Does anyone worry more than I do?
#36864 - 01/12/04 02:52 PM
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Nugget
Reged: 02/10/03
Posts: 2167
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I am the biggest worry wart and would like to get over it. I worry about everything and keep most of my worries inside (which is a tummy trigger, I know). Just like this weekend when hubby and I went ice fishing.....I worry about something bad happening like an accident on the ice (falling through) or even something as stupid as whether or not someone will already be fishing in "our spot". I worry about getting out there and having "to go" suddenly with no where to go right away. I love to ice fish and am ok once we get there and get settled, but up until then I am a mess inside. I don't let my husband know because I don't to ruin the trip for him because of my stupid worrying. Does anyone else go through this?
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Yes.  For example, after signing all the paperwork on my endoscopy for tomorrow morning, and having to sign off on waivers for death and blood transfusions, I'm now worried I'm going to die! Even though I've had one done before!
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YES!
#36884 - 01/12/04 03:26 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Well, "MORE" than you do? Maybe AS MUCH AS.
I was a basket case. My anxiety was so bad, I couldn't leave the condo! The last time I left the condo, I was at Home Depot up in Canada, where I had an anxiety attack so bad, I thought I was going to die. Sweat poured down my face, and I went running to the bathroom. I was sure that I was going to die in a foreign country. When I "recovered," and returned home, I became a hermit, never leaving the condo. It was before I found you guys -- the boards. I e-mailed Heather again (I had communicated with her about a year before), and she turned me on to the hypnotherapy.
Have you tried it? (I can't remember whether or not you said you were doing it.) Girlfriend, that really helped me A LOT. I haven't finished -- I have 5 more days to go -- but I noticed a big improvement after only 40 days. I was able to go out without scouting for public bathrooms and worrying about the inevitable attack.
Oh, and I also have an emergency kit that I keep in my purse, which contains my Donnatal, Equalactin, Nu-Lev, "cramp pills," fennel-peppermint tea bags, peppermints, Gas-X, and Heather's peppermint caps. I'm PREPARED!
I hope some of this helps.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Yep, I'm with y'all on this. Wierd thing is I could be absolutely frantic inside and no-one else would ever know. I'm hoping the hypnosis will help with this. I'm on day 2 tonight - just thinking about settling down with Michael for the night, now!!!
JENNY - good luck for tomorrow. I haven't had any nasty old tests yet, hoping to avoid them if possible.
Shellsbells
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Bev,
I really like the idea of an emergency kit. That's a great suggestion. My fear is long distance trips and ruining everyone's fun by feeling sick. My kids want to go to Disneyworld this summer but I really don't think I could go.
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Why are they doing another one? Let us know how it comes out.
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Yep. It should be an exciting day! (Well, at least I got a couple presents in the mail)
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OMG I have those kinds of worries all the time. Mostly about being stuck someplace and have my stomach act up on me even though I know chances are that's not going to happen because most of the time I feel pretty damn good. But for me it's embarressing and humiliating sometimes to be the one who has to "run to the bathroom" or to be the one that stinks it up in a public place! I've gotten sooooo much better about dealing with the anxiety and have found ways to calm myself down and to have more rational thinking and I avoid panic attacks that way. And then I say to myself I did it - I survived a long car ride, or a dinner far away from home or a long meeting at work. Meaning I survived without panicking about it.
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They're doing another one because the last one I had was over a decade ago... and I was pretty young. It was inconclusive. They're hoping now that I'm an adult it will be more obvious whether I do have GERD or not for sure.
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What are the symptoms of gerd and what do they see with the endoscopy? I remember having that done and they medicate you so you are pretty out of it. At least you won't feel anything. Let us know how you do and happy birthday!
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Well, it's the same as Acid Reflux, so you might know it by that name. Lots of acid heartburn, I throw up a lot, you can taste acid in your mouth... not fun. With the endoscopy they just check for gastritis or any irregularities, but they're also measuring my esophogus for my 24 hr. PH test on Thursday. I get to wear a tube down my throat and out my nose for 24 hours. Sexy, huh?
They're going to sedate me for the endoscopy, so I shall sleep blissfully through the whole thing.
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I'll be very interested in how things come out. I have acid reflux due to my hiatal hernia, so would like to hear about your results. Again, good luck.
