IBS and grief
New here and wondering if anyone has experienced IBS with grief. I’ve had IBS for many, many years. Six weeks ago, I lost my 13 year old Chocolate Lab and I’m a mess. I’ve never had this kind of IBS in all of my years. I’m incredibly bloated and get D completely out of the blue. I have a ton of anxiety at the moment as well. Has anyone else experienced a major flare during grief?
Hi
and welcome to our community. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Grief and anxiety can absolutely trigger IBS. One of our advocates shared her experience with grief and IBS here: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/stressing-times, and anxiety is a very common IBS trigger as well. I've experienced the same effect, too.
Do you have people in your life who could help you during this time so that you don't have to worry about as many things and can feel rest a bit more?
Sending hugs, Karina (team member), my doctor increased my dose a little and I’m starting the increase today. I’m still experiencing a lot of bloating and sometimes I’ll have D and sometimes I feel so plugged up! It’s frustrating. I just want things to return to semi normal! I feel you, it's so frustrating to not feel good and not be able to control it... 🙁 I hope that the increase in your dose will help soon. Please keep us updated!
Hugs, Karina (team member)
I’m having trouble posting replies.
Hi
. I'll send you a message and see if I can help troubleshoot and see what's going on! Patty, Team Member
I think I’m ok, now. Thank you,
I think I absolutely know where you're coming from.
I don't know for sure but suspect grief had a lot to do with my getting IBS.
I had a lot of losses since 1999; husband, parents, family members, one dog and friends. Plus I'd had some other real trauma I don't wish to discuss. But it was very very bad.
I just soldiered on through it. I probably didn't process my trauma and grief properly at a guess.
My gut was just normal then, my appetite good, no health problems, and I was strong and apparently resilient.
Then I adopted an ex street dog in the early 2000's. It was a difficult rescue but I made it happen. initially for her sake (my dog's),
As time passed I began to realise I had probably never been as close to another Soul as I was to her. Life was so good, positive, well. I remember feeling so happy, steady, blessed.
Her being with me seemed to heal everything from the past.
When she passed away I was devastated and I cannot describe the grief and loss I felt. I had panic attacks etc. But again soldiered on. It was years before IBS came. I knew while I was grieving that I was lucky indeed not to become ill from what I was feeling. Yes, I seemed physically well. But sometimes I'd get a random tummy upset and think nothing of it....perhaps red wine....too much greasy tofu, etc. Perhaps if something stressful happened. But in 2020 it became full blown IBS.
I think I understand.
Blessings to you. Our Soul companions passed on just a few steps before us. I am sure they are waiting for us. What a happy day that will be., thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m sorry for all of your losses. I completely empathize with what you experienced. I am also having panic attacks that awaken me and then triggers the IBS. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never feel better and get through this. Like you, I’m looking forward to reuniting with my boy. Sending hugs to you and thank you again for responding to my post.
