does anyone know a way to cure panic attacks from IBS?

Question

I have Both

Answer 1

I also suffer from IBS, and it is usually stress or panic that triggers an IBS attack. I have to be very careful to not get panicky or stressed or I will be on the couch writhing in pain until I pop some dicyclomene. I try hard to keep my life in order and do a lot of prayer and meditation to calm myself down, and I also find that if I eat and do things regularly that helps too. Eating healthily, especially veggies and fiber, seems to help, as well as avoiding coffee and other stimulants. Good luck.

Answer 2

I have IBS as well. Stress definately brings it on. I try to monitor the IBS when I eat the BAD foods. When I start getting attacks, I do my best to eat healthy foods, veggies, lots of fiber. I pray and meditate as well to deal with stressful situations and stop teh IBS attacks from killing me so badly. I have a GI specialist for the IBS, and he gives me a med called bentyl. It helps a lot with the bloating, constipation, and cramping. This is the only med that has worked for my IBS. The downside of it for me is that it makes me so drowsy. I really have to watch when I am going to take it, If I need to drive or something. I recommend that you see a doc and ask about some meds to help you out. Good luck with everything.

Answer 3

What is IBS?
IBS is what really started my agoraphobia and IBS is hindering my recovery. I was wondering if anyone else has IBS and how you deal with getting out and having an episode hit. How would you, or do you deal with the mental pressure of this? It's just all too embarrassing for me. If I'm brave enough to venture out and this pain hits my belly, I go into sheer panic. I can't work on my panic due to the IBS. -- Ronty

If you have an anxiety disorder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you definitely are not alone. According to researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina, 50% - 90% of people seeking treatment for IBS have one or more psychiatric conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).1 In another study at the same university, 36% of study participants with IBS also had PTSD.2 In a SUNY Health Science Center study, 46.3% of participants with panic disorder also had IBS.
Q. What should I do if I think I have IBS?

A. You should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. You need not continue suffering because there are a variety of treatments available. Additionally, if you have an anxiety disorder, the two conditions can aggravate each other, particularly if you already have a phobia of going out or going to social functions. The symptoms of IBS may be symptoms of other conditions, so your doctor will need to run some tests to rule out the other problems. You should let the doctor know about all medications you are on, in case your symptoms are a possible side effect of your medications. If you are seeing a separate doctor or psychiatrist for your psychiatric medications, you should let him or her know about your symptoms as well.

IBS is not so rare and it can be controlled by medicine. I know because before I was diagnosed, I tried to keep track of where the rest rooms were and certainly watched what I ate. Sometimes I would just have unbearable pain in my gut that would not go away. Finally, my doctor got me to a gastroinstestinal MD. He doubled my dose of Librax. For anxiety I had been taking Buspar. I still am somewhat careful what I eat and try to drink lots of water. -- DGuerr

Q. How is IBS treated?

A. The most common treatments for IBS include dietary changes, stress relief, and medication. Some people also look to alternative medicine for solutions. I recommend About Guide Amber J. Tresca's Irritable Bowel Syndrome 101: Treatments and the Future for more information about IBS treatments.
Special steps you'll need to take
It's OK to say, "I'll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom." I found that when I said this, sometimes it relieved the pressure and I wouldn't have to go anymore. Another thing, the more we worry about "what if," the more our stomachs are going to tighten up and the worse it will be for us. So, usually (I'm not perfect yet), I can say, "OK, my stomach hurts, but I'm going anyhow." -- Angelsloveyou

Q. What special steps should I take if I have an anxiety disorder and IBS?

A. Thankfully, some of the treatment methods for IBS are also methods that may help you with your anxiety disorder. Eliminating alcohol and caffeine has been shown to help anxiety disorders, and the healthy diet people with IBS usually follow may be beneficial as well.

Stress relief techniques such as relaxation should be a part of most people's anxiety recovery programs. Lifestyle changes such as exercise have also been shown to help psychiatric disorders. One area where you should proceed with caution is with medications. If you are prescribed medication for IBS, you should be sure that all health professionals involved know all medications you're taking and that it is OK to take them together. You should ask if any of your current medications may be causing your symptoms (for example, some antidepressants can cause constipation -- you may not have IBS after all; it may be a side effect of your medication).

If IBS is aggravating your anxiety disorder, particularly for people with phobias, it is important to discuss these issues with your health providers and therapist. Perhaps your agoraphobia has, all this time, really been a fear of being away from home and far from a restroom. Perhaps your social anxiety has been an embarrassment of running to the bathroom in front of people. If your phobias haven't been caused by your IBS, though, they may certainly be aggravated by it. Will you be able to practice desensitization (slowly exposing yourself to feared situations) if you're having the physical symptoms of IBS? These kinds of questions should be discussed with your health providers and a well-rounded treatment plan should be designed.

http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/comorbiddisorders/a/ibsandanxiety.htm

http://www.helpforibs.com/messageboards/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=hypnotherapy&page=8&view=expanded&sb=5&o=

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/gastro/messages/36962.html

Answer 4

SONNY IT'S LIKE THIS..I HAVE PANIC ATTACKS ALL THE TIME OVER SILLY THINGS BUT TO ME THEY A BIG MAJOR PART OF MY LIFE..I PERSONAL TAKE MEDICATION FOR MINE..YOGA, MEDIATION,AND WALKING AWAY FROM WHAT IS CAUSING THEM WILL HELP YOU OUT..ALL I CAN SAY IS THOSE THINGS A TRY..IF NOT YOU MAY HAVE TO CONSULT A DOCTOR FOR THE PROBLEM