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Whoa -- I've missed something here. Is this how you're celebrating your birthday?!? Gee, do we want to know what you did for CHRISTMAS?!?
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Nah, Christmas was good. It was New Years and my birthday that have been disasters this year. I have high hopes for Valentine's Day though... I should be all done with my medical exams and we should have some money!
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Thank you all for your input on this. I was beginning to think it was just me. Good luck on your test, China....hope all goes well. I've never had one of those done....but I've had the other end.  Not fun. I'm thinking I will probably have to have what you are having done soon.
Most of you talked about the hypnotherapy. How does that work? Does it really work? I'd love to get rid of the anxiety.
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How have you avoided all the nasty tests?
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Hypnotherapy?
#37096 - 01/13/04 08:13 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Go into the hypnotherapy board and read some of the posts. For me it was a Godsend. I had anxiety up the wah-zoo -- and now look at me!
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Nugget, it's definitely not just you! I've always been a worrier too. It's the worst when I'm lying in bed at night and start worrying about everything I have to do, should have done, etc. It's no wonder I get insomnia so often! But when the anxiety starts up I try to take some time to relax and just stop thinking as much as possible, either by reading a good book, watching tv, or meditating. I agree that the hypno tapes sound like a great thing to try too. I've been meaning to, but I just can't afford them right now. Whatever you do, I hope you find something that works for you! I know anxiety isn't fun, especially when you have IBS.
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Well my GP (general doctor) is certain it's IBS rather than anything else. He's done all the necessary blood-tests which came back negative to show I don't have:
celiac (although I wasn't eating much wheat at the time  )
Thyroid disorders
Any vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Food allergies, & so on...
He didn't refer me to a consultant at hospital, because he said lots of the invasive tests are unpleasant and not strictly necessary for me. History of childhood C, followed by C&D, bloating, discomfort, gas etc from age 17/18, which coincided with SEVERAL YEARS of MAJOR stress in my life.
As I do suffer from terribly painful periods (right from the start) he says it's possible that I may have endometriosis, but again - tests are unpleasant and once diagnosis is made they can't offer much treatment.
He thinks that because my D is mostly urgent loose stools (and more often, but not always, related to anticipatory anxiety)rather than chronic, severe and constant D; because I never had blood in the stools, or any other unusual symptoms; and my pain is (mostly) limited to discomfort associated with C, gas, or urgency etc; and I don't really get any nausea or heartburn.... then it's not necessary
to undergo tests for gallstones, small bowel radiographs, abdominal radiographs for blockages etc.
Oh, I also had a stool test which showed up nothing unusual, (except for a parasite called dientamoeba fragilis, and I had anti-parasite drugs, which had no effect on my IBS symptoms).
Is my doctor right, or should I be heading for the GI Specialist. Oh, btw, I have a friend who recently saw a GI consultant at my local hospital and she mentioned IBS to him... his response was 'I don't believe in IBS, some people just have more sensitive or more active bowels than others'. 
My GP's advice was soluble fibre and stress reduction (there are no major stresses in my life right now).
What do you think??
Shellsbells
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I wondered which medical journals the GI read to come up with his conclusion.
I've been told by RN's the best RN's were CNA's - maybe some doctors need to become CNA's to understand we are human too with needs.
Sorry to ramble. I've had one bad experience with a doctor in the past two years, but many of the people on the board have had bad repeated bad experiences with doctors.
It does upset me a GI doesn't acknowledge IBS as a disorder.
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I had a male doctor tell me that IBS was a disease made up by neurotic women in the 80's and that I just need to eat more fiber. I tried to explain that without medication I'm too nauseous to eat, but he didn't care. So I went to a different doctor.
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Yep, I entirely agree. I think what he was saying was more that he is not 'interested' in IBS. He also said he would rather diagnose someone with Crohns or UC because they are much more severe forms of sensitivity than IBS. (this is all second hand btw).
There is a bit of a culture among some doctors and consultants (particularly in the UK) that if it's not gonna lead to surgery or potential death, they're just not interested - like go away and don't bother me about it. when half the hair on the top of my head disappeared and the standard blood tests showed nothing, my GP said: it's just one of those things, probably stress, you could try some iron supplements. How helpful!!
