High anxiety level.

Posted by gaileygirl @gaileygirl, Mar 20, 2023

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.

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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!

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@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.

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@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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Oh, I want to add deep breathing.

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Good evening,
I take for IBS:
Metamucil
Peppermint oil enteric coated capsules
RisaQuad probiotic
Take care.

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