IBS and my irrational fear of the Stomach bug
I suffer from IBS D and granted I don't always eat what I should and what not but I've noticed that during the winter months with the stomach bug floating around my anxiety has risen to new levels. I am paranoid that I am going to get sick and what that will mean. I'm supposed to travel tomorrow and be away the weekend and I have spent the entire week basically worrying about the possibility of getting a virus or my IBS flaring up. I was just wondering if anyone else ever feels like this to.
Hi Purple228 - I can definitely understand the worry! I really hope you don't get sick! While we wait for others to chime in, I thought I'd share this article with you from one of our advocates about her take on anxiety and traveling: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/ibs-anxiety-cant-travel/. I hope this is helpful! Safe travels and keep us posted on how it goes! - Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team Member
I just joined this group today & this is the first post I read. You nailed it. I've never really put these together. I hate the thought of traveling. My anxiety is high when I think about 'getting' somewhere. Not so much once I get there or get home but the traveling it's self. It all makes sense now. I just thought I was a home body and that’s why I didn’t like it. I also thought I was a germaphobe with stomach viruses. If I know someone has a stomach bug I will avoid the whole situation. You may be my best friend but if you are throwing up...FORGET IT. I will not be around you. This isn’t true either. I’m not a germaphobe it’s because the IBS-D already zaps my energy & it takes longer for me to recover.
I’m so glad that you understand what I mean. I really thought I was the only one and felt oh this must be your anxiety on full blast. I can’t help but always feel that whenever my stomach makes the slightest noise or starts to hurt that I’m gojng to be sick. Even now that I’ve successfully reached my destination I’m still in full panic mode about the thought of getting sick. It’s like I just can’t shake it. And I know it’s irrational but it lingers in the back of my mind and I know I’ll feel like this until I’m home back in my house.
You are definitely not the only one. I understand and know exactly what you are feeling.