Shellsbells
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Do you think some of the attitude is to keep the health care cost down?
Also do you have universal health care system?
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OOOOOH, this angers me! I USUALLY don't wish bad things on people -- but this time I'm making an exception! I would like that so-called doctor who said he didn't believe in IBS to come down with one -- just ONE -- of our symptoms, and then lets see what he does or does not believe in!
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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You Got It!
#37251 - 01/13/04 04:21 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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You're right on. When my GI realized I was not interested in having half my colon removed, he showed me the door -- and refused me any meds for my IBS. If you opt out on the surgery, even though THEY ADMIT it's NOT NECESSARY, they're not interested in you -- and could care less about your well being!
GRRRRRRRR Oooh, I can feel my blood boiling . . .
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Bingo.
#37252 - 01/13/04 04:24 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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And there you go. RIGHT ON. " . . . he didn't care. So I went to a different doctor." That's it, that's really the answer. And, for me, I would always hope that all his other patients do the same.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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You are so right Kree. Worrying and IBS are a bad couple; they just feed off each other. And the worrying can be so irrational. When I get an attack I worry that it is something more serious and I won't be able to take care of my kids, even though I know it is just IBS. How irrational!
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Yep - we don't have insurance, it's all the National Health Service (unless you're wealthy enough or your company pays for private insurance).
We have to find a doctor (GP) in our locality to register with them and they DON'T take kindly to people swapping and changing often. I think a some of it's to do with money, but also time pressures. A GP has to meet his targets - something totally ridiculous like see one patient every 4 minutes!!! So basically they don't have much time for anything other than arrange a blood-test, referral or write a prescription. Of course, some are more helpful than others.
As for consultants/specialists at hospital, some of their attitude is just a professional arrogance - they like to be totally sure of themselves and in total control - they can't cope with anything vague, don't want patients to take their health into their own hands or be giving them info, and some of them are only interested in certain diseases or types of surgery because that's what feeds their ego. To a certain extent, medical training is flawed as science tells them to only believe what they can see in front of them.
Of course, this is only the negative and unhelpful bunch. I'm sure that some are truly wonderful. There are some who do now believe in IBS - enough to be doing research and reporting on it. The NHS itself in the UK gives advice for IBS (and doesn't even say it's caused by stress) so if I saw this consultant, I'd have to wave this info under his nose, not that it's likely to change his mind!
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Quote:
I had a male doctor tell me that IBS was a disease made up by neurotic women in the 80's and that I just need to eat more fiber. I tried to explain that without medication I'm too nauseous to eat, but he didn't care. So I went to a different doctor.
Wow! What a quack! 
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Quote:
You are so right Kree. Worrying and IBS are a bad couple; they just feed off each other. And the worrying can be so irrational. When I get an attack I worry that it is something more serious and I won't be able to take care of my kids, even though I know it is just IBS. How irrational!
I guess we're all a little irrational sometimes, aren't we? It's part of being human! 
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Well I think I might worry as much as you. I feel the same where no matter where I go. I make sure that I find out where the bathroom is immediately when visiting a new place. I started having anxiety years back and IBS is now an offspring of it. Now it runs my life most of the time. We travel a lot and it is frightening sometimes to be out. Controlling my surroundings is a must for me and went I don´t have that...I get the stomach problems. I can usually calm myself down enough but sometimes the mind and belly have to go crazy. Another reason for the intensity of my IBS even more so is we just moved to Mexico from California and that has put me into another nervous space. I´m hanging in there though. Hoping this new website I stubbled upon (Heather seems great by the way) will change my life. 
Masayo
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Debby, sounds like me too. Alot of us sound alike. I´ve learn to breathe and talk my way out of the panic bathroom run but sometimes nature calls. I worry being stuck in a room with others and cant leave or somewhere on a boat, car, beach with no bathrooms with others i dont know.
Maybe next time I feel bad I´ll remember Im not alone.
Masayo
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Wow, Masayo, you sound JUST LIKE ME -- before I did the hypnotherapy program! Actually, that's WHY I did it. I had terrible anxiety, which had gotten so bad I wouldn't leave the condo. My hubby couldn't even get me to go for a walk with him. One time I ventured out, got half way down the block, and BAM! Diarrhea! OMG! I barely made it back in time -- I had to run all the way back to the condo. After that, I NEVER left -- I became a hermit.
