My IBS and Anxiety

By patti

2 min read

I’ve been suffering with IBS for 28 years. It was mild at first when I would eat certain foods, especially pastas, I would have diarrhea within minutes of eating my meal. I also began having a low level of depression. After a few years of that happening things began to get worse. I was about 25-30 pounds overweight so I tried the Adkins Diet. That sent my IBS overboard. I began getting explosive, bloody diarrhea. I called my doctor, and he called in Lomotil.

RA, Crohn's, and IBS

Well that stopped my diarrhea, but gave me constipation. With the constipation I got insomnia. Weeks later I got terribly tired. So tired I couldn’t get up to go to work. It subsided enough to get back to work. I then developed terrible joint pain. I had a lot of tests run, and the doctor said I had Rheumatoid Arthritis. I went for 18 years living with pain, fatigue, and abdominal pain, anxiety and alternating between constipation and diarrhea. In year 18 I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The GI I was seeing at the time did very little to control my disease. Fast forward 5 years of living with Crohn's and still having severe fatigue, anxiety especially after I ate or ate something that didn’t agree with me I found a new GI. She said I have Crohn’s and IBS! The Crohn’s was in remission. She gave me Bentyl to help the IBS, but I still feel anxiety after eating. I was about to give up all hope that I would ever be functional again.

IBS and anxiety

After reading some more about IBS, I now realize that the IBS is causing my anxiety after eating. The Bentyl helps, but I need to talk with her about the anxiety after eating. There are very few foods that I can eat. I only take in about 500 to 700 calories a day. I see her on the 21st of this month to see if I can get on an antispasmodic/anti anxiety medicine. Does anyone else have anxiety after they eat? Or does anyone else have Crohn’s and IBS too. My doctor said that 45% of her Crohn’s patients have IBS too.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

tmholland Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="2310107" username="patti"/> , I responded to your question about anxiety after eating and Librax to the best of my ability, but it seems that you've already got a pretty good handle on it. I want to thank you so much for sharing your story. You have had a hard road, but never gave up and this gives others who are having a hard time hope and belief that they can make it. Thank you, again. -Todd, <a href='http://IrritableBowelSyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
1. patti Member
 You’re welcome. For years I told doctors that my anxiety was caused by my IBS, but they would always say it’s in my head. They don’t understand how this disease effects us psychologically and mentally. It’s been a difficult road for me. There are many times that I thought about taking my own life, but thought about the sadness I would cause my family. I hope my doctor can come up with the right medicine to help me get through the day.
2. tmholland Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="2310107" username="patti"/> , If I didn't mention it before, I have struggled with extreme anxiety and depression for most of my life. IBS has made it more challenging to manage my mental health. I consider my therapist and psychiatrist as important as any member of my 'wellness' team. If you haven't considered a mental health professional for additional support, think it over. I don't know where I'd be without them. Just my two cents. I hope you are well today. -Todd, <a href='http://IrritableBowelSyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2310107" username="patti"/> , I have Crohn's and IBS too! You are not alone! I do get anxiety at times after I eat, especially if I am out at a restaurant because I don't know how my food is going to react. It is the worse feeling. To help me cope with IBS symptoms while out, I always have some peppermint essential oil with me. I make a roller for it. I put about 10 drops in a 10ml roller bottle and fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil. In the event that I start to cramp up or feel any symptoms, I head to the bathroom and roll the oil on my abdomen. It helps tremendously! Maybe it's something for you to try? Also, did you know we have a sister site for Crohn's? You may find it helpful as well. Here is the link: <a href='http://inflammatoryboweldisease.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>inflammatoryboweldisease.net</a> -Elizabeth (irritablebowelsydrome.net team)

Community Poll

Does your IBS prevent you from attending public events?