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   I recently replied to this message board and between the responses I got and reading other stories I am convinced there is a link between Stress & Anxiety and Flare Up's with Crohn's Disease. I am suffering and I am tired of being told Stress has no influence on my condition. It cemented my position by reading other stories about people and the negative role stress plays in dealing with this disease. Maybe I need to just tell my current Doctor but he is very arrogant. So maybe I get a new Gastro Doctor. Just talking about it with others that agree was good. Made me see things in a different light. Maybe it would not hurt to take a Ativan or Xanax if thats what it takes. Life is to short to suffer more than necessary with this disease.

 Reply posted for vonachens.

Dear Vonachens -

This post is coming somewhat late, but I want to comment on your stress level over the holidays & feeling that you HAD to go home to see your non-supportive family. Manage your stress by taking charge of your life, this disease and being more empowered. You don't need anyone who doesn't understand what you're going through. This is a HORRIBLE disease. If you had cancer, everyone would be all over you with sympathy & understanding.  Well, guess what, this is just as bad as cancer. It's debilitating, painful, restrictive, and can be life threatening.

By not going home for the holidays, you would've made a statement to your family that if they can't get on board with this disease, then you can't have them to contribute to your stress--since we all know that stress is very much a contributing part of this disease. I'm not saying to astrange yourself from them. Just stand up to them & let them know that you're SICK, & you need their support. Ask them, if you did have cancer, how would they treat you then.

I wish for you that you find a friend, neighbor or relative who DOES get it & will be there for you when you're so down & depressed. It makes a big difference getting through the flare ups knowing someone cares. Taking care of each other is what it's all about.

Good luck with your family. I'm sorry that you have loved ones who aren't as loving as they should be. It must be very hard for you. As others on this forum have said... you're not alone.

Joan

 Reply posted for vonachens.

Exactly, no one knows... i had to put down my 3 year old dog who is like my daughter this last tuesday. I am so depressed and stressed and of course am now having a flare up... my boss who is my father doesnt understand, my whole family doesnt get it. Its just making me even more depressed that everyone thinks im lieing. if they felt what i feel then they would never dare to yell at me or act like im just trying to lie about being sick. My back hurts so bad from being sick all last night and all today and i skipped my lunch break so i could just leave an hour early because it hurts so bad i just want to lie down and i get yelled at in front of other employees. Im so sick of this disease and this is the worst week of my life and its making it so much harder.

 Reply posted for breezy.

I was reading your post and was interested in the Ativan helping for nausea.  I am so nauseaus right now from a flare up that I can't stand it.   Every time i have a flare up I feel so sick to my stomach.  My GI said that's not typical for crohn's flare ups.  I also suffer from ulcerative colitis and ibs.  I do take nortriptyline for anxiety and have had good luck, I just wish I could take something for the nauseau.  I just went out and bought ginger gum at CVS and I can't tell if it's helping.  I know the stress of the holidays, work, money, sick kids, etc. does contribute to my disease.  Have a good night.  Any input is appreciated!!

ngc

 Reply posted for vonachens.

I totally agree. My mother was diagnosed in April with breast cancer and my dad died in May. My insides have been outsides ever since. My dr won't refill my pain meds and has referred me to a pain management clinic

 Reply posted for Mom2One.

   A viciouis cycle really sums it up. That has to be hard for a thirteen year old. My daughter just finished college and has always been a high stressed type. She was never diagnosed with anything but a spastic colon. My troubles with Crohn's effects her. As anytime your child does not feel well it is hard. Crohn's is the hardest thing I have ever dealt with. I cannot imagine having to go to school with Crohn's symptoms. I feel your pain. I find it hard to talk about, sometimes just do not want to talk at all. But now that I have communicated with others suffering, a parent of someone with Crohn's or having the disease, both situations makes me stressed. I cannot find a way not to be stressed. Being that young and having this disease makes think they really need to find a cure for this. It is just to hard to live with. Wish your daughter the best.

 Reply posted for vonachens.

I am shocked that a Dr would believe there is NOT a connection between the two!  I am not saying stress CAUSES the symptoms but it certainly makes it worse.  We are trying to explain this to our 13 yr old daughter and it's a hard concept for kids to understand.  I definately notice she has flares when she is stressed about school. It's such a vicisous (sp?) cycle!

 Reply posted for vonachens.

Completely agree! I made an earlier post about Anxiety(guessing you read it) and I agree the reason I agree is because I went through tons of stuff before I was diagnosed, including military bootcamp, deployment as well as my BF deploying and never, never had this kind of anxiety before. My GI doc says it isn't related but myself, many others and my counselor I now see believe it is. So I just had to get in on this because I think it is!

 Reply posted for vonachens.

I had to fight for Ativan.  The really good thing is that Ativan is wonderful for nausea.  The only time the doc prescribed was while I was on Prednisone.  I have found an herbal product that helps.  I only need it occassionally and I only take it at night.  I listened to "it is all in your head" for many years.  I almost died from malnutrition because of that.  Stress is a really big factor in my flares.  There is now a lot of research on the brain/gut connection. 

Hugs,

Breezy

 Reply posted for vonachens.

I wish it was all in my head. But they really do blame me for it. And they accuse me of being addicted to pain medication (I haven't had one narcotic in over a year now. I haven't even taken any of the pills they gave me last night.) Thanks for the birthday wish.

 Reply posted for laraizant.

   Happy Birthday from someone that knows how bad just one day is with Crohn's. My family is the same way, why are you stressed? it is all in your head. You sometimes just have to do what you have to do. I know the pressure from work is tough but they cannot hold that against you. Just relax the best you can. Thank's for agreeing maybe we start a movement to educate the doctors on how bad it can be. Travel carefully that sometimes stresses me. Flying and stomach pain a bad combination. Try to have a good one.

 Reply posted for vonachens.

I completely, 100% agree. Stress & anxiety play a HUGE role. I know for certain, because just last night, I was in the ER. I have been very stressed out & very anxious for the past couple of weeks. I JUST got into remission a month ago. It has been a really difficult day, as today is my birthday, and I am spending it in bed. Can't work, can't go to my work's Christmas party, can't celebrate my own birthday. It sucks. I am going home for the holidays, and that is why I am so anxious. My family has not been very supportive of my CD & I have not had much communication with them because they just don't understand. I'm so nervous to see them because I am scared I will be blamed & ridiculed for my disease, like it was my fault I got it. Ironically enough, I just yesterday went to my family doc to get a rx for my anxiety, just to help. It did help calm my mind a little, but the lack of sleep, stress from a new job (now I'm scared of losing it because I missed today-my birthday, so they probably think I'm faking), & this upcoming trip home. Not to mention all the typical holiday stress. So, yeah, I agree.

Sorry for the rant......it's just been a really rough day. Happy Birthday to me. :(