Finally, I contacted Heather (it was before I came on the boards here). She turned me onto the hypno program. What a lifesafer! I just finished it last night -- 100 days -- and what a difference!
Go into the hypnotherapy board and check it out.
By the way -- WELCOME! Don't hesitate to ask any questions you want.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I moved into a new house last February, and had all this upheaval in my life, so I ordered the tapes. It is quite a committment, but I did it faithfully. I did not see any change in my IBS or anxiety at first, but I did start eating ALOT!! gained 10# rather fast???!!! But, then I started to notice, if we went somewhere, I didn't get that sick feeling in my stomach, or feel like I was looking for a bathroom right away. Gradually, I was calmer, more relaxed, laid back about change, and I have not taken any anxiety medicine in 6 months. Up until then, I was on and off for 13 years. Now, I have not flown for quite awhile, so that might require some xanax!! I was thinking about starting the program again, just because I think it is so very calming and this time of year leds to depression, if not careful. I love Michael's voice. So peaceful.........
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Everything somehow always works out for the best.
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I caught myself getting like this after I was diagnosed...I got to the point where I was always running to the bathroom even if I just thought I MIGHT need the loo SOMETIME in the near future! I was ridiculous. So I made myself wait to go the loo for as long as I could when I was somewhere safe (at home, in the office, etc). And then I guess it trained my body to stop panicking about the nearest bathroom! I can now need the loo slightly and still get on the tube to go to work.
Plus, Immodium should be a god (only kidding!).
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I am such a deep thinker...and an analyst. I DEF. over-worry! In addition, having IBS gives you something to worry about (is my tummy too gugrly...do I look pregnant today...did someone smell my flatulence, etc.).
Between those two things and my irregular bouts of diarrhea (I'm IBS-C with the occasional D)...worrying is totaly a symptom! I'm doing the hypno tapes for the 2nd time...I think I'm getting better. I'll let you know when I'm finished.
Let us know, Nugget, if you decide to do them!
I LOVE Bev's emergency kit idea! Also, always carry rice cakes or something for the times you get hungry. I find when I get hungry and I don't eat right away, it spirals out of control and I end up overeating (that's what I get for ignoring my bod!)
I am so sorry to all of you who have bad docs! I have had over SIX bad docs in the past year! Still searching for a goodie!
When I find myself worrying, I try to use HEAT...on my back, my tummy, wherever. It just feels so RELAXING! I read a magazine, play with make-up (I'm not great at art...but make-up is my visual arts outlet ), I talk on the phone, read a book, do cross-stitching, write a letter to a friend, look outside at nature, spend some time with my plants, look up something new on goggle.com or howthingswork.com, listen to music (classical is WONDERFUL!), clean my house (yes, I find cleaning and organizing relaxing! LOL), drink tea/water, go eye-shopping at the mall (we have no money so I go just to look ), look at paintings, look through photo albums (esp. my wedding album!), do something nice for someone else, and chill out on the IBS BOARD with all of you! 
I hope this inspires you, Nugget (and anyone else! ) to do some soul searching and find things that take you to another place far away from your troubles!
Oh, one more thing.... (I don't remember where I read this, but I find it VERY helpful!) Close your eyes. Picture a huge circle (mine is outdoors). Fill in the circle with whatever you want (mine is filled with grass). Picture yourself outside the circle to start. Then, go inside your cirlce of joy! Sometimes I go inside the circle and I just lay on the grass. Sometimes I go in and jump up and down. Sometimes I go in and twirl around and around like a 5 year old! This always help put me in a positive state of mind!
Any more tips from anyone? I can always use help in this area!
Love,
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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I think we are all in this together. Many people "map out" strategy before they go places - pack a kit of toilet paper and medicine etc. I can tell you all the establishments with "facilities" on my 18-mile drive to work. Learn to take deep breaths. Things usually work out. Try praying sometimes that helps. Relaxation tapes? Hang in there. Keep on talking to us here and you will grow strong! I have two handicapped children so I know what worrying can be like too. Ice fishing sounds cold, by the way. Where I live, we rarely even get into the 30s.
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Amateur radio IS a contact sport!
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