The mystery of anxiety aggravated IBS
I've been diagnosed with anxiety aggravated IBS.
The doctor said it's NOT food related.
But I can't work out which comes first, the anxiety or the IBS symptoms. I know one feeds the other.
I've tried all the usual IBS treatments, natural treatments, anxiety meds and psychological counseling. I've tried elimination diets and FODMAP eating plan.
I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy with clear results. I've been treated for helicobacter pylori and last year had my gallbladder removed.
No change. I still have IBS flare-ups. Mainly stomach cramps. Followed by anxiety, followed by IBS symptoms.
I continue to look at my diet and as the symptoms continue I eliminate more and more foods, in case they're the culprit.
I'm no longer anxious that the symptoms could be due to something more serious now that I've had all the tests and told it's 'just' IBS.
But I'm anxious that the symptoms will never leave and that I can't find any relief for them.
I'm really getting very depressed with waking up every morning to pain which last most of the day. Interesting is that anxiety and IBS symptoms usually disappear in the evening and appetite returns.
Reminding myself that I've had this many times before doesnt seem to jolt my mind into seeing reason.
Anyone else have this diagnosis and if so, how do you manage it?
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General Anxiety, Health Anxiety and Panic Disorder for over 25 years. South Africa