Struggling with IC and IBS-D

[cindysully1517]

Hi, I was officially diagonsed with IC in January of 2003. Afterwards a chain of events started happening in my life. My husband and I were both college students and he was working late hours. I began having panic /anxiery attacks. I also developed IBS-D. And this worsen my anxiety. Now not only when I went out did I have to deal with the chronic urge to urinate all the time but I also felt like I couldnt't really control my bowel movements either. Since that time my condition has greatly worsened. I was basically housebound off and on up until now. I have not been able to finish getting my degree although I am only four classes short. And I have not been able to work. I have never felt so isolated and depressed before. And I can't imagine living the rest of my life this way. Lately I have been doing much better., but I am still struggling with things. This past week I went on my first vacation in a VERY long time. I went on a five hour drive to Destin FL. It was great.. and it felt so liberating. I had to stop quite a few times, but hey I was out!!! I should be feeling elated right now.. but I still feel like my recovery is a battle I am losing! Besides the financial troubles I have had because of not being able to work. I also have not seem my urologist in over a year. I feel dependent and not happy with where I am in life. Up until recently, I had no idea that IC and IBS were related diseases and common for people with IC to have IBS also. For some reason that was a comforting thought, to think that i am not alone and maybe someone else is struggling too. Well I am sorry to be so depressing but I just wanted to vent.

[lorie-belle]

You're definitely not alone. I suffer from IC, colitis and fibromyalgia. I guess I have been lucky in the way that I have never been house bound like some people. I understand how you feel, it's extremely frustrating and makes things very difficult in our lives. Hope you get some relief soon.

:angel:

[Aimedes]

HI Cindy! I'm sorry you are feeling down. I used to have tons of stomach problems, I was diagnosed with IBS and some other strange things- but I was really depressed. I missed several years of school, my social life died. I was sick from when I was 8 to 19 with the worst between 13 and 18. I remember feeling frustrated that I could basically do nothing. If I felt excited (even in a happy way), I would be sick. I went to the hospital on every holiday, birthday, pretty day, whatever. I had horrible panic attacks too. I started reading some buddhist books, and although I'm not a buddhist, some of the stuff really made sense to me. The best thing it said to me was that no matter where we are or what we are doing, we are where we are supposed to be and doing what we are supposed to be doing. And it made perfect sense, because really, if I was supposed to be somewhere else, I would be there. So I started focusing on accepting where I was at. I began to pay more attention to my body and the signs that I was going to have an attack. I learned how to breathe differently whe I had pain so that I could lessen it or sometimes make it go away. Now I can eat something and within the first bite, I know if it's going to make me sick later. I'm only telling you this because it is possible to feel better. The doctors could do very little for me. I think you should feel great that you went on vacation! That is you enjoying your life!! Yes, it is so exhausting to always be so diligent and have to tend to yourself, but it's just how we're made. It's like letting go of wanting to feel in control of your life- but at the same time being more accepting and easier on yourself. Feel free to write me if you ever want to talk. I have been through my own emotional hell. I know what it's like to feel like you are swimming against the tide.

[jaime15]

There are prescription medications you can take for IBS-D. I took them for years since my IBS was so out of control. It will curve it for you to at least be able to take your final classes and get that degree you deserve.
When I became pregnant in late '01 I stopped the meds. Three years later I haven't taken one yet.........but am thinking the symptoms are starting more and more.
It is a battle with all our health concerns........but hopefully with the right med you can feel better. And I hope your vacation to the beach was a much needed break for you. :)

[Katrina]

I am really sorry you are suffering. I know well what it is like. Have you tried antispasmodics that help both the bladder and digestive system like Hyoscyamine? Also....antacids may be quite helpful since being too acidic often can cause IBS D and ofcourse is no fun to the bladder. That was me for like practically ever....I am now on prescription antacids and Hyoscyamine...ofcourse unfortunatly my body is still a mess but I guess it was just not possible to win.