IBS is Killing Me With Anxiety

By pama425

1 min read

I am a 53-year-old woman. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome when I was 20 yrs old and in college and working 2 jobs. It totally changed my life. I had to drop out of college in my junior year and quit my 2 jobs. I was so sick for 6 months straight and as a result, I then developed panic disorder and digestive issues.

Weight gain

At one point I weighed 104 lbs and I am 5 ft 4. At age 27 I started taking Paxil because I could barely function with the panic attacks. This caused me to gain weight...a lot of weight. I have been taking it for 26 years now and I weighed 276 lbs as of March 13, 2020. I recently went through menopause and my weight went up from 265 to 276. I have been sick since July 13th, 2020 and now weigh 255 lbs. I feel like crap and I eat only because I have to.

Just want to feel better

I don't feel well before I eat or after I eat and I get a lot of pain behind my belly button and it radiates into my lower pelvic area. I have a lot of nausea and my anxiety is incredibly high. The things going on in the world right now are making it worse. I just want to feel better. Any suggestions? I have seen my g.i Doc and my family doc and they say my bloodwork looks okay. I was diagnosed with IBS 5 years ago.

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Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2323574" username="pama425"/> , I am so sorry you are going through this. I know how hard it is to function with panic attacks. I too, used to suffer from them whenever I became very ill. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and IBS back in 2011. I found that my panic attacks subsided whenever I was eating well. I worked with a registered dietician that really turned my diet around and showed me how food can truly impact mental health. Have you ever seen a dietician? Perhaps look to see if there is one in your area that specializes in IBS. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
1. pama425 Member
 Thanks Elizabeth. I tried to find a dietician last year but the person I was referred to does not take any insurance, only private pay. So I found the only covered one in my area and I did not like her. I wanted to start seeing a functional medicine doctor but that is also not covered by my insurance. I have just started eliminating dairy and now gluten from my diet, but I am absolutely hating it. I do not like the dairy free stuff at all. Some of the gluten free things are not bad except for bread and baked goods. Do you have any recommendations for recipe sites for really good baked items? I love bread and baked goods and would be very disappointed if I have to go gluten free forever. I am already allergic to chocolate...isn't that enough, lol?
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2323574" username="pama425"/> , I completely understand. It is definitely hard when you have to pay out of pocket. And if you do not mesh well with someone it is not worth the time. As far as the food, I know how it is changing eating habits. It isn't fun. I love baked goods too. Try looking at Danielle Walker's recipes. They are mostly all grain free. Here is the link: <a href='https://againstallgrain.com/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://againstallgrain.com/</a> Also, Pinterest is a great tool I use. I just type in the search box "grain free banana bread recipe" for example, and so much pops up. I hope this helps some. Big hugs to you, Elizabeth (team member)
evon Member
HI, I share your pain. I was on Gabapentin and I can't believe how much weight I gained, and no matter what I did it wouldn't come off even after I stopped taking it. I finally started journaling what I ate and when I ate it., how much liquid I drank (not counting caffeine as it is dehydrating), exercise and what my output for the day was. I also noted how I felt at the end of the day. Quickly a pattern showed up and I was able to adjust. I highly encourage you to start a journal, just a spiral notebook works and start tracking everything. Try to get at least 1 hour of exercise a day, even if it is just a walk (I have a fitbit that tracks it and makes it more fun), Drink 8-10 glasses of water (I start the morning with a pump thermos with that amount of liquid - fruit tea for me - and make sure it is gone my dinner. Note what foods make you feel better or worse. Good luck.
katsue Member
I wish I could help. Right now with my anxiety, I haven’t a clue as to how I will enjoy Christmas, but I have to fake it. I’m so sorry. Knowing there are other people suffering, adds a little bit of comfort.