own business, so he makes pit stops to check on our little Georgie Porgy.  I know this is a ridiculous stress, but did you smile and realise you are not alone?  I hope so.

I some times get so stressed about away from home activities, I don't enjoy them.  I am getting better.  Here are a few things I have done.  My hubby is not that supportive of this stuff but he is glad I seldomly burst into tears now when he suggests going some places...

1. I am healing myself.  2. I am careful with my food.  I know where and what I can eat.  3. Facials- yep, they so relax me.  I do my own when I can't get to the spa. 4. Exercise - yoga, pilates, walking. 5. Do my utmost best to forget and just enjoy every moment I am given. 6. Breathing and Visualization- Good healthy calming air in, Bad stress ill air out.  Long deep breaths.  Visualise the Bad leaving and the Good coming in.  I also visualise Ms Pacman running thru my intestines abolishing all of the Crohn's ghosties!

Smile... have a glass of iced tea with me.

Breezy