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New to the Forum, and constantly in fear

Hello, I am new on this site, and the Forum. I have been suffering on and off for about 12 years or so, but officially since my first colonoscopy, at 44. I had an early colonoscopy because I was certain I had colon cancer, and was out of my mind. My results were completely normal and was prescribed Xanax. Since then I have been on various antidepressants and sedatives, and had many good periods. And then, 2 and half years ago I was given multiple strong antibiotics for tooth infection & surgery, and got C Diff Infection. ALthough I was successfully treated ( and pretty fast considering how people can suffer long from it), my IBS became much worse. Everything I use works fine until it does not. I also have very high anxiety, severe depression, OCD, and now, abnormal fear that I will have to take antibiotics again, sometime in my life. Any suggestions, or piece of advice is welcome. I am also kind of due for another colonoscopy, but I heard it can flush out one’s good bacteria, that I have been working on rebuilding for more than 2 years now. Sometimes I feel so scared that I want to end it all - but I know I will not in reality.

  1. Welcome, ! I'm so glad you're here. I commend you for sharing so openly in a new space. IBS can certainly wreak havoc on one's every day life. The fears associated with IBS are a real thing, and many here go through that, too. I thought I'd share an article with you the addresses managing fear: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/fear-worry/. I hope you get some insight from this post, and many others we have on the impacts of IBS on mental health. If you ever need help finding more information, don't hesitate to ask! And, if you ever feel like these this is all too much, please know that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to you 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or the online chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/. This community is here to support you. Please come back anytime to share with us. - Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team

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