IBS, how to overcome?

Hi guys
I'm just new here but I've known about TMS a year ago. I believe I've had TMS ever since I was a kid cause I get sudden leg pains and fever. About 5 years ago or so I developed left neck and lower back pain, vertigo, IBS during my stressful time at work and last year I had neck spasms. Since applying ways to battle TMS, I get fewer episodes of neck pain, vertigo and spasms and I think I'm getting better at it but its a different case with IBS. I actually try to challenge myself to always try to go out and not get anxious, I think I'm improving a bit but still can't help and get afraid whenever I go out especially if it's early in the morning, travelling, or getting stuck in traffic. I'm getting obsessed about my bowel movement specially if I haven't any before I go, thinking about it everyday, about the possibility of having an accident, etc. I hope you could give me tips to recondition myself and be like what I used to be, someone who doesn't think about it for a second. Thanks!

 

I suggest countering your fearful thoughts with rational thoughts. The rational, conscious part of the brain can override the primitive, unconscious brain with repetition. So everytime a fearful thought comes up, say to yourself something like "There's nothing wrong with my digestive system. This is just TMS. I'm perfectly healthy." Find the words that work for you and your situation. Try to do this every time you are aware of the fearful thoughts. Then forget about it and just go about your day.

Best wishes........

 

Ellen, Thanks! I've had a tough week. I read your suggestion, tried it out and found some success. Full honesty: My head is trying to tell me that it didn't work because it didn't work every time this week. Maybe part of that rigid perfectionistic thinking.

 

Hi fleurry,
I wish you well. Hang in there!
My latest round of symptoms involves upper GI stuff. I've been very afraid of IBS or similar symptoms turning up with me--for all the reasons you mention.

I was struck when you mentioned that you used to be someone who didn't think about this stuff for a second. That tells me that this current situation is
'not you' (I know I can think that the symptoms are my life now, and it gives them stronger life), it's just a current issue to work through. A temporary problem. And, you've found a solution that has worked for so many others--it can work for you too.

 

thanks everyone! I'm applying everything you suggested and I think I'm getting better control of my fearful thoughts. I also liked the idea of using the concept of mindfulness and meditation with deep breathing! Cannot wait to be out and about again without worrying thoughts.
Really thanks for the great support

 

Think about IBS as a spastic reaction of your digestive muscles to TMS, much like neck spasms. That is it. Meditation helps with anxiety. Anxiety triggers more symptoms.

 

Hi, fleurry. I used to feel anxious while driving. or waiting for a red light to change to green. I found I could relax by deep breathing and massaging the fleshy part of my hand between the thumb and index finger. That's a yoga trick that is very calming. It also focuses the mind on that activity, so it pushes put the anxious thoughts.
I've also tried the "tapping" technique and suggest that you might find it helpful. There are good videos on Youtube on tapping.

 

Interesting I think I will try that on the Freeway once I get back on the freeway... deathly afraid of them. Other times I chew gum, when I chew gum I relax.. weirdest thing!

 

Yes makes perfect sense! I initially started chewing because of my Hiatal hernia and the heartburn, it kept the acid down then I noticed it made me feel better or calm. Months back I carried Xanax with me so if I had a panic attack or I wouldn't be able to cope with some crazy situation. I had so much anxiety from an episode that happened more than a year ago that I couldn't be without it, I wouldn't take it unless I really needed it but slowly I realized I didn't need it. Even when my son a few months ago was in the hospital I just dealt with it on my own but I carried it just for security. Now I just chucked them a few weeks ago no need to carry them.