High anxiety level.
My anxiety level is very high. I have curtailed most social activities - even church - because I am never sure when I am going to have a BM. I wear pullups all the time, and check to see where the nearest bathroom is when I do go out. Do any of you take medications for this?
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I take cholestyramine, a powder that I mix up in six ounces of water, every day as prescribed by my colonoscopy doctor. It’s made a world of difference for my annoying bowel.
I take the same medication in pill form colesavalem. It changed my life in 3 days! It is a cholesterol medication that happens to cause constipation. Perfect for those of us with chronic diarrhea. I don't know why more Gi's don't know about this. I suffered for years. No more depends, no emergency rushes to the bathroom. I still go 5-7 times a day, but it is manageable. Educate your doctor!
@sbr270 -
Constipation certainly can be a good side effect of colesavalem- if one has chronic diarrhea.
However, it’s not for everyone- it’s good at lowering cholesterol but can interfere with other metabolic processes. Definitely , if your doctor knows you well enough it can help a lot.
I’m very happy for you- having dealt with colitis myself in the past it sounds like a miracle.
@gaileygirl
Do you know why this is happening to you? Have you had a recent colonoscopy?
I get that problem if I have a flare up of autoimmune colitis. I also have to know where the bathrooms are and tend to avoid outdoor activities.
Have you tried taking Imodium before you go out?
Just make sure you are followed by a gastroenterologist- there are medications that can help.
I have had Ulcerative Colitis for the past 16 years. I absolutely know where every bathroom is the minute I walk into a place. I might not always be wearing depends, but I have one in my bag and a change of clothes just in case. And, yes, I absolutely take Xanax for my anxiety. Plus a antidepressant. This devil disease has given me so much PTSD I have more than enough to share!
Mediation and breath work is very helpful for anxiety. You can calm yourself with the right technique anywhere you are without being obvious. Meditation is where I learned about breathing the right way. There are a number of meditation apps you can check out. I use 2 - Headspace and Insight Timer. Even just a five minute meditation is incredibly helpful.
5321 grounding helps when I can focus enough to do it - 5 things I can see, 4 things I can touch, 3 things I can hear, 2 things I can smell, one thing I can taste.
Good afternoon,
I am so deeply sorry for your sufferings.
A plan I want to use:
Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes and say, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”
Think good thoughts.
Exercise- I like to walk outside, do ballet, do stretching exercises and weights. I usually exercise about 30 minutes a day.
Oh, I want to add deep breathing.
Good evening,
I take for IBS:
Metamucil
Peppermint oil enteric coated capsules
RisaQuad probiotic
Take care.