Hi Gretchen, Many of us can relate to how your fear of leaving the house. I'm a sociology student and have studied these kinds of situations before, I'm not an expert but I do have a bit of knowledge on this. It is important to realize that the IBS and anxiety about leaving your house, although very related, are not the same thing. It is great that your IBS is getting better, and there is much to be hopeful about!!!! This being said, your panic about leaving the house will probably not just disappear, even if you are feeling better. It is going to take time to recondition yourself to be confident about going out, and that may take getting help from outside sources, like psychotherapy. Many people with anxiety disorders, even if they are physically feeling well, work themselves up so much with fear that they become a self-fulling prophecy and this actually triggers an attack. Then it becomes a cycle, and they take that attack as confirmation that they can never go out again.
That being said, there is huge hope! Take baby steps, and just make sure you get help if you become discouraged! I'm glad your IBS is feeling better and I'm sure you'll make huge progress! ken